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Good DI in the $100 range?

petrus61

petrus61

Dec 18, 2011
11,762
14,931
Hudson Valley, New York
#1
My gig schedule is going to be picking up this season and I think its going to make sense to have a dedicated DI for my pedalboard. I play passive Fenders, but wouldn't mind something versatile enough to handle both active and passive instruments. I've usually used the DI on my GK700RBII but I'm going to be using more and more backline rigs as my schedule picks up and I can't always depend on the venue having a suitable DI box on hand, among other reasons. The last time I was gigging this much I was using a BDDI so it was never a big concern, but I was also using that as a pre and my rig has changed quite a bit (Pigtronix Philo Bass comp, Fairfield Circuitry Barbershop OD and a VTBass v.2 for a "clean") so I'd like to "start over" in a sense.

I'm not really interested in having a preamp DI, as I'm very happy with my sound, but I wouldn't be opposed to one if it fit the price range and the preamp portion was completely bypassable, allowing for just DI use minus the preamp as well.

For my needs, I think a standalone, dedicated DI box will be fine for now.

Are there any in that price range I should be hip to? It's more or less going to be there as a backup in so it may see a lot, or very little use. I'd prefer it to be in a smallish, pedal type format/size so I can just stick it on the end of a small Pedaltrain. Will a dirt cheap active Behrenger get me there or should I spend a bit more? It won't be going on a major, 10 city US tour or anything, so Im not incredibly worried about having a 14lb steel chassis enshrined in Teflon...just a basic DI box with good jacks and minimal noise.
 
#5
It'll be the same as the BDDI if you're only going to use it as a DI, no features. A lot of the pedal pre-amps will come with features...Eden WTDI, Aguilar Tonehammer, Radial, JDI, MXR M80....Best true DI would be a Countryman Type 85, check the normal places to see if you can get one used. They run around $180 new
 
#10
I successfully use the Radial JDI on passive and active basses. It's the best DI out there in that price range. The fact that the JDI is passive doesn't matter. It works well with everything and is less hassle since you don't have to hook it up to a power source. Plus it's built like a tank. Don't overthink this. :)
 
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#12
I also have a Radial JDI that is in my bag and goes to every gig with me. I play both passive and active, and that isn't a problem for either. They sound great, are "industry standards" depending on which circles you run in, are built like and green like tanks to boot. Some sound guys will swear by their box/backline setup, but it never hurts to have something dependable in your own bag. It can definitely save the night if someone has amp problems. They run around $200 new, but I'm sure you could pick one up used for less than that.
 
#17
So going active or passive wont make a difference if I'm using primarily passive basses? I was under the impression it was better to use a passive box for active and active box for passive. If it doesn't make a difference, I'll probably go passive since they seem to be fairly cheaper.
 
#19
petrus61 said:
So going active or passive wont make a difference if I'm using primarily passive basses? I was under the impression it was better to use a passive box for active and active box for passive. If it doesn't make a difference, I'll probably go passive since they seem to be fairly cheaper.
Click to expand...
Makes no difference. I've used both with mine.
 

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