Do I need a DI box?

Big chicken · #1 10-27-2010, 03:35 AM

I was wondering if i needed a DI box if my amp has a line out?

Ezbass · #2 10-27-2010, 03:38 AM

If you're playing live the simple answer is yes. If your amp breaks down you've got a back up. If you get a DI that has a footswitch and some sort of pre amp in it you've also got a footswitchable extra tone.

JMBassist · #3 10-27-2010, 04:09 AM

I'd say that it depends on your amp DI output. Some amplifiers have the lineout totally independent from the preamp and any other adjusts. This means you can make any changes on your amplifier and the line output doesn't changes, so you don't need a external DI. If this is not your case I recomend you to have a external DI so you can make your own sound in stage and change the output without any influence on PA output.

Thats my 10 cents.

MIJ-VI · #4 10-27-2010, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezbass

If you're playing live the simple answer is yes. If your amp breaks down you've got a back up. If you get a DI that has a footswitch and some sort of pre amp in it you've also got a footswitchable extra tone.

+1

The peace of mind is worth investing in a good DI like a Countryman Ass. Type 85, or in the case of a Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI, Para Driver DI, VT Bass Deluxe, or an MXR M80 Bass DI, the additional tonal options as well.

Dan Knowlton · #5 10-27-2010, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

+1

The peace of mind is worth investing in a good DI like a Countryman Ass. Type 85, or in the case of a Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI, Para Driver DI, VT Bass Deluxe, or an MXR M80 Bass DI, the additional tonal options as well.

You forgot the Aguilar Tone Hammer - I like it better than the others and it has a really nice DI. You can bypass all the tone shaping when you want to and have a good DI, and more options, too!

Dan K.

jgroh · #6 10-27-2010, 06:38 AM

I rely on my Markbass Little Mark II's DI for most of the gigs I do, but I do have a cheap Behringer BDI21 pedal that can also be used as a DI. Ive used that a couple of times at practice and to be honest it sounded ok. Its not going to sound as good as a Countryman or some of the others but I have it mostly as a backup in case my amp goes down.

richbassboy · #7 10-27-2010, 06:40 AM

I have an GK MB212 i havent used a DI box yet it has an xlr out and is fine, just wish it had a ground lift for live settings. No biggie though.

shaolinwhat · #8 10-27-2010, 07:24 AM

I used an MXR M-80 for tone shaping as well as DI for a couple years, I recently got a VT bass for tone shaping but still keep the MXR in my gig bag just in case. It's a good swiss army knife to bring to gigs. Plus, my 400rb doesn't have an XLR out. Not that I have ever met a sound guy with no direct box available for the bass player, you just never know.

Son of Bovril · #9 10-27-2010, 07:53 AM

every bassist should have a spare DI in his bag to save himself and his bandmates in unforseen circumstances... /end

MingusBass · #10 10-27-2010, 07:55 AM

Yes. Radial JDI(passive) or J48(active).

squashedOpossum · #11 10-27-2010, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

+1

The peace of mind is worth investing in a good DI like a Countryman Ass. Type 85, or in the case of a Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI, Para Driver DI, VT Bass Deluxe, or an MXR M80 Bass DI, the additional tonal options as well.

The Hartke VXL Bass Attack is also a good choice for a pre amp/DI, and is quite a bit cheaper that most other options if you're on a tight budget.

metron · #12 10-27-2010, 08:40 AM

Yes! I have had amps come and go, some with line outs and some without. My oldest piece of gear is a Countryman type 85. There are lots of other DIs I have no experience with but I would recommend a type 85 any day.

rockstarbassist · #13 10-27-2010, 08:40 AM

Need? No.

Nice to have? Yes.

I've never had an amp w/ a DI-out break down during a gig, but I still don't go anywhere w/out my Radial JDI.

BassicRules · #14 10-27-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metron

Yes! I have had amps come and go, some with line outs and some without. My oldest piece of gear is a Countryman type 85. There are lots of other DIs I have no experience with but I would recommend a type 85 any day.

+1 on the Countryman Type 85. I don't leave home without it.

T-Bird · #15 10-28-2010, 10:39 PM

Hi.

An unbalanced line level line out and a balanced mic level DI out are totally different animals, and aren't interchangeable.

If You need to connect to the PA, then the DI is the way, not the line out unless the board can handle the line level and the distance is 10 meters or less. Even then the DI is a better choice. IME only of course.

Regards
Sam

Musicbiz60 · #16 10-28-2010, 11:29 PM

I'm sorry for being thick, but I can't figure out the differences between the Sansamp Bass Driver and the Para Driver. Which should I buy?

MIJ-VI · #17 10-28-2010, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicbiz60

I'm sorry for being thick, but I can't figure out the differences between the Sansamp Bass Driver and the Para Driver. Which should I buy?

Some research may be helpful:

- download and study the manuals for both units
- Google: <the device's name>, YouTube for video demos of both boxes
- do a search in TalkBass' Effects [BG] for threads which compare these two units
- and also search for threads with titles like 'Best Direct Box'.

Musicbiz60 · #18 10-29-2010, 08:42 AM

MIJ-VI:

Thanks, I'll download the manuals. Very good suggestion. I just thought one of you guys must have tried both and could give me the deciding factors on why you chose one over the other.