Active vs. Passive DI: Which to use when...

caeman · #1 03-22-2011, 01:46 PM

...I have pedals actively enhancing/driving the signal?

I have a Nocturne Dyno Brain pre-amping the signal, with an occasionally-on DOD Flanger.

I haven't actually tried this with my passive DI box, yet, at the synagogue (no amp, must play through the PA), but this coming Shabbat was going to be my first experiment with it.

The Dyno Brain is ALWAYS on.

At a second church, I have a big Peavey amp to plug into, so the DI is not an issue.

takfar · #2 03-22-2011, 01:54 PM

Don't use DI myself, but I've read "active DI for passive bass, passive DI for active bass (or bass with active pedals)" as a rule of thumb many a time around here.

echoSE7EN · #3 03-22-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takfar

Don't use DI myself, but I've read "active DI for passive bass, passive DI for active bass (or bass with active pedals)" as a rule of thumb many a time around here.

This is correct. Also, check out Radial's website. There are videos there will can answer your question in detail.

Kael · #4 03-22-2011, 01:57 PM

IME, active DI's are almost always preferable to passive. I keep a passive DI in my cord bag "just in case", but I always grab an active DI.

For reference, I play at least two ampless gigs a week.

takfar · #5 03-22-2011, 02:02 PM

Great read right here, as directed by echo7:
http://www.radialeng.com/pdfs/Select...x-for-bass.pdf

caeman · #6 03-22-2011, 03:20 PM

Thanks, gents. That helps greatly.