104m as DI or Preamp

nervenickels · Post by **nervenickels** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 2:29 am

Would the 104m function optimally, from an impedance standpoint, if the output went into a PA with a passive guitar pickup on the input? Would there be any suggested output level/drive setting for this type of setup?

Alien8 · Post by **Alien8** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 12:20 pm

I use my foogers for all kind of "DI" purposes... Recording, effects sends, jamming into a mixer... All using passive basses, guitars and even a mic one time... There is no reason why it shouldn't work.

Each Moogerfooger has a ton of gain, and the 104m specifically has an Output volume control. Certainly you will be able to be loud enough for the PA to "hear" you. The gain is produced from what is essentially a pre-amp / buffer which is all that a DI box or instrument input is.

Edit: just read the manual, and I would suggest using the spillover mode, so that the output control is always active...

nervenickels · Post by **nervenickels** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 1:10 pm

Thanks Alien8, there is no information in the manual about going from high impedance on the input to line level on the output, only it: "accepts signals ranging from instrument to line level" and "provides an unbalanced audio output". I am hoping someone with design knowledge of the moogerfooger could explain in greater detail how the input and output work. What orientation is unity on the level output in spillover mode? I am trying to achieve the lowest noise floor possible.

Alien8 · Post by **Alien8** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 10:31 am

Unity can be found at drive and volume set to noon. Mix between zero and noon, past noon there will be signal change.

http://forum.moogmusic.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13827

To achieve the lowest noise floor possible, use your ears! Set the drive so that your input signal makes the drive light blink orange at the peaks. Set the output at noon first and turn your PA up slowly, then adjust the output and PA volume until you have no clipping, and no added noise from the PA.

As far as numbers of impedance at specific volume settings, you need someone else to ring in or help from Moog Tech Support.

nervenickels · Post by **nervenickels** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 5:04 pm

thanks again Alien8! Currently, I like the mix at 25% (9-oclock) Level at (12-oclock) and Drive at (1-oclock). But I am finding the hiss to be more than desirable...

Alien8 · Post by **Alien8** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 11:13 am

The 104m is a very quiet pedal - VERY. Chances are the "hiss" is from another source...

Is the 104m the only gear you have between the guitar and PA? What configuration is your guitar - Strat with single coils? What cables do you use? Is your PA quiet when the pedal isn't plugged in?

Do you have a high shelf EQ that can chop the very high frequencies?

nervenickels · Post by **nervenickels** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 1:20 am

George L's .225 guitar (single coil archtop)> 104m...then whatever 1/4" the house has in place to the board...I do not have a problem going into the board, but If I switch to a guitar amp, the noise level goes up. As far as cutting the high freq, I'd actually like to have more presence going direct...not the case going into an amp...

Moog Music Forum

104m as DI or Preamp

104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp

Re: 104m as DI or Preamp