Passive vs. Active DI

[BluesWalker]

I am trying to figure out if I need to purchase an active or passive DI box. This will be in my gig bag as an emergency back in case my head crashes during a gig. I would use the DI to patch into our PA.

My current sound chain is Steinberger 5-string active basses --> Boss TU tuner pedal --> EBS compressor pedal --> Boss Chorus Pedal --> Lizard Leg Bass Boost pedal --> LMII head --> Mark Bass 2x10 or 4x10 speaker cabinet.

What are the differences between active and passive DI's and which one would work best for me? I am stuck on the idea of purchasing from Radial for no other logical reason other than their good reputation. Let me know if you have other suggestions.

[takfar]

From what little I understand, passive has the advantage of not requiring power, while active has the advantage of being able to manipulate the signal, like a preamp..?

[dannybuoy]

Passive DI's generally have lower noise and higher headroom for basses with a hot output, but may not put out enough signal strength with some passive basses.

Active DI's usually throw in a bit of tone shaping and can boost the output of low output passive basses, but can clip with really hot signals going into them. They also usually have higher input impedances making them better for direct connection to a passive bass.

[WalterBush]

You play an active bass with effects, so were I in your shoes, I'd pick up a Radial JDI and be done with it.

With some passives, as has been said, output can become an issue. While you're not going to clip a well-made active DI, I'd go with passive simply because you're wanting it as a backup, and there's less things likely to go wrong with a passive model.

I'd agree in general terms about passives seeming to be better suited towards an active bass, although I think it's more a matter of active basses don't require much in the way of a DI. Active DI's are better suited for a passive model, IMO, simply because they can help buffer the pickups, depending on where they are in your signal chain, and some are DI/preamps that allow tone-shaping and gain possibilities.

Having said that, I just switched from using my BBE DI1000 in passive mode to using an active Summit Audio with all my basses, and it's working out much better. Subtle difference, but it' there, and it's audible through my church's PA, if not at any of the clubs in town.

Try both at a music store if possible, and do what sounds best. Whatever you get, Radial will be a good choice; some passive DIs have cheap transformers that 'blur' your sound; Radial won't be one of those. I'd trust any active models they made not to add noise or clip, either.

[bongomania]

Well-answered, Danny and Walter. That about covers it.

[BluesWalker]

Thank you everyone for the very thoughtful and thorough responses. I will be purchasing the Radial passive DI. I hope I never have to use it, but I don't to get stuck with a non-functioning amp and no other option.

[MNAirHead]

Basic thumb rule

Active Bass + Passive DI
Passive Bass + Active DI

The MXR 80 is a low cost option that works both ways.. Radial is a good DI option if you don't want shaping.

T.