Can Anyone Recommend A Plain DI?

[stockplus]

Question for the DI experts since everybody is here:

How does the quality of the "tone" of the Countryman Type 85 differ when run on 9V battery vs. phantom power?

Thanks!

 

[el murdoque]

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.

Just to satisfy my curiosity, might I inquire what you need a plain DI for?

 

[JimmyM]

Question for the DI experts since everybody is here:

How does the quality of the "tone" of the Countryman Type 85 differ when run on 9V battery vs. phantom power?

Thanks!

No difference. They suggest you keep a battery in it in case the phantom gets turned off or cuts out, though.

 

[stockplus]

No difference. They suggest you keep a battery in it in case the phantom gets turned off or cuts out, though.

Thanks Jimmy! I could've sworn some posts on another audio forum claimed that the 85 sounded better on 48v. I've never gotten a chance to try it out myself and it's been in the back of my mind to ask here.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks Jimmy! I could've sworn some posts on another audio forum claimed that the 85 sounded better on 48v. I've never gotten a chance to try it out myself and it's been in the back of my mind to ask here.

Ya, a lot of people attribute differences they hear to "golden ears" when it's really psychoacoustics, meaning I think they're psycho

 

[PraiseBassing]

My new-to-me Switchcraft SC800 (Jensen Transformer) is a very clean DI. Comparing the XLR out to the parallel thru-out, they seem to be near identical, if not identical, besides the obvious voltage loss of a passive DI's XLR out. Since the SC800 is no longer available, and looking at the SC800CT's specs, it could be a viable choice if the JDI is priced to high for anyone.

 

[Jack]

Question for the DI experts since everybody is here:

How does the quality of the "tone" of the Countryman Type 85 differ when run on 9V battery vs. phantom power?

Thanks!

My brain says that the DI must have a slightly easier time on the higher voltage power but I can't say that my ears have ever been able to tell the difference. Countryman know their stuff, it'll be designed to sound excellent either way.

 

[scubaduba]

I just got a RNDI and am very pleased. It really does sound fantastic with anything I've put in front of it. But so far, I've only used it in my home studio into a small board set flat. I will use it live tomorrow in a 2500 seat auditorium.

So far I'm pleased.

 

[Jonahlane]

I love my RNDI. I've used it on bass with pedals before it, and just straight in, and it does an incredible job of making everything sound pleasant. Even fret noise and clank comes across in a super pleasant way.

 

[Hundred proof]

I've had and used the JDI for years top notch, no complaints