Motor City Big Block DI

[lomo]

Sorry, I thought we wanted the same thing: to use the Big Block DI at the end of a pedalboard chain to go into our bass amp. This would just go in between the two. Running the XLR in from the Big Block and run the 1/4” unbalanced out from the Mixing Link into the amp.

No worries. You had it right....but for me......an interesting tone sweetener that would require another utility pedal to
function as desired.......just ain't all that interesting to me anymore I insist on a small board.....small enough to fit on top of a 112 cab if desired (max 16.5 " long and 6" deep=single row).....so my board real estate is precious.

 

[AlexMG]

No worries. You had it right....but for me......an interesting tone sweetener that would require another utility pedal to
function as desired.......just ain't all that interesting to me anymore I insist on a small board.....small enough to fit on top of my 112 cab if desired.....so my board real estate is precious.

Totally understand. Well, I just ordered the Shure A85f so I’ll let you know how it works out.

 

[scubaduba]

Well if you are using the Big Block as a DI and have anything in front of it with gain you might be fine. Even an active bass with preamp might be fine.

 

[AlexMG]

Well if you are using the Big Block as a DI and have anything in front of it with gain you might be fine. Even an active bass with preamp might be fine.

I intend on using my Zoom B6 and assorted pedals in front of the Big Block. Hoping it works as well as running the Tech 21 2112 —>Big Block DI—> Apollo X6. I have a few other quality options and mic preamps but so far this combo is very tweakable and sounds superb for bass.

 

[scubaduba]

You should be fine and I bet it will sound great.

 

[moon-bass]

Coming full circle on this thing, I'm pleased. It does put a smile on my face. It's one of those devices that isn't subtle. You will easily hear its nuances. And that is another aspect of what I think might make others agree this thing is a little magic box.

You, sir, have influenced my GAS so much that you are practically a member of the family. If I still had a Xmas card list you would certainly be on it. I just pulled the trigger on one of these.

My first amp was a Peavey TNT with Black Widow! That thing rolled down a flight of stairs and still worked just fine.

Same here! I had a TKO75, moved up to the TNT, then eventually a Combo 300 (and then a Mark VI, then a Megabass ..) The TNT fell down some stairs, off a truck multiple times, and even had a bunch of concrete blocks dropped on it. Far as I know it's still out there working somewhere ...

My second DI was a passive Dietz Box with a Jensen transformer that I got in barter on a dope deal.

Funny, I also got my second DI ever in trade for some weed. It's a Rapco, and it's around here somewhere ...

I ordered one last night! Looking to compare to my Acme Motown DI.

What did you end up preferring? I've been GASsing for a Motown DI as well but have been on the fence. Is it a an either/or type thing? Would someone want to have both? Thanks!

 

[AlexMG]

You, sir, have influenced my GAS so much that you are practically a member of the family. If I still had a Xmas card list you would certainly be on it. I just pulled the trigger on one of these.


Same here! I had a TKO75, moved up to the TNT, then eventually a Combo 300 (and then a Mark VI, then a Megabass ..) The TNT fell down some stairs, off a truck multiple times, and even had a bunch of concrete blocks dropped on it. Far as I know it's still out there working somewhere ...


Funny, I also got my second DI ever in trade for some weed. It's a Rapco, and it's around here somewhere ...


What did you end up preferring? I've been GASsing for a Motown DI as well but have been on the fence. Is it a an either/or type thing? Would someone want to have both? Thanks!

Well I’m glad to have both, but if I could only have one at the moment it would be the Big Block.

I should mention that I have the standard version of the Acme DI, I have been curious about the more limited one with the NOS transformer but I can’t see how it merits that price ($1,100), especially when we have the option of the Big Block for less than a quarter of it.

I was very happy just running my preamp into the Acme DI. It may just be that it has more quality components than the XLR out of my Tech21 giving it more detail in the mids. Hard to explain but the while the low and high end feel very slightly mellowed/rounded out in a pleasing way, the mids sound smoother and clearer. Without the Acme, the mids just sounded more bloated.

On the other hand, the Big Block has options to get that mellow sound as well as the clarity, though I’m not sure about the exact frequency curves of both units matching on any of the Big Blocks variety of settings. What I’m digging most at the moment is the Big Block set wide open (both switches up and on the least attenuated setting). I don’t understand the science of it, how a passive DI can boost certain frequencies, but there’s more in the box than just a transformer.

 

[moon-bass]

Well I’m glad to have both, but if I could only have one at the moment it would be the Big Block.

I should mention that I have the standard version of the Acme DI, I have been curious about the more limited one with the NOS transformer but I can’t see how it merits that price ($1,100), especially when we have the option of the Big Block for less than a quarter of it.

I was very happy just running my preamp into the Acme DI. It may just be that it has more quality components than the XLR out of my Tech21 giving it more detail in the mids. Hard to explain but the while the low and high end feel very slightly mellowed/rounded out in a pleasing way, the mids sound smoother and clearer. Without the Acme, the mids just sounded more bloated.

On the other hand, the Big Block has options to get that mellow sound as well as the clarity, though I’m not sure about the exact frequency curves of both units matching on any of the Big Blocks variety of settings. What I’m digging most at the moment is the Big Block set wide open (both switches up and on the least attenuated setting). I don’t understand the science of it, how a passive DI can boost certain frequencies, but there’s more in the box than just a transformer.

Thanks! I think with the BB i might just not have Acme GAS anymore

 

[AlexMG]

Thanks! I think with the BB i might just not have Acme GAS anymore

Do you have the BB? If you do, how would you explain the sounds you’re getting out of the unit?

 

[moon-bass]

Do you have the BB? If you do, how would you explain the sounds you’re getting out of the unit?

I just bought it today, I'll have it later this week.

 

[moon-bass]

Do you have the BB? If you do, how would you explain the sounds you’re getting out of the unit?

Out for delivery today, I'll let you know what I think this evening.

 

[gtirard]

I like everything you say about this box, but I understand the TS out gives you a dry signal.
So, you can use it with an audio interface for recording into a DAW or play live with PA support.
But if you play directly through you amp (for rehearsal or gigs without PA), there's no way you can get the affected signal into you amp, is there?

 

[moon-bass]

I like everything you say about this box, but I understand the TS out gives you a dry signal.
So, you can use it with an audio interface for recording into a DAW or play live with PA support.
But if you play directly through you amp (for rehearsal or gigs without PA), there's no way you can get the affected signal into you amp, is there?

I use XLR to 1/4 an adapter and it works great.

 

[AlexMG]

I use XLR to 1/4 an adapter and it works great.

So you like the BB?

 

[Michael Vee]

Langston should add a 1/4" effected output to the box, if possible.

 

[moon-bass]

This box would be something if they added a 1/4" effected out. There might be some design issue with that, but just saying. It looks like people are trying to figure out a way to use it as a tone color device in from of their amps.

I can't agree more on this. The adapters work fine, but part of me is wondering if they are impacting the tone, since a lot of it depends on impedence.

 

[moon-bass]

So you like the BB?

I do! It's a great little box. I'm trying to figure out where to "put" it - I've been trying to stick to a mantra that if it's not on an active pedal board then I am getting rid of it (a few preamps are an exception). I might keep it as a little magic box cuz it is really cool. I was thinking about adding it to the end of my Helix - one of the limitations of the Helix is the inability to quickly change the tone. this kind of addresses that.

 

[scubaduba]

I think it would be great at the end of the Helix.

 

[gtirard]

I use XLR to 1/4 an adapter and it works great.

Thanks!

Last question (hopefully),

Let's say I'm using the Big Block as a tone-shaping device: Bass -> Big Block -> Adapter -> Amp
Let's say there are 2 or 3 different settings that I like ("settings" = combination of GOGO knob + 2 switches)
Could I change the settings between 2 songs without changing dramatically the output level of the Big Block?

 

[davelowell2]

I’m going to say probably not. Unless it’s a rocker and a ballad. Only you will know the answer for sure.