Would a Trace Elliot ELF make a good DI?

[Defo]

If not why not? Thanks folks  

[Merton]

If you want a DI only I’d spend the money on something like a SansAmp or one of the many other dedicated Preamp/DI boxes as they’re cheaper and offer more flexibility

[Defo]

4 minutes ago, Merton said:

If you want a DI only I’d spend the money on something like a SansAmp or one of the many other dedicated Preamp/DI boxes as they’re cheaper and offer more flexibility

Got an ELF for Xmas so wondering if I can double up and save on the DI?

[The59Sound]

Does it have a DI out? Then it's a DI box...

[la bam]

Lools to have a DI out on the back, so itll make a DI box to go to PA etc.

[Defo]

Thanks folks, so I don’t need to go out and buy as Radial then?

[The59Sound]

No because the Elf has a DI out!

[Merton]

21 hours ago, Defo said:

Got an ELF for Xmas so wondering if I can double up and save on the DI?

Yes that’s cool. I misunderstood your intentions I think! So yes, the elf can be used as a DI to save on an additional bit of gear

[Jack]

19 hours ago, Defo said:

Thanks folks, so I don’t need to go out and buy as Radial then?

Generally the DIs on amps are slightly inferior to the standalone ones. Thankfully it's not a big enough difference to matter most of the time.

[Dan Dare]

Have a look at Orchid DI boxes. Very well reviewed in Sound on Sound, made in deepest Devon and not at all expensive.

[Paul S]

43 minutes ago, Dan Dare said:

Have a look at Orchid DI boxes. Very well reviewed in Sound on Sound, made in deepest Devon and not at all expensive.

Very useful information, I am sure, but not actually what the OP was asking about.

[Defo]

Thanks folks, will see how i get on with the ELF, it’s a cracking amp, just can’t get over the size, I’ve got it running through a 15” Cab with a Celesation and it shakes the house.

 

[Jaybird956]

But does it matter that nothing is plugged into the speaker out?

[chyc]

20 minutes ago, Jaybird956 said:

But does it matter that nothing is plugged into the speaker out?

It's not always true that you can use an amp without a speaker, but for the Elf you can do this.

[Downunderwonder]

The Elf DI is well regarded by those in the know.

[asingardenof]

4 hours ago, Jaybird956 said:

But does it matter that nothing is plugged into the speaker out?

No, the Elf has a minimum load rating for speakers of 4ohms. As I understand it, having nothing plugged in effectively means a load of infinite ohms, which is greater than 4  This is the case in general for solid state amps, but is a definite no-no for tube amps.

[Baloney Balderdash]

I think though that the ELF DI is post the EQ section.

 

Which means that the DI'ed signal will have the baked in preamp tone, as well as whichever EQ settings used, of the amp.

 

That could be a disadvantage or advantage depending on preferences/application/context.

 

But yes, it can very much be used as a DI, and doesn't necessarily need to be plugged into a speaker/cab either.

 

Edited December 8, 2023 by Baloney Balderdash

[Killerfridge]

Holy zombie resurrection thread, I assumed they were talking about getting an early Christmas present, not one 5 years ago!

[Yorkshire Bottom End]

Bit late to the game but I've used my Elf as a DI, as well as stand alone and into a separate power amp into my pair of TE 1x10s, and it's bang on. 

I am still considering a Sadowsky or a Sansamp but I might stick with what I've got.