I sold my REDDI

superkicky · #1 01-31-2010, 08:48 AM

Couldn't justify the size/weight ratio. It is fantastic, no doubt—I ran one of these straight into a Neve 1073 and a UA 6176 for my last album and it was heaven. But I only record one album a year, and I can't bring it out to live shows all the time.

What's the next best DI? Was looking at a TD-100. It doesn't have to be tube… just phat. It also has to be more portable than the REDDI, and preferably cost less.

tbone409 · #2 01-31-2010, 08:52 AM

The Golden Age Pre-73 is a very sweet sounding copy of the Neve 1073, and the price is good.

bongomania · #3 01-31-2010, 09:29 AM

Depends on your definition of "phat". If you want a ton of thick tubey tone, then try a DHA VT1-EQ. If you want more clarity and tightness, the Summit is sweet--but note that it needs a little EQ'ing to get a fat low end. Also see if you can find a used TAB-Funkenwerk V71 or Phoenix Audio UK "Nice DI"; they rarely show up used, but their tone is incredibly "phat" with no EQ, and when they do show up used, the prices are typically similar to a new TD-100. They are also in the same half-rack format as the TD-100. Check the Gearslutz classifieds for those two.

superkicky · #4 01-31-2010, 09:45 AM

Thick- yes. I'm pretty much going to have to buy blind here; there aren't many places selling good DIs where I am

marc40a · #5 01-31-2010, 02:57 PM

Demeter Tube DI. I haven't tried the REDDI but these guys have:

http://www.discmakers.com/community/...se/2007/di.asp

grovest · #6 02-01-2010, 05:01 PM

I've been really close to buying the REDDI. I oscillate between wanting a simple, high end direct / preamp setup to a full channel strip bristling with knobs, compression, eq and digital i/o. Probably I'll have both in time.

The TB flavor of the month effect can be quite a draw. I'm not immune to it. And the REDDI has (or had?) it. I like A Designs a lot, and it wouldn't take much to talk me into one of their 500 series pres.

But as for other suggestions, maybe the trusty Aguilar DB900 tube DI.

SteveC · #7 03-02-2010, 01:29 PM

Radial JDI. Pretty simple. Sounds great. Tank-like build.
If the REDDI's thru benefited from the sweetness like the XLR - I'd have one. Why wouldn't I want my stage amp to sound as sweet as my DI/FOH sound.

derrico1 · #8 03-02-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

If the REDDI's thru benefited from the sweetness like the XLR - I'd have one.

I feel this way about my UA solo 610. I bought it (and use it) as a recording DI, but I'm considering having it modded to add a processed out for stage use.

1kinal · #9 03-02-2010, 04:47 PM

I compared the REDDI (rented) to my Aguilar DB900 and concluded that I'm perfectly fine with the aguilar. I expected to see a big difference but while the REDDI is better, it's not that much to justify the high cost of the REDDI.

So if you can find one (it's discontinued) you might actually really like the the DB900.

It's size also makes it more easy to carry for live gigs. Still, I use my Radial JDI for most of my live gigs except a few important shows a year where I carry the DB900.

OrionManMatt · #10 03-02-2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbone409

The Golden Age Pre-73 is a very sweet sounding copy of the Neve 1073, and the price is good.

Still interested in more reviews on this. Color me skeptical but willing to believe.

Second on bongo's DHA suggestion (which sounds pretty dang good and sort of close to the Aguilar 900).

Eublet · #11 03-02-2010, 08:20 PM

Radial JDI for active basses, or J48 for passive instruments. These are what DI's are supposed to be. If you want anything else, you're wanting a preamp, not a DI, IMHO.

JimmyM · #12 03-02-2010, 09:46 PM

ampeg svt.

BassJunkie730 · #13 03-29-2010, 09:14 PM

I'm using a JLM Audio Fet DI circuit built into a Five Fish X12 preamp.

I've used all kinds of Direct solutions - including an Avalon U5.

I'm getting the thickest Precision bass sounds EVER with this little homebrew monster.

My TD100 is for sale in the classifieds because I don't need it.

Transformers. it's all about transformers.

iamdenialNJ · #14 03-29-2010, 10:03 PM

Why did you buy one in the first place?

Comon...do you really need a 700+ DI?

bongomania · #15 03-29-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassJunkie730

Transformers. it's all about transformers.

I totally agree. A huge part of the REDDI's magic comes from its massive output xformer. And the Phoenix and TAB-Funk units that I mentioned previously are all about the custom-wound xformers providing tone gold.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdenialNJ

Why did you buy one in the first place?
Comon...do you really need a 700+ DI?

If you are doing your own recording, or going into low/mid-budget studios that might not have an awesome bass DI, a pro-quality magical-tone DI is a very worthy investment for a pro bassist. And for those of us that play for our own enjoyment, hearing our bass "at its very best" is a treat worth the money.

JimmyM · #16 03-30-2010, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamdenialNJ

Why did you buy one in the first place?

Comon...do you really need a 700+ DI?

nobody needs a $3000 bass either, but they sure sell a ton of them. since when has playing music been about "need?" you can get by on $300 worth of equipment, but nobody does if they can help it.

4to5to6 · #17 12-16-2012, 04:01 PM

What DI did you get in the end and did you like it? I'm considereding picking up the REDDI.

I already own an Avalon U5 which is awesome for clarity and perfect when reamping in the studio. They are very sterile though as a live DI and I usually prefer a bit of tube grit to help me find my slot in the mix. I've also been told that phantom power blows the U5 up so I'm never brave enough to use it live now. The REDDI will handle phantom although sound really bad with it turned on.

Anyway... I'm just wondering what you ended up with and how you liked it.

The comments above on the Aguilar DB 900 are really interesting. I wish I could try one out first.