While it 'looks' the same, it apparently isn't the same. The reason the originals (Wolf Box III $750) are no longer available is they were built around 50 NOS transformers that the original designer located. These transformers can no longer be manufactured.
I've recently had a direct experience in sourcing parts, when Walter Woods repaired my Electroacoustic Ultra, apparently it's getting quite difficult for him, to source reliable components for his amplifiers, as they are discreet component designs. So it doesn't surprise me that those transformers used
in the Wolf D.I. are no longer available. When St. Louis, Music purchased Ampeg, it took me 6 years to find a replacement for it's blown output transformer.
Here's the quote from the Gearslutz link I posted above --- "And you are right, they cannot recreate the transformers! (The EPA put a stop to that years ago). Had this discussion with Tom Reichenbach a few times before he passed away (RIP Tom) and also with Anthony DeMaria when he was trying to recreated the Invalid Link Removed (he gets his iron from outside the US)"
Also from that Gearslutz thread --- "Just an FYI, that Ed Wolfrum DI you have is really the last. Treasure it. Acme now started bootlegging the circuit/box/design as the "Motown D.I." (without Ed's knowledge and participation) with a false claim it had recreated the original transformers. With is a physical impossibility since that metal can't be obtained today (OSHA regulations and molybdenum differences). I informed Ed and he was disappointed to say the least...buyer beware."
OSHA is a mixed blessing, sometimes regulations, that protect us from pollution, prevent us from using nitrocellulose lacquer to refinish Precision Basses with the original materials. That's been a trade off since OSHA began, but I'd rather be safe than be exposed to stuff that impacts peoples health.
Here's some add'l info on the original design engineer ---
"Doctor Edward J. Wolfrum worked at Motown, Golden World, United Sound Studios, Terra Shirma, Theme Productions plus many other smaller studios, throughout the 1960s and 1970s and in the opinion of this writer is one of the most important sound engineers in the country. Yet it was the invention of a single piece of equipment that catapulted his name and reputation onto the local recording scene, as Wolfrum recollected. " When I was 16 I designed and built something I called a 'Direct box' while I was working at WEXL...."
Ed Wolfrum, was obviously a genus at a time when he, Tom Dowd, George Martin and others, were pioneers in the recording industry. I believe he built the multi track board, at Motown in Detroit, but I could be wrong. Good investigational reporting on your part ddnidd1. All said, when were talking about a DI for Double Bass, as this is that side of TB, I'm thinking that there are much more affordable, options than a D.I. that costs $450.00, as for many of us, that's a substantial way to buying a new amplifier. Your standard Countryman DI sounds great with a Walter Woods amp, and many players use Acoustic Image amps
that already have a built in DI, as do Euphonic Audio's products. For a majority of players, a premium D.I. like the REDDI or Wolf Box just isn't an option, nor IMHO is it necessary. Just my take though, I own some pretty esoteric gear, so for others that REDDI may be just what the doctor ordered.
Ric
