Revelation question

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

Since the XLR outs on the Rev are low level (not +4db) would it be best to use the unbalanced but hotter outs for direct-into- the-board recording? Or would it be best to sacrifice some signal with the XLRs and eliminate any noise?

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

Scott. Great question.

Basically the simplest, purest signal path from the Rev is the Left/Right pair of 1/4" outputs. The XLR, transformer balanced outs are there for DI purposes where driving a long line are reqired. The XLR output is transformer isolated, so it will eliminate ground loop hum. It's not a hot, +4 type output, in fact it's stepped down like you said. That makes it more practical to feed the mic input on a mixer. In most situations like with a power amp in the rack with the preamp, or feeding a 8' cord to a powered speaker cabinet, the 1/4" outs may be more appropriate. I've been running it lately thru the 1/4" output jacks to a powered speaker via a 10' guitar cord. I haven't had any ground loop hum problems with this setup. So really, I'd say stick with the 1/4" jacks unless you encounter any issues, and then the XLR's are there to cover your needs.

When it comes to direct recording, you have all the gain control in the world so I'd say use the ouputs that sound best to your ears. Transformers will always color sound to some degree. Sometimes favorably, sometimes not. As with most things in audio, there are no rules other than what sounds best.

Brad

Scott Denniston · From: Hahns Peak, Colorado, USA

Thanks Brad. I had tried recording with the XLRs and the way it sounded I thought this can't be right. I'll have time today to try the 1/4" outs (I have to make more cables). By the way- I've used this pre on a couple of gigs now and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

Scott.

Keep in mind that any settings you have for use with steel amp or guitar speakers will not likely translate to the direct sound. You kind of need to start from scratch when dialing in the eq for DI. That's the nature of almost any guitar amp vs. DI setting. On the Rev, I'd definitely move the bright/dark switch to "dark" position for DI use. It helps tame the tweetery highs a bit. The tonal difference between the XLR and 1/4" isn't all that drastic to me. But a couple of people have mentioned that in their setups they prefer the 1/4" outs. Please feel free to share what you've noticed.

Thanks,
Brad

[This message was edited by Brad Sarno on 15 October 2006 at 01:49 PM.]

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