Best DI to Play Live WITHOUT Amp?

bdtesq · #1 09-09-2010, 08:29 AM

I play bass (duh) in a 4 piece (Drums, guitar, bass, vocal) classic/current cover band. We use a fantastic Bose L1 sound system and in-ear monitors and no stage amps. Guitar sounds great through a Behringer V-Amp and I play through a Bass V-Amp Pro, both direct to the board. I grabbed the V-Amp in a rush when I took the gig and haven't looked at alternatives. There are times when we play live that I really don't like my tone, or worse, I have "drop-out" playing D and G strings higher on the neck. The other members don't like me messing with my volume from the guitar, since that can throw of the overall balance (no soundman at most gigs). I don't use many of the VAmp effects (a little autowah on a couple of reggae tunes is about it), and am starting to miss the old days of just plugging into an amp. Should I consider simplifying and going to something like a SansAmp for amp/cab simulation?

P-oddz · #2 09-09-2010, 08:54 AM

Go the Sansamp route if you want amp emulation. Go the Aguilar Tone Hammer route if you want a DI that will sound like your bass with some EQ enhancements.

For what it's worth, I find the Tone Hammer more versatile.

SteveC · #3 09-09-2010, 08:56 AM

There's a Bass Pod at the church where I play and go DI with no stage amp. I think it sounds great. I just use the Tube Preamp setting with no amp or cab models.

steve_rolfeca · #4 09-09-2010, 09:04 AM

How heavily are you processing your tone with the V-amp, in terms of EQ? Sometimes, a smiley-face EQ curve can cause the kind of issues you describe.

I would also take a close look at the in-ear system if I was in your shoes. Some people aren't satisfied with in-ears unless they can stand on a bass shaker, because they miss the feeling of the low frequencies hitting them physically.

That said, I use a Bose L1 as my backline amp for medium and larger gigs, and I run the EQ almost flat. I don't seem to need anything beyond the preamps in the L1, and so far, every outboard device I've tried has been a step backwards. However, I REALLY like the uncoloured tone of my instrument.

If you're not that thrilled with the raw sound of your bass and feel it needs some EQ help, the Sansamp might be a logical choice. Quite a few people prefer the models that have 3-band EQ (Para Driver, Acoustic Driver, etc.).

Other popular options to investigate would be the Aguilar Tone Hammer (my first choice), the MXR equivalent of the Sansamp, the Sadowsky outboard pre, and the Tech 21 VT.

If you don't need overdrive sounds, you could also look the Sadowsky outboard pre, or a Barber Linden.

4Mal · #5 09-09-2010, 09:13 AM

SansAmp ParaDriver is the better choice in the Tech21 line I think. Sweepable mid is your friend. I personally found the Presence control less useful. The other one i like is the Fishman Pro Platinum EQ for Bass. Very clear & Clean. Nice feature set with a well voiced graphic EQ, notch and on board compression. Primarily I've used it with my piezo equipped basses but it works fine on a P or J as well.

In terms of best ... I've heard 2 very different guys running the Avalon U5 in recent weeks - both those players were playing in Rock environments.

I was at the console helping to mix Matt Coughlin and The Growlers - a really cool acoustic rock 4 piece. The bass guy doubled between URB and a Dano longhorn. He was just giving us a smokin' tone from either instrument. Nothing else in his signal chain, he took a dry line to the house amp for monitoring. the tone was solid but still detailed.

Saturday night it was 'The Strangetones' - a blues rock/rock'a billy outfit. Super solid bass tone from a 51RI, U5 to the house and I believe the colored line going to a Bassman 100 as his stage monitor.

Needless to say - I see a U5 in my future somewhere ... For straight up live use, I'm not really sure that it's worth the dough and that I can't get there already with what I have but ... I at least want to play around with one and see. Given it's somewhat inconvenient form factor, it might end up living in my studio space ...

magneezius · #6 09-09-2010, 11:05 AM

This might be helpful. check it out
http://www.stevesmusiccenter.com/UltrasoundPDI.html

irvinz · #7 09-09-2010, 11:31 AM

if u can;t afford an Avalon U5. like me. a tone hammer runs fine

been running a tone hammer and in-ears for over a year, and i'm very happy with it!

another healthy alternative would be the mxr m80.

bdtesq · #8 09-09-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

I would also take a close look at the in-ear system if I was in your shoes. Some people aren't satisfied with in-ears unless they can stand on a bass shaker, because they miss the feeling of the low frequencies hitting them physically.

I have adapted pretty happily to the in-ears -- since we don't have stage amps or floor monitors I can't play without them, anyway! While I admit to missing the visceral "thump" and noise-wash on stage, the sound clarity is superb and it is the aural health equivalent of quitting smoking.
Thanks for your amp sim suggestions, too. Should I be considering units that offer cab sims, as well?

rockstarbassist · #9 09-09-2010, 11:52 AM

Avalon U5 or Radial JDI.

I despise the BDDI as a DI, but is fine as a standalone pedal.

I've put an MTD 535-->Line 6 M13 as well as tons of other stuff and that Radial just whoops it all. Never tried a Countryman but I know it's active and I didn't like my active basses through the Radial J48 which is another active DI, but could test in the future.

el bassista · #10 09-09-2010, 12:03 PM

maybe the Phil Jones Bass Buddy

korybaugus · #11 09-09-2010, 04:07 PM

I love the Tab-Funken V71.. Sounds incredible, live or studio..

cableguy · #12 09-09-2010, 04:22 PM

I like the tech 21 Sansamp stuff for DI's in rock. You get the ampeg style tube tone with something that fits in your bass case. I used a bass POD XT live and just couldn't get the sound I wanted. Maybe just to many options for me.

Chasarms · #13 09-09-2010, 04:36 PM

I did this forever using a bass POD. I think if I was going that route these days, I would use the Sadowsky outboard preamp. It sounds awesome and is compact.

bdtesq · #14 09-09-2010, 06:22 PM

Thanks to all of you who weighed in on this. Some suggestions are too expensive, but I will lurk on EBay for a while until I can bottom fish an MXR or SansAmp.

faceinbass · #15 09-09-2010, 06:50 PM

If I needed a pedal pre in your situation I would get the MXR M80 or the Hartke Bass Attack. Easier to find cheap than a Tech21 product.

If I had some more money to spend I would get the Tone Hammer or the radial bassbone.

Its all a matter of personal taste and economics of course.

MNAirHead · #16 09-09-2010, 06:58 PM

This is a jive post without budget or desired sound.

Heck a low end passive could be considered "best"

I have my favorites (that are not expensive) .. without more information it's a goose chase.

irvinz · #17 09-09-2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdtesq

Thanks to all of you who weighed in on this. Some suggestions are too expensive, but I will lurk on EBay for a while until I can bottom fish an MXR or SansAmp.

mxr m80. top notch. price is hard to beat!

eyecandy · #18 09-10-2010, 08:41 PM

i would go with Aguilar Tone Hammer...

Jake of Bass · #19 09-10-2010, 08:51 PM

Probably a good idea to post your budget if money is a concern, it will narrow down the options presented to you.

lindseyp · #20 09-10-2010, 08:53 PM

Our bass player uses the Sadowsky Bass Preamp DI. That thing lets any bass sound great through our PA.