Sound quality - connecting directly from amp vs mixer/DI
Posted: 10 Mar 2016, 00:37
I have a CPS Spacestation v3.
When I plug the TS audio cables from the Nord directly to the Spacestation amp, the sound is noticeably superior then when I go through a Mackie mixer OR a Radial JDI Direct box
The Radial JDI direct box is equipped with Jensen transformers which are supposedly the "best". It also has THRU outputs, and I'm using another pair of good quality unbalanced cables to connect the Radial JDI to the amp. Basically the Direct box is acting just as an adapter or extension in this case (but normally I'd use it to send a balanced mix to FOH, and the THRU ports for my personal monitor)
On the other hand, the mackie mixer is equipped with their new Vita preamps which are supposedly great quality also.
Question is, why is this happening (why is sound degrading)? The THRU port on the Direct box, shouldn't that just send an untouched duplicate original signal?
And I'm positive that the sound "degrades" somewhat, it seems richer and fuller when I connect my Nord directly to the amp
Oh, and this happens to every other keyboard as well (so this doesn't necessary apply only to the Nord).
My TS cable lengths are pretty short.
When I plug the TS audio cables from the Nord directly to the Spacestation amp, the sound is noticeably superior then when I go through a Mackie mixer OR a Radial JDI Direct box
The Radial JDI direct box is equipped with Jensen transformers which are supposedly the "best". It also has THRU outputs, and I'm using another pair of good quality unbalanced cables to connect the Radial JDI to the amp. Basically the Direct box is acting just as an adapter or extension in this case (but normally I'd use it to send a balanced mix to FOH, and the THRU ports for my personal monitor)
On the other hand, the mackie mixer is equipped with their new Vita preamps which are supposedly great quality also.
Question is, why is this happening (why is sound degrading)? The THRU port on the Direct box, shouldn't that just send an untouched duplicate original signal?
And I'm positive that the sound "degrades" somewhat, it seems richer and fuller when I connect my Nord directly to the amp
Oh, and this happens to every other keyboard as well (so this doesn't necessary apply only to the Nord).
My TS cable lengths are pretty short.