Using Your Direct XLR Outputs

Working It Using Your Direct XLR Outputs

One of the nifty features inside your Duoverb is Line 6’s exclusive A.I.R. II technology

2• 8 that enables you to get that great mic sound out of your amplifier without the microphone! Your Direct outputs can be used either in the studio or as a direct feed to the house sound system for a live performance.

The Master knob on your Duoverb sets the level for the internal speakers (and any external speakers you connect), without having any effect on your Direct Output level. This is a good thing, for instance, when you’re playing live. It means you can set a low volume level for your amp on stage (maybe it’s a small venue) while still pumping out full level at the direct outs so the house sound system is getting plenty of juice. And any adjustments you make to your on stage level during the gig don’t send the soundman scrambling to compensate on his end. This is also a good thing if you’re recording in the studio, using your amp to monitor with the other band members while your direct out is being recorded. Once again, an appropriately low master volume level that you might want for the amp doesn’t force you to have a low level signal going to tape, and adjustments you make to your level don’t interfere with the levels in the control room.

Duoverb can pump out enough direct out level to light up the input meters for +4 dBu pro recording. For live sound systems, as well as many recording setups designed to work with lower levels, this can sometimes be overkill. The Level Trim knob on Duoverb’s rear panel lets you roll back the direct out level and keep your sound guy or lower-level recording system happy.

If you’re setting the levels yourself, and want to make sure you don’t overdo it, you can follow these basic steps. First, plug the hottest output level guitar you plan to use into Duoverb, switch to your hottest pickup setting, and crank the guitar’s output volume (or put it as high as you ever set it). If you plan to change sounds on your Duoverb during the gig, start by selecting the Duoverb settings that seems to have the loudest output level. You can set your Master knob on Duoverb low as you do all this so you don’t blow yourself out; it won’t affect the direct output level. Now, with this guitar and Duoverb setup, play hard (so you’re sending maximum volume out those direct outputs) and have someone adjust Duoverb’s rear panel Level Trim knob until a good healthy level is being received by the equipment you’re sending sound to. The level shouldn’t be so hot that it’s causing input distortion on that receiving equipment. If the receiving equipment has an input level adjustment, you’ll probably get your best signal-to-noise ratio by setting it as low as possible while setting Duoverb’s Level Trim as high as possible.