Running Direct Via an M4

[Zaphod B]

Has anyone tried going direct into a PA system with an M4, and not using a power amp at all? If so, how did it work for you?

 

[dan desy]

Have not done it, but a Direct Box should do the trick.

 

[mboogman]

I have recorded direct with the M4. Using Logic's Guitar amp pro set to clean preamp works pretty well in this instance.

 

[dan desy]

Well, yeah, but Mr Beeblebrox was asking about feeding a PA system. I assumed he meant for a live application?

 

[Zaphod B]

Have not done it, but a Direct Box should do the trick.

Why would a DI box be necessary? (If this is a ridiculously stupid question, please be gentle.)

 

[Zaphod B]

Well, yeah, but Mr Beeblebrox was asking about feeding a PA system. I assumed he meant for a live application?

Yes, correct.

Edit: I was thinking about this approach for rehearsals, to keep the guitar volume tamed a little bit, and maybe not needing to haul my power amp and speaker cab to band practice.

 

[dan desy]

Have not done it, but a Direct Box should do the trick.

Why would a DI box be necessary? (If this is a ridiculously stupid question, please be gentle.)

A Direct Box will provide a balanced signal on an XLR cable, which will work better on a PA.
But feel free to experiment with an unbalanced 1/4" output.

 

[Zaphod B]

Have not done it, but a Direct Box should do the trick.

Why would a DI box be necessary? (If this is a ridiculously stupid question, please be gentle.)

A Direct Box will provide a balanced signal on an XLR cable, which will work better on a PA.
But feel free to experiment with an unbalanced 1/4" output.

Cool, thanks. Do you think a passive DI would be OK?

 

[dan desy]

Have not done it, but a Direct Box should do the trick.

Why would a DI box be necessary? (If this is a ridiculously stupid question, please be gentle.)

A Direct Box will provide a balanced signal on an XLR cable, which will work better on a PA.
But feel free to experiment with an unbalanced 1/4" output.

Cool, thanks. Do you think a passive DI would be OK?

I'm no expert, but that's what I would use.

 

[Zaphod B]

OK, I'll give it a try.

 

[Chris R]

I don't think that it will sound very good at all. If you have a sound card, try recording the M4 direct. A Power amp, or even power amp sim from logic is much different than a DI box, even one with speaker emulation.

I would love to be proven wrong. But, I think you'll get an extremely thin, harsh sound out of just the preamp.

Just my .02

 

[dan desy]

I don't think that it will sound very good at all. If you have a sound card, try recording the M4 direct. A Power amp, or even power amp sim from logic is much different than a DI box, even one with speaker emulation.

I would love to be proven wrong. But, I think you'll get an extremely thin, harsh sound out of just the preamp.

Just my .02

I agree. but once again, Zaphod is looking for a live solution, not a recording setup.

 

[Zaphod B]

I don't think that it will sound very good at all. If you have a sound card, try recording the M4 direct. A Power amp, or even power amp sim from logic is much different than a DI box, even one with speaker emulation.

I would love to be proven wrong. But, I think you'll get an extremely thin, harsh sound out of just the preamp.

Just my .02

I agree. but once again, Zaphod is looking for a live solution, not a recording setup.

Yeah, and not a performance situation at that - just rehearsal.

If it sounds really bad, then it will have been a not-so-good idea!

 

[muudrock]

I use it direct to FOH and recording into my 11Rack using the speaker/mic sims. Sounds great in both scenarios and I can change speaker cabs (patches) via MIDI with the preamp channel. Of course I also use the FX in the 11R.
I wouldn't try to use the M4 direct without some kind of speaker emulation, it's gonna sound lika a$$.

 

[Zaphod B]

OK, thanks.

 

[Chris R]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrwE7rUANvM

Don't want to offend the nun... MTS rack into a Carl Martin Rock Bug. Sounds good to me.

 

[Zaphod B]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrwE7rUANvM

Don't want to offend the nun... MTS rack into a Carl Martin Rock Bug. Sounds good to me.

Thanks, Chris - my work firewall is blocking that vid so I'll catch it later.

 

[LRStrat]

I would get The Red Box by Hughes & Kettner, it will keep the sound from being tinny and brittle.

http://www.hughes-and-kettner.com/products.php5?id=110

Works well for home recording too.

 

[bduersch]

If you're on a budget Behringer makes a rip-off version of the H&K box... believe it's called the Ultra-G.

Basically it's a direct box with built in cabinet simulation.

--B

 

[Zaphod B]

Thanks, guys - I'll check out all your suggestions.