Can Anyone Recommend A Plain DI?

[Hi-End Basses]

I'm looking for a plain DI; no distortion necessary, because I have a great tube preamp on the amp head. Most of the DI's that I see have a distortion circuit, but I'll have a drive pedal for that. I also would prefer not to buy a Reddi for $800! LOL! Plus it's the size of a damn lunch box. I don't want it to have any EQ; just a balanced XLR out and a ground switch. Any suggestions that fit into this category would be immensely appreciated.

 

[bassbrad]

I have been collecting DI boxes since the 70's for live and studio work, so my 2 cents of knowledge. It pays to have both an active DI and a passive DI in your kit, even a cheap passive DI that uses a transformer that is not the "jensen" as they have become quite precious.

Invalid Link Removedis the class standard for stage and studio a phantom powered active DI. I have long used the 85 and it has never failed to deliver the goods.

Radial offers a broad selection of both passive and active DI the JDI is a favorite passive di as it utilizes the beloved Jensen transformer.

I have been blessed of late to use the Rupert Neve RNDI and it is my current favorite for studio sessions keeping my other collected DI boxes on the shelf.

 

[Blu bro]

MXR M81 could be an option.. I use a Radial Pro.. great little passsive box i picked up for $100 used (AUD)

 

[40Hz]

I have been collecting DI boxes since the 70's for live and studio work, so my 2 cents of knowledge. It pays to have both an active DI and a passive DI in your kit, even a cheap passive DI that uses a transformer that is not the "jensen" as they have become quite precious.

Invalid Link Removedis the class standard for stage and studio a phantom powered active DI. I have long used the 85 and it has never failed to deliver the goods.

Radial offers a broad selection of both passive and active DI the JDI is a favorite passive di as it utilizes the beloved Jensen transformer.

I have been blessed of late to use the Rupert Neve RNDI and it is my current favorite for studio sessions keeping my other collected DI boxes on the shelf.

^All good suggestions for affordable DIs.

I’m using a Countryman Type 85. I managed to find one used for under $100.

 

[Dave W]

Countryman Type 85 or Radial JDI. Or if you want the active version, the J48.

All bulletproof industry standard DI's that you'll see all over the world.

 

[HeavyJazz]

+3 on the Radial JDI

 

[baTassi]

The JDI for me is like the sm57, some will like it more, some others less, but you will never go wrong with it.
For me it is the standard others have to hold up to.

 

[GMSweet]

Good choices offered, but I'll give another nod to the Neve RNDI. I do most of my playing and listening with headphones in my home office/"studio" and I now run my Stambaugh into the RNDI->Focusrite Saffire Pro24DSP and nothing else. My Aguilar THDI, Ampeg SVP-Pro, and BBE Bmax stay turned off 98% of the time.

 

[Bassbeater]

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Stranger Danger]

Telefunken TDP-1 1-channel Passive Instrument Direct Box

 

[Alien8]

Sweetwater did an article listing the most available DI boxes, and recorded the DI sounds with two popular basses. It was mazing to hear thr differences, but it may help you decide using ears, rather than eyes.

The Great Direct Box Comparison with Audio Samples | Sweetwater

 

[overit]

Another vote for the Countryman

 

[Hi-End Basses]

What about the Mooer Micro Di? Anyone have this?

 

[patrickj]

I'm looking for a plain DI; no distortion necessary, because I have a great tube preamp on the amp head. Most of the DI's that I see have a distortion circuit, but I'll have a drive pedal for that. I also would prefer not to buy a Reddi for $800! LOL! Plus it's the size of a damn lunch box. I don't want it to have any EQ; just a balanced XLR out and a ground switch. Any suggestions that fit into this category would be immensely appreciated.

Whirlwind IMP1. It’s like $40ish.

 

[InternetAlias]

Behringer's DI is both remarkably cheap and has decent options, but does not go overboard. I sold mine because I was just not using it, but it's a really good unit. Guess if you wanted something minimal you'd best buy something as you described, or make it, shouldn't be that hard.

 

[NKBassman]

Radial JDI.

 

[StatesideRambler]

For no frills studio and stage quality the Countryman Type 85 is peerless.

 

[El-Bob]

I like the Radial Pro DI. Clean signal, doesn't clip with high output basses like the stagebugs do, inexpensive, simple, and built like a tank. I found that the di's built into bass preamp pedals could be finicky about what mixers and interfaces they were plugged into. My pro di plays well with whatever i plug it into. I've had good luck using it with active and passive basses and guitars alike.

 

[Drucifer]

I'm looking for a plain DI; no distortion necessary, because I have a great tube preamp on the amp head. Most of the DI's that I see have a distortion circuit, but I'll have a drive pedal for that. I also would prefer not to buy a Reddi for $800! LOL! Plus it's the size of a damn lunch box. I don't want it to have any EQ; just a balanced XLR out and a ground switch. Any suggestions that fit into this category would be immensely appreciated.

So are you looking to put the DI in the effects loop or between the pre-amp and the power amp? If you want to capture the tube sound, you'll have to put the DI downstream of the preamp. Does your preamp have a built-in balanced output? If so, problem solved.

 

[Hi-End Basses]

So are you looking to put the DI in the effects loop or between the pre-amp and the power amp? If you want to capture the tube sound, you'll have to put the DI downstream of the preamp. Does your preamp have a built-in balanced output? If so, problem solved.

My preamp has a tube XLR out. That being said, that DI won't bring my overdrive and compression to FOH. So are you saying that the DI pedal will capture the Overdrive and compression pedals, but won't capture any eq? Do I need a preamp DI?