Di-Box, Audio interface or Both for live performances in theatres?

Question

I'm a juggler, selling a circus-musical to theatres in Europe and I have been gradually buying all the equipment that I need to perform with, without borrowing it from each theatre I go to. One issue that I often face is that technicians often ask me to bring a DI-Box, in order to convert the piano's output from jack-jack to jack-DI-XLR. I also believe it helps when covering large distances of cabling to the sound desk? The thing is, I already own a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface and my question is: Can I use that instead? If I did, I would be able to record the audio from the show in a high quality way, everytime. But will I still receive the issue with distance from the technicians' console?

Sorry about how I have no idea what I'm talking about 🙈 Please and thank you in advance!

Answer 1

I also believe it helps when covering large distances of cabling to the sound desk?

yes, that's correct. The DI converts your piano output to a balanced connection, which reduces the chances of the cable picking up interference.

You could use the Focusrite in this role: the line outputs are balanced (you'll need to buy or build two 1/4" Jack to XLR-male cables to connect to the mixing console), and in 'direct monitoring' mode these outputs have no latency.

Can I use that instead? If I did, I would be able to record the audio from the show in a high quality way, everytime.

If you connect the Focusrite's inputs to the piano, you'd be able to record the piano only. To get a full recording of show audio, you'll want to connect the Focusrite to an output of the mixer instead.