Direct Box????

[bongomania]

I don't see why you need a DI at all. As I see it, all a basic DI does is convert a high impedance source into one suitable for a mic level XLR input.

You answered it yourself. Impedance is completely different from amplitude. Now, if the mixer you're plugging into happens to have line inputs with a z in (input impedance) that's ideal for the z out of your bass, then great- that's lucky and it will work fine. But not all mixers have suitable z in at the 1/4" inputs, especially for passive basses. It will still "work", but the signal will be struggling harder to transfer from the bass to the mixer, and your tone may suffer.

 

[FenderBinder]

You people are giving lots of input. thanks!!!

 

[greenboy]

I don't see why you need a DI at all. As I see it, all a basic DI does is convert a high impedance source into one suitable for a mic level XLR input.

Besides what bongomania just said, the DI is often coming off a different part of the signal chain, depending on SR and player needs/preferences. Sometimes it's a bummer to have DI post-EQ, especially if the player is using radical EQ that isn't needed/wanted in the PA.

 

[A9X]

Actually does handle high-Z applications just fine. Again, the only "consideration" is that you'll need phantom power for it to work.

Take care,
Jay

I thought from what the person who originally posted this said that it was a passive transformer system. Almost all, the Radials as an exception, are designed for low impedance microphone signal, not high impedance basses. Active circuits, providing that also don't present a load for matching mics, eg 600R, should work well.

 

[svtb15]

If you want to have a sound going to house without coloration.. i would get a Countryman FET 85... its not that much$$ and it sounds great.. I still have one but i retired it after i got a REDDI. .The REDDI is the bets DI that i have ever used.. but its alot of cash...
The sans amp DI is cool but it ads color and amp sim in a sort of way.. very cool..
but for me the biggest sound that i have ever had comes from usinng the REDDI.. every engineer or sound guy that has heard it just flips.... from bar gigs to studio gigs it slams... to be honest i hardly take it to bar gigs just because i dont think snyone would notice the difference... but i occasionally do a worship church gig where the sound guys knows his stuff. he has won a few grammys and i take his word for it.. he said it is the best sound that he has ever gotten on a bass DI.. he likes it over my older UA 610 too.. both are a tube dI..
but if you want a great sounding clean DI that is built like atanl and only a little over $100 get the coutryman.. .it slams

 

[towsonbassist]

you can go old-school, and get the really crude Transformers that fit in your pocket

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I did that...Or rather had that done to me. I was setting up a cafe-club PA and I left and let a musician run the sound board (a drummer from one of the bands) and I came back and was like "What?! I left 2 DI boxes out for this reason!" I stopped the guy after his second song and fixed it.