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Favorite active DI?

KingRazor

KingRazor

Supporting Member
Jun 4, 2010
6,747
415
37
Beaverton, Oregon USA
#1
Was just curious what kind of different DIs are out there and what people like.

Sansamp? Radial? Tube DIs?

One that runs on phantom power or DC power and has a level control would be nice, I think. I like the idea of the tube DI to warm up the tone a bit but how well do they do that?
 
#3
radial bassbone user here. the box colors the sound a bit, not in a bad way imo, 2 inputs(2 basses or 1 bass w/ 2 channels), with vol, eq(ch. 1 has preset shaping, ch. 2 has 3 band), and boost control. decent sounding di, a very versatile box
the other piece of gear i own is the universal audio solo-610 tube micpre / di. it fattens everything up very well.
 
#4
There are so many, at prices from $30 to over $1K, with all sorts of features and qualities, that it really makes more sense to specify your needs than ask "what's out there".

Re the tube ones, even the question of "how well do they warm up the sound" is nowhere near as simple as it sounds. Everyone has a different idea of what "warm" means, as well as a different idea about how much warming is "the right amount". For example many people love the Summit TD100, and declare that it warms their signal up wonderfully. Others hear it and say it is too hi-fi, nearly transparent--because they were expecting a lot more noticeable effect.
 
#5
bongomania said:
There are so many, at prices from $30 to over $1K, with all sorts of features and qualities, that it really makes more sense to specify your needs than ask "what's out there".

Re the tube ones, even the question of "how well do they warm up the sound" is nowhere near as simple as it sounds. Everyone has a different idea of what "warm" means, as well as a different idea about how much warming is "the right amount". For example many people love the Summit TD100, and declare that it warms their signal up wonderfully. Others hear it and say it is too hi-fi, nearly transparent--because they were expecting a lot more noticeable effect.
Click to expand...

Alright, in that case maybe I should describe my ideal DI box:

-Runs on DC power. Being able to run on phantom power is good too, but if for whatever reason phantom power isn't available, I'd like to be able to plug in. No need for batteries that way.

-Variable amounts of "tube emulation" or "warmth". As you said, everyone has a different idea of how much warmth they want. A DI with a "drive" control or whatever that allows you to dial in as much of that as you want would be ideal.

-Level control.

-1/4" out so I can also run an amp on stage.

EQ isn't necessary, but not a bad thing.

Would also prefer if any compression it has was variable, same as with the amount of "warmth".
 
#6
My personal favorite.
art_tubepac-670f702e82ac5ba8c5c33c98cb5b5eb6.jpg
 
#10
The TubePAC has no EQ, the Sansamp has no compressor. The TubePAC's "tube warmth" is of the subtle, "clean warmth" variety with no grit; while the Sansamp is designed to go from that cleanish end, to slightly dirty, all the way to outright distortion.
 
#12
bongomania said:
The TubePAC has no EQ, the Sansamp has no compressor. The TubePAC's "tube warmth" is of the subtle, "clean warmth" variety with no grit; while the Sansamp is designed to go from that cleanish end, to slightly dirty, all the way to outright distortion.
Click to expand...

If that's the case...I think I'm sold on that Tube PAC. I LOVE a nice clean sound, but I also like a warm sound. That's why I love Genz Benz shuttle amps.
 
#15
bassgod0dmw said:
I love the REDDI. I also really like the Countryman Type 85...no level control, but it's a great box.
Click to expand...


Agreed on all of the above - I also like the J48, and the U5... Personally, I don't see the need for a level control - since any level differences can be made up at the board - but it doesn't hurt to have one... Currently have the Countryman, and it's working just fine for me...


- georgestrings
 
#16
georgestrings said:
Agreed on all of the above - I also like the J48, and the U5... Personally, I don't see the need for a level control - since any level differences can be made up at the board - but it doesn't hurt to have one... Currently have the Countryman, and it's working just fine for me...

- georgestrings
Click to expand...

Yeah, let's just say I know some sound guys that don't understand proper gain structure...
 

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