Affordable DI Box for Bass

[T.J. Hill]

howdy y'all! I'm looking for an Affordable DI Box for Bass. i've used several over the years with varied results. U5's, SansAmps, Countryman to cheapie DOD's. Usually the "built-ins" on most amps/combos I've owned are too noisy. I currently use a Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout 15" for my main gig @ a church where we rock pretty loud in a room that seats about 300...it was an old bar originally.

The current inventory of Whirlwinds they have at hand are ok, but have short problems and occasionally, usually in the evenings pick up bleed from MEXICAN RADIO STATIONS no less! We're in East San Diego County. When that happens, the only recourse it to throw a mic on the cab.

So...any input from you all would be greatly appreciated. I think i just need to buy a really good, versatile DI and carry it with me! THANKS! -T.J. Hill

 

[Leo Smith]

Get something made by Radial. The ProDI pretty solidly build and worth the money.

 

[T.J. Hill]

Get something made by Radial. The ProDI pretty solidly build and worth the money.

Thanks Leo! I'll check them out.

 

[4Mal]

For passive DI, I'm also on the radial pro. For active, the Countryman Type 85. Those are what I use in my sound company front line. They both sound good. They are both built for nuclear blast. Some basses like a passive DI, some like an active.

 

[BazzTard]

I use a dbx db12 active for recording and live use. Totally quiet,transparent, solid as a rock.

 

[T.J. Hill]

For passive DI, I'm also on the radial pro. For active, the Countryman Type 85. Those are what I use in my sound company front line. They both sound good. They are both built for nuclear blast. Some basses like a passive DI, some like an active.

Thanks 4Mal!

 

[T.J. Hill]

I use a dbx db12 active for recording and live use. Totally quiet,transparent, solid as a rock.

Thanks BazzTard!

 

[Geri O]

I love the Radial gear, both the J line and the Pro line.

I recently picked up a Live Wire DI that was $40 at GC, intended strictly for my practice set-up at the house, but I gotta say, I'm quite impressed with the build and the sound from this thing. If you gotta go cheap, this is a good way to go.

 

[4Mal]

I did the same except I paid a bit more for an active Live wire. Got it for my lady keyboard player. Seems fine.

I also have the DBX mentioned above and it's a very good DI. On par with the Type 85, which is on par with the Radial J series.

At this end of the spectrum - a 100 or 200 bucks, I think the decision comes down to active or passive and then the build quality you are willing to pay for. Sonically if you can find a difference it probably isn't a good one...

Above that it seems to me you are buying color (REDDI) or maybe a preamp (U5) masquerading as DI.

 

[T.J. Hill]

I love the Radial gear, both the J line and the Pro line.

I recently picked up a Live Wire DI that was $40 at GC, intended strictly for my practice set-up at the house, but I gotta say, I'm quite impressed with the build and the sound from this thing. If you gotta go cheap, this is a good way to go.

Thanks Geri O! I'll check it out.

 

[T.J. Hill]

I did the same except I paid a bit more for an active Live wire. Got it for my lady keyboard player. Seems fine.

I also have the DBX mentioned above and it's a very good DI. On par with the Type 85, which is on par with the Radial J series.

At this end of the spectrum - a 100 or 200 bucks, I think the decision comes down to active or passive and then the build quality you are willing to pay for. Sonically if you can find a difference it probably isn't a good one...

Above that it seems to me you are buying color (REDDI) or maybe a preamp (U5) masquerading as DI.

Thanks for the additional input 4Mal!

 

[LiquidMidnight]

I have to also recommend a Radial unit. They're probably in the "mid-price" spectrum for DIs, but they're extremely versatile to the point of being a Swiss army knife of the DI world. They sound great too - no hiss, artifacts, or weird tone colorization.

 

[T.J. Hill]

I have to also recommend a Radial unit. They're probably in the "mid-price" spectrum for DIs, but they're extremely versatile to the point of being a Swiss army knife of the DI world. They sound great too - no hiss, artifacts, or weird tone colorization.

Thanks for the input LiquidMidnight!

 

[seamonkey]

I wouldn't give up on the Whirlwinds too quick. They have excellent passive DI's. Look inside and you'll see the same transformer used on expensive DI's

Rewired old bars may have suspicious wiring.
Check that your bass is shielded, and there's a solid ground at the outlet. 3-wire outlet testers are like $5 at a hardware store.

 

[T.J. Hill]

I wouldn't give up on the Whirlwinds too quick. They have excellent passive DI's. Look inside and you'll see the same transformer used on expensive DI's

Rewired old bars may have suspicious wiring.
Check that your bass is shielded, and there's a solid ground at the outlet. 3-wire outlet testers are like $5 at a hardware store.

thanks seamonkey!