RDI5: How To Use (Converts Guitar/Instrument Signal to Balanced Mic Level)

Introduction

The Rockville RDI5 DI Box is a fantastic tool for live performances and recording setups. It converts high-impedance, unbalanced signals from instruments like guitars and keyboards into low-impedance, balanced signals, providing cleaner sound and lower noise. Whether you are recording in the studio or performing live, the RDI5 ensures optimal sound quality by connecting instruments to your mixer or interface.

Requirements

• Rockville RDI5 DI Box
• Instruments (guitar, keyboard, etc.)
• XLR cables
• Quarter-inch cables
• Powered mixer or interface

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect Your Instrument to the DI Box

• Plug your instrument (e.g., guitar or keyboard) into the input jack of the RDI5 using a quarter-inch cable.

2. Connect the DI Box to Your Amp (For Amplified Instruments)

• Use another quarter-inch cable to connect the through jack on the DI box to your guitar or keyboard amplifier to send the signal out to the amp.

3. Set the Volume Switch

• Set the volume switch on the RDI5:
  • 0 dB for guitars or basses.
  • -20 dB for line-level signals like keyboards.
  • -40 dB for receiving signals from amplified speakers.

4. Connect the DI Box to Your Mixer or Interface

• Use an XLR cable to connect the balanced XLR output on the back of the RDI5 to the mixer or interface input.

5. Set the Ground Lift

• Use the ground lift switch to eliminate any hum caused by ground loops. Set it to Lift if you experience noise.

Recording Setup (Using a Guitar as an Example)

1. Connect to Your Interface

• Plug an XLR cable into the DI box and into one of your interface channels (e.g., channel 1).

2. Connect the Amp

• Use a quarter-inch cable to connect the through jack of the DI box to your guitar amp.

3. Connect the Guitar

• Use another quarter-inch cable to connect your guitar to the input jack of the DI box.

4. Set Volume

• Leave the volume switch at 0 dB since we’re using a guitar.

5. Record in Your DAW

• Open your DAW and create two tracks: one for the DI box and one for the guitar amp mic.
• Enable phantom power on your interface if using a condenser mic to record the guitar amp.

6. Play and Record

• Turn on your guitar amp and your interface, adjust the volume knobs, and start recording.

Live Performance Setup

1. Connect to Your Powered Mixer

• Use an XLR cable to connect the DI box to a channel on your powered mixer.

2. Connect the Amp (For Guitars)

• Plug a quarter-inch cable from the through jack to the guitar amp.

3. Set Up Your Guitar

• Use another quarter-inch cable to connect the guitar to the input jack on the DI box.

4. Adjust Mixer and Volume

• Adjust the volume and gain on your mixer to ensure the signal is coming through clearly.
• Use the mic settings on your mixer, ensuring phantom power is activated if using a condenser mic to mic your guitar amp.

5. Perform

• Once everything is connected and set, you can play and hear the output through both the amp and the speakers.

Setup for Stereo Instruments (Keyboard/Synth)

1. Connect Your Instrument

• Use two quarter-inch cables to connect the left and right outputs from your keyboard or synth into the input of two RDI5 DI boxes.

2. Connect the XLR Outputs

• Use XLR cables to connect the balanced outputs of the RDI5 boxes into two channels on your mixer.

3. Set the Volume Switch

• Set both DI boxes to -20 dB since we are using a line-level instrument (keyboard or synth).

4. Adjust Mixer and Volume

• Raise the volume and gain faders for each channel on the mixer, and you’ll hear your keyboard or synth sound coming out of the speakers.

Conclusion

Setting up the Rockville RDI5 DI Box is quick and easy, whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live. It offers flexibility with its input options, volume control, and the ability to eliminate noise and hum. By following these simple steps, you can ensure optimal sound quality for your instruments.