joshbrake
Well-known member
I need a good DI box..active or passive, whatever gets the job done. I don't like relying on the DI out on an amp or relying on a sound guy to have a working DI box.
- Thread starter joshbrake
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AtomicPunk
Well-known member
The SansAmp DI is a beast and built like a tank. Never had any problems with mine, and always keep one in my gig bag, just in case.
Dr Stankface
Well-known member
I use a good ol' Countryman.
EBMM7181
Well-known member
I use an Avalon U5 that my good friend Andrew ( MingusBass ) hooked me up with from Sweetwater
My signal chain is my Bass, into my 808 Plus Modded TS9 Tube Screamer ( Always on ), into my Avalon U5, into my Ampeg SVT CL
My signal chain is my Bass, into my 808 Plus Modded TS9 Tube Screamer ( Always on ), into my Avalon U5, into my Ampeg SVT CL
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phat5
Well-known member
Radial JDI, the sound guys love it! Since I favor the sound(s) of my Bongo, I don't see the need for an active d.i.
shakinbacon
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2008
- Messages
- 791
I've used several and ultimately built my own because I'm a tweaker (I built a simple Jensen transformer based DI). Here is what I used: JENSEN TRANSFORMERS, INC. - DIRECT BOX TRANSFORMERS
Assuming you just want to buy one, here are my thoughts based on my experience:
1) a good passive transformer based DI (ie. Jensen transformer based) will be your best bet in terms of killing ground loops (hum/buzz), getting flat frequency response and preventing distortion. Plus, they don't add electronic noise (but they do normally cut your signal down, so the downstream PA/board noise could come into play. Assuming it is a good quality PA/board this won't be an issue. The reason the signal is cut down is a bit technical, but it has the benefits of your bass driving a high impedance, the DI having a low output impedance, giving better bass response and preventing distortion in the transformer - in the end it makes it sound better
).2) Radial JDI uses Jensen transformers and are highly respected and sound great.
3) If the JDI is out of your budget, the Radial ProDI uses a cheaper transformer and has gotten great reviews (I haven't heard one myself though)
As far as active DI boxes...
1) Peterson Stobostomp tuner has a pretty good DI. Although I've had hum issues when powering with AC.
2) Radial Bassbone has a very nice DI circuit. No hum with AC. Plus you get tone control of the DI.
3) Sansamp DIs are very nice (like on the BassDriver and Paradriver pedals). No hum with AC and you get tone control of the DI.
4) Countryman DIs work well and are industry standards. Can be phantom powered.
5) Radial has a J48 which I haven't heard but is supposedly giving the Countryman DI some competition.
Most amps have built in DIs. Most of the DIs on amps I've tried didn't sound as good as any of the DIs listed above.
Best of luck.
shakinbacon
Smakbass
Well-known member
I have a radial JDI
backagain1
Well-known member
TSanders
Well-known member
There are a handful Id recommend.
They are:
Countryman Type 85
Ampeg SVT-DI
Aguilar DB900
They are:
Countryman Type 85
Ampeg SVT-DI
Aguilar DB900
Kristopher
Well-known member
I have a Whirlwind IMP-2. Inexpensive, simple, and does the job.
Aussie Mark
Well-known member
+1
Passive DI all the way if you want the sound of your bass to be predominant. An active DI for an active bass doesn't make any sense at all.
strummer
Enormous Member
The one in my Peterson StroboStomp, or the Jensen my Aggie is fitted with, but I'm looking to get a Radial, those are mean!
MingusBASS
Well-known member
I have a Groove Tubes Brick that I use. It's great.
Caca de Kick
Well-known member
I just use a cheap DOD passive DI, since I DI after the amp and never the bass.
CElton
Well-known member
+1...I use it's predecessor the Groove Tubes Ditto. It has a pretty big form factor, but what comes out of it is sweet.
mackanbass
Well-known member
Anyone know if you can use headphones with the sansamp or any other preamp/DI ? I could really use a DI that I can take backstage and do some warmup before gigs. Checked out the EBS MicroBass but it is too damn expensive!
EDIT:
Just found out that according to Tech 21 website you can use headphones with the sansamp, but not at a very high level. Has anyone tried this?
I will try one out tomorrow
Checked out the EBS MicroBass but it is too damn expensive! EDIT:
Just found out that according to Tech 21 website you can use headphones with the sansamp, but not at a very high level. Has anyone tried this?
I will try one out tomorrow
Last edited:
phat5
Well-known member
Anyone know if you can use headphones with the sansamp or any other preamp/DI ? I could really use a DI that I can take backstage and do some warmup before gigs.
EDIT:
Just found out that according to Tech 21 website you can use headphones with the sansamp, but not at a very high level. Has anyone tried this?
I will try one out tomorrow
Yes I have, with my 10 yr. old BDDI, the signal is pretty weak.
