How do I Connect a Bass Amp to a Direct Box?

The direct box, or DI, is used for taking a direct signal from an electric instrument like a bass guitar and sending it to a soundboard. At the soundboard, the signal can be put through to a recording device, or an amplifier like a PA system. The direct box is the best way to get a clean signal from the instrument, which can be distorted if it is recorded by using a microphone on an amp. You may want to keep the great sound of your amp, though, while sending a clean signal to the soundboard. In this case, use the "thru" jack on the direct box to send the signal to your amp.

Things You'll Need

• Bass
• Bass amplifier
• Direct box
• 2 one-quarter inch cables
• XLR cable

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Plug one end of a 1/4-inch cable into the "thru" jack on your direct box, and the other into the input of your amp.

   • 2

     Plug one end of the other 1/4-inch cable into your bass, and the other into the input of the direct box.

   • 3

     Plug one end of the XLR cable (three-pronged) into the output of the direct box. The other end goes to the soundboard.

   • 4

     Turn on the amp and check the sound of the amp and the signal at the board. The amp should be operating normally, and you should have a good, clean signal at the board. If not, check all your connections and increase the gain on the bass input at the soundboard.