I have been using a Tech 21 SansAmp BassDriver DI for almost 20 years and my original unit now needs some repairs. I figured this would be the perfect time to try something new. In particular, I am looking into the EHX Battalion, the MXR M80 Bass DI+, the Eden WTDI, the Radial Bassbone, and the TC Spectradrive. All are seemingly capable and quality units, but due to me being disabled with limited transportation options, and lack of units, especially the less common ones, being locally available at brick and mortar stores to test out, I am relying heavily on demos on YouTube and reviews from users. I am basically looking for a unit that will provide my generalnuse sound which, as with the SansAmp, I will be using at least 99% of the time, not switching back and forth. I favor a tone with a clear, clean low end and a gritty growl of attack on top with mid range punch that sits nicely in the mix and fills out the frequencies where the rhythm guitar drops out while taking a solo. An example of this would be Tim Commerford of RATM or Rex Brown of Pantera, both of which use tones that compliment the drums and guitars nicely yet have a full, gritty sound that doesn't cause the overall groove to disappear whenever the lone guitarist takes a solo. The SansAmp does this admirably, but I would love to find a different approach to this old problem that is just part of being in a band with one guitarist. I am leaning towards the Battalion or the Eden WTDI, and both happen to be at the lower end price wise, which definitely is a consideration. Basically I am asking if anyone has any negative experiences with any of the aforementioned units? I would be surprised if I can't get a solid tone with any of them, but I would like to know if any have issues such as being noisy, or unreliable, or cheaply built, that I would like to know about. Thanks. Oh, and my main setup ATM is an Ibanez SR1500S with the old style AFR P/J pickups running into a Peavey Max 208 combo amp, which just serves as a stage monitor. I never mic amps anymore or use large rigs since I go direct at every show, except in rare except ion that the PA is only handling vocals, in which case I use a larger stage rig.
I have no particular experience with any of the pedals on your short list...but I have a bad experience with EHX pedals generally. Last time I checked, none of my three EHX pedals worked properly...and two didn't work at all...
This is a great thread, it will not help your search, because most pedals you mentioned are very capable. I'm using the Radial Bassbone (v2, without the OD) and it's really great. The only thing that you should keep in mind is that it needs a 15v power supply.
Thanks for the replies. I'm kinda a casual user here so I didn't think to search first before starting a new thread. For anyone interested I ended up with the Battalion, which is actually really good, except that the compressor raises the noise floor and the noise gate closes too slowly to be of much use. I didn't get this pedal really looking to use either of them.