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Need help picking a Studio DI

A

AngryPig1

Oct 1, 2012
261
42
London UK
#1
Hi everyone, I mainly do recording work these days and I am in need of a decent DI box although it would be useful it could work live too possibly in stompbox form.

Something fairly versatile would be great but edging towards a a modern hifi sound rather than anything that say focuses on vintage amp simulation or being super grindy....

Nothing too obscure as I would like to try them out before i buy and wont have access to everything (im UK based too). I've been looking over the Tech21 stuff and the VT looks cool. I've seen people talking about the REDDI but no NOTHING about it beyond the name, I get the impression the Darkglass stuff may be a bit on the aggressive side but I've never tried one.

What would you recommend? Reasons or a tiny little (or more extensive) review would be great rather than just model names..

Thanks!
 
#3
The REDDI is known to be the king of all bass DIs and for good reason. Yes, it's expensive, which is the only thing keeping me from owning one at this point.

I have an Enabler DI/Preamp from 3Leaf Audio and I'm very happy with it. I use it on my pedalboard as an always on preamp and have used the DI for recording and live sound. The preamp is very transparent, but allows you to add just the right touch of color with the EQ section. I've always had excellent experiences with the DI, both at shows and in the studio, but I'm sure others can chime in with more detail about that part of the pedal. It also has an excellent headphone amp, which is essential for practicing late at night or in an apartment.
 
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#4
The only DI I've used is an MXR M-80. Very simple EQ (volume, bass, treble) a switch that says it's "optimised for bass" but is essentially just a huge mid boost that drops all highs and lows, and a distortion channel that is, let's call it 90's metal. I wouldn't call it a go-to pedal, but it has it's uses, for sure.
 
#9
Not sure if you are looking for just a DI, or more of a Pre-Amp.

If you just need a solid, clean and uncolored DI, +1 for the countryman. I use mine live all the time, and have also done studio work with it. It is just a nice clean no-frills DI. Radial JDI is also very nice. On the tube side of that kind of clean DI, REDDI seems to be at the top of the heap. Radial had the firefly, and there are some very nice ones liek the PreSounus TubePre, or the Summit Audio TD-100. Cheaper than the REDDI, and very nice sounding.

If you are looking for more of a stomp box thing, the stuff like VT Delux, ToneHammer, Sansamp, while very nice, are more of a tone machine, and are going to add a specific color and flavor to your sound. Like if you go with a VT Delux, you will have a baked in Ampeg tone on everything you do, so make sure that's what you want.

check this out for sound samples of a ton of DIs and pre-amps -- [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It's a good reference point for how they sound compared to each other.
 
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#10
IMO, as someone who does a moderate amount of recording, the most important tool you can bring into the studio is a great, not a good DI. You'll be surprised how many studios have neglected a great DI. You are looking for a DI that will transfer as much harmonic content as possible from your signal with out noise to tape. Your going to need to spend money to do that. Forget about the sans amp, darkglass, MXR units. Your looking for REDDI, telefunken tab v71, or my favourite, the Eclair Evil Twin. That type of quality. If you can't afford those units, sell something and get one. The time and frustration you will save getting your signal to come through loud and clear are worth the price of admission . As a side benefit, your engineer will love you for it and that never hurts.
 
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#11
Countryman Type 85. I don't think there's even a way to estimate how many hit records and major tours they've been used on. They've been an industry standard for almost 40 years. They sound transparent and they're virtually indestructible.


+111111111111111 for the Countryman
 
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#12
For a DI I want something as transparent as possible, no EQ, no amp emulation, nada. Countryman is legendary, Avalon is fine if you have the dough. For my own DI, I have a Radial ProDI because at gigs I can't depend on phantom power being available.

When I'm in the studio (not very often) I use whatever the engineer hands me. Lots of Whirlwind IMPs, Behringers, etc. Noone has ever offered me a high end DI!
 
#13
brianrost said:
For a DI I want something as transparent as possible, no EQ, no amp emulation, nada. Countryman is legendary, Avalon is fine if you have the dough. For my own DI, I have a Radial ProDI because at gigs I can't depend on phantom power being available.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you're implying the Countryman Type 85 can only run on phantom power (forgive if not) but it can run on a 9v battery as well.
 
#14
Thanks everyone that was exactly the sort of responses I was after!

I suppose I am after something with a few tone shaping possibilities rather than something completely transparent. So more of a pre amp with a DI than a straight up DI.

As for tHe REDDI I am doubtful of my purchasing power on that one... I don't even really have anything of value to sell! Budget is currently about £200 max ($300?)...

Hennesy that sound sample is a great little resource I'll have a good look over it
 
#18
Check out the Phil Jones Bass Buddy, too. It sounds a LOT like the Avalon U5 - very nice modern sound - but it also has some EQ and a very usable compressor. It's a little less contoured than the Avalon (which has huge, tight lows and glassy highs with a bit of mid dip), so it works with a little broader range of bass sounds/types and genres.
 
#19
AngryPig1 said:
Hi everyone, I mainly do recording work these days and I am in need of a decent DI box although it would be useful it could work live too possibly in stompbox form.

Something fairly versatile would be great but edging towards a a modern hifi sound rather than anything that say focuses on vintage amp simulation or being super grindy....

Nothing too obscure as I would like to try them out before i buy and wont have access to everything (im UK based too). I've been looking over the Tech21 stuff and the VT looks cool. I've seen people talking about the REDDI but no NOTHING about it beyond the name, I get the impression the Darkglass stuff may be a bit on the aggressive side but I've never tried one.

What would you recommend? Reasons or a tiny little (or more extensive) review would be great rather than just model names..

Thanks!
Click to expand...
The Radial engineering bassbone is a great DI for the price, it has a boost switch that comes in handy and two inputs to accomodate two separate basses simultaneously.The price is right @ $120 US and it is my staple DI in the studio and on stage.There is a onboard eq for channel two and a switch for channel one.The pedal does not color your sound or take away from the nuances of your bass...it really will do exactly what you wish hope this helps\m/
 
#20
It sounds like you're more interested in a preamp than strictly a DI. Most studios will have a pretty good selection of mic pre's, and their own preferences about how to get your sound recorded. That said, if you're doing your own recording, anything goes. I've had neat results using the DI out from my Eden WT-550.
 

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