Polytone + direct box question (Behringer DI100 and UltraG)

[Woland99]

Howdy,

I just bought Polytone Mini Brute IV. I would like to connect
to mixer. The Preamp Out thing works OK but I would like to explore
the External Speaker connection. I presume I will need direct box
for that - correct? Jack Zucker posted recently about Behringer GI100
and according to manual it will handle line level input - is there any
possibility of damaging amp by plugging External Speaker output into
GI100? How good is that 4x12 cab simulator on GI100? Any opinions
on DI100 vs. GI100 or any recommendations for other DI boxes?

Thanks,

JT

[psalter]

JT,
The external speaker output is a signal derived from the power
amplifier that would certainly distort or possibly damage the input of
your mixer unless you were using a d.i. built to handle the high
wattage like an H&K Redbox, or Countryman or some other device with
"big" attenuation pads in it. On the other hand the pre-amp output
would be line level but it would still require some kind of direct box
to prevent distorting the mixers xlr mic pre's unless your mixer has
1/4" line input jacks.

[Woland99]

Thanks - I am new to DI box concept. The two that you mentioned:
Redbox is almost 3 times price of Behringer and has rather bad
reviews, Countryman is 4 times the price and has good reviews.
I looked up Behringer manual and it has -20dB and -40dB
attenuation levels switchable. I used preamp output but is is a bit
bland and I would like to use effect loop on the amp too.

JT

[psalter]

I can't speak for the Behringer line; it might sound fine for your
needs. I've heard it hinted around they copy other gear designs and
sell them cheaper. If it is a copy of a good d.i. get it before they
are forced to remove it from the market place.