Favorite Bass DI?

[Thank You Leo]

I've always gotten excellent results with my Avalon U5. Tried others, but always return to it.

Would love to try a REDDI someday.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I'd like to try a Fatboy Tube DI someday.

 

[Thisguy]

I'm really hoping for the Ampeg SCR-DI to become my favorite. Baring that, I'd have to go with SansAmp Bass Driver.

 

[Marc61]

I have a Tech 21 VT deluxe which I refer to as my "Rig in a bag". Playing in NYC doesn't really allow for bringing your own rig, so when I ask to run into the board with that, the soundman loves me. I get my sound, he gets his levels. Everyone's happy

 

[srcTW]

Here is a good comparison of DIs:

Also happens to be the luthier who made my two basses which are awesome - Brady Muckelroy.

 

[svtb15]

REDDI,,, I liked it so much i got another. .. One for travel gigs and one for my home studio. .

 

[DavC]

I'd get the best one you can afford that has the Jensen transformer in it ...

the mxr m81 preamp has a Direct xlr out , w/pre/post EQ switch ... I have one to use with my passive basses for a bit more tonal tweeking ... had it a few weeks , seems fairly quiet and transparent , I usually play in my home studio w/headphones on ... sadly I hear every little buzz ... which drives me nuts !

 

[Joelc73]

I use the Demeter DI a lot and really like it. When I need flexibility or switching capability, I grab the Radial Bassbone.

 

[FranF]

Countryman 85. Neutral, no loading, unbelievably clean and quiet. I've used one since 1979. I have a small suitcase of others that just didn't cut it.

 

[spaz21387]

Mxr m81 I love mine. It's small and very transparent. It also goes great with other pedals

 

[FretNoMore]

Depends on what you are going to use it for, and your budget of course.

For most live use I personally think the highest end DIs like a REDDI are overkill, anything like a VT Bass DI, MXR M81 Bass Preamp or one of the Sansamps does the job well enough. If your budget is a bit bigger you could go for something like a Radial JDI.

 

[JimmyM]

I used to believe the REDDI was overkill on most gigs till I got one. Noticeable difference, even in crap PA's. But I certainly don't turn my nose up at lower priced dealios like the VT and MXR. They certainly travel easier on planes and cop killer tones, too.

 

[Deadsound]

Favorite that I have used - Aguilar Tone Hammer, pedal and amp.

Would love to try a REDDI.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

+1 on the VTBass DI. It's a great sounding and fun pedal to have, and would definitely work for you since you're into grunge/alt/punk. A lot of shops are having sales this week so you should be able to find one at a great price (i.e., Prymaxe has $40 off).

 

[Dragan]

Here is a good comparison of DIs:

Also happens to be the luthier who made my two basses which are awesome - Brady Muckelroy.

in THIS particular video, countryman and JDI wins hands down. IME....

 

[eagle67]

SansAmp BDDI. Every good sound man has seen it, and knows how to use it.

 

[AMJBASS]

Depends on what you are going to use it for, and your budget of course.

For most live use I personally think the highest end DIs like a REDDI are overkill, anything like a VT Bass DI, MXR M81 Bass Preamp or one of the Sansamps does the job well enough. If your budget is a bit bigger you could go for something like a Radial JDI.

I'm with Jimmy on this one. The REDDI makes a huge difference live. There is a "weight" to the note you don't get with lesser DI's, and it doesn't thin out as you move up the fretboard. That's not to say there aren't other DI's on the market that don't do a good job, I just feel the REDDI is remarkably better. It is expensive though.

 

[*ToNeS*]

SansAmp BDDI. Every good sound man has seen it, and knows how to use it.

The ubiquity of that pedal is a bit of a prob, I think, because everyone assumes it's Law and... hey, it has no mid control. Hello? Yes, this is Tones. Yes, I'll hold while the kick-drum and keys eat up my butt and the guitar tops my top-end. What do you mean I should stop playing inappropriately emotive flat sixths under the one? I'm trying to get heard here! No, the hold music is fine. Not much bass, though.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm with Jimmy on this one. The REDDI makes a huge difference live. There is a "weight" to the note you don't get with lesser DI's, and it doesn't thin out as you move up the fretboard. That's not to say there aren't other DI's on the market that don't do a good job, I just feel the REDDI is remarkably better. It is expensive though.

That is exactly correct and the entire reason I use one.

 

[Dave W]

The ubiquity of that pedal is a bit of a prob, I think, because everyone assumes it's Law and... hey, it has no mid control. Hello? Yes, this is Tones. Yes, I'll hold while the kick-drum and keys eat up my butt and the guitar tops my top-end. What do you mean I should stop playing inappropriately emotive flat sixths under the one? I'm trying to get heard here! No, the hold music is fine. Not much bass, though.

A ParaDriver somewhat solves this but it's sweepable mid control.