2 DI boxes or stereo Direct

[MEL868]

I’ve been using a whirlwind IMP 2 DI box for stage, running mono TS (out 1), and output 2 to my Yamaha dxr10 powered speaker.

I’m talking about live situations where there is no need for recording. I only have one keyboard to monitor and no need for sub-mixer. Only want my NS3 sounds on my monitor. No need for a dedicated monitor mix from the FoH. (I captured this from Ziegler’s post on DIs), but this pretty much sums it up.

I’m not savvy and like to keep it simple and lowest cost.

I could add a DI box - as I understand I would need two channels in the main. Or I could consider stereo.

What’s a simple solution, besides laughter, and any suggestions of a stereo box (active?) and best way to hook it up?

[docbop]

A stereo DI box is basically two DI's in one box as a convenience, so same as two separate DI boxes.

[maxpiano]

If need only your NS3 in the monitor, have you considered using the Headphones output for that? Then, if you also want to send stereo to the FOH yes you need 2 DIs (or a stereo=dual channel DI)

[FZiegler]

So the Whirlwind IMP2 is mono. Not really cheap for that. No ultra high cost product either.

I've never seen this brand in a German shop, though. There seem to be local products preferred in that price range. I'm quite happy with my stereo DI box Palmer PAN 04 (not: 04-A), but I have no idea if you can get that in the States. What seems to be state-of-the-art is the Radial Engineering JDI Stereo at a 'somewhat' higher price.

Usually the XLR Lo-Z output is used for the symmetrical connection to FoH/PA. You should be able to feed your DXR10 monitors with the Hi-Z jack plug from the link-out. Just go into channel 2 of the DXR.

[FZiegler]

Oh, sorry, I only now understood the topic to be the question. So forget my writing and stick with docbop's perfect answer. It's a matter of convenience.

I'll probably stick with stereo DI boxes and will buy a new one as soon as one channel will break. Which is not an advantage.

[MEL868]

The IMP DI was $40 seven yr ago, about $100 now, wow. Thanks FZeigler, for your responses and thoroughness, always appreciated.

I may pursue the two DI boxes provided I get two channels in the pa. Rather than the complexity and cost of stereo, and I’m ok with mono, I’ll stick with 1-2 DIs. As Docbop explains the stereo DIs, I looked, they’re $$$. And no, I haven’t tried wiring my monitor from the headphone jack, but my interest is piqued as I believe the wire or adapter might be lighter to carry. I’ll see if I have the wires for that set up.

Someday, as tech progresses…IEMs…if I don’t end up w hearing aids first, ha.

[MEL868]

Duh, nvm, I overlooked the headphone/monitor jack, thanks for pointing it out. Initially was thinking ‘monitor in’ but I used headphones often in home studio- didn’t consider using it for my monitor so Thanks!

[maxpiano]

I haven’t tried wiring my monitor from the headphone jack, but my interest is piqued as I believe the wire or adapter might be lighter to carry. I’ll see if I have the wires for that set up.

If your monitor has only a mono input, as it is is the most common case, you'll need a Y jack cable (1x stereo to 2x Mono) then connect only one of the mono ends (which will Left or Right channel) to the monitor.

[Spider]

The NS3 has 4 outputs, before even considering the headphone out.
Can't you set outputs 3&4 to be a duplicate of output 1&2?
That way, you can have 2 outputs that are exactly the same, and use them in whatever way you prefer: two stero outs (2 sets of L+R cables), or two mono outs (using two mono cables). Additionally, the two mono outs could be obtained by using the "Mono" function, or by just taking to the mixer only one of the stereo channels (normally the R is preferred, because it has less bass content and fits better in a mix with a bass player).

[maxpiano]

The NS3 has 4 outputs, before even considering the headphone out.
Can't you set outputs 3&4 to be a duplicate of output 1&2?
That way, you can have 2 outputs that are exactly the same, and use them in whatever way you prefer: two stero outs (2 sets of L+R cables), or two mono outs (using two mono cables). Additionally, the two mono outs could be obtained by using the "Mono" function, or by just taking to the mixer only one of the stereo channels (normally the R is preferred, because it has less bass content and fits better in a mix with a bass player).

You can't set 3&4 to be a duplicate of 1&2 (see NS3 Manual, Output Routing Mode values)