robertmcollins3 Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 I'm new to plugging a multi-fx directly into the mixer for live performances. Assuming I only have the option of using one or the other, is it best to plug the XLR cable directly into the left (or right) XLR out of the POD, or is it better to plug a 1/4" into the POD 1/4" output and then into a DI box? Or does it matter? It's just a basic setup where the sound person controls the house mix and send me some guitar into my monitor. And is there a third better option (that doesn't involve lugging more equipment)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radatats Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 it's really your choice. Do you have two channels on the board available? Do you use stereo effects? The XLR outs do not sum to mono so if you use the right XLR you only get the right side of the signal. The 1/4 outs do sum to mono if you only use one so you would get both sides but in mono. If you can have 2 channels on the board then you can pick either or. The XLR signal is mic level so the 1/4 is much hotter. If you don't need stereo then you can either build your patches to be mono by putting everything in either channel A or B or putting a mono FX block as the last in the chain and use the XLR, or use the 1/4 out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfsmith0 Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 I use the XLR Left output. I don't utilize the stereo functions of the HD500 (and therefore I waste half of it's capability). 1/4" into a DI box works but I like to keep the fewest connections/plugs in my signal chain as possible since each is a potential failure node. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertmcollins3 Posted November 3, 2014 Author Share Posted November 3, 2014 Okay thanks, so we have one spot on the floor box that has two available inputs. So in that case, I should use two XLR outs so I can take advantage of the stereo capabilities? Also, if the 1/4 inch is much hotter than using the XLR, would that explain why the volume seems low in the house when using one XLR out of only the left XLR out of the HD500? I agree, I'd rather only use the one XLR instead of the 1/4" into DI method, but not at the sacrifice of tone/volume if that makes sense... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radatats Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 Okay thanks, so we have one spot on the floor box that has two available inputs. So in that case, I should use two XLR outs so I can take advantage of the stereo capabilities? - that sounds right. Use both if you can. Also, if the 1/4 inch is much hotter than using the XLR, would that explain why the volume seems low in the house when using one XLR out of only the left XLR out of the HD500? I agree, I'd rather only use the one XLR instead of the 1/4" into DI method, but not at the sacrifice of tone/volume if that makes sense... - that also sounds right about the volume. If you want to just use one XLR, you might just want to rebuild your patches so everything is in channel A, center the mixer for channel A and mute Channel B. Place all your post effects after the amp block but before the mixer so the mixer is the last thing in your chain. That way you will be sure to get the full signal in the XLR and if it needs a little boost, use the mixer levels to bring it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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