Direct Box Selection

[seanm]

So I keep reading "passive bass = Counrtyman" and "active bass = Radial"...but what about people like me who use passive AND active basses? Different tool for a different job and all that...

Do you *have* to use the active input on your amp with any of your active basses? By have to I mean it will clip the input if you run it in "passive" mode.

If the answer is no, and it probably is, then the countryman will work just fine. It is only the really hot actives that may be a problem.

 

[georgestrings]

But personally, I'm NOT a fan of the SansAmp DI, and I think it colors the sound (in a way that doesn't make me happy) even when you don't step on the switch.

Me neither - besides the coloration you mentioned(and I agree with your assessment), IME the SansAmps are typically noisier than the JDI or Countryman...



- georgestrings

 

[Jerry Ziarko]

For what you can get a used Countryman for, that will settle your bang for the buck issue. They work well with every bass I've ever encountered. They sound good and are literally indestructible. I've worked with several major touring companies over the years, and the Countryman is more times than not, the standard bass DI. With that said, I use a passive box, but that's just my preference. I tried a Cable Factory passive DI, and found with my in ear set up, it was the smoothest sounding box I've heard to date.