Yeh and that Neve can handle speaker level input if I am not mistaken. That might be rarely used, but it’s there if ever needed.
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Radial JDI or J48?
- Thread starter FunkyYeti
- Start date
Yeh and that Neve can handle speaker level input if I am not mistaken. That might be rarely used, but it’s there if ever needed.
- Aug 21, 2003
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Agreed this all the way.
There are no hard rules and yes passive basses work with the JDI. However I would keep Cable lengths in mind with using a passive bass with the JDI.
If you haven’t checked out this article (and the attached sound samples) then I’d recommend you start here:
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/direct-box-comparison-bass-guitar/
I listened to them all and ended up preferring the sound of a less expensive model.
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/direct-box-comparison-bass-guitar/
I listened to them all and ended up preferring the sound of a less expensive model.
This is an interesting comparison. Even my ancient ears could hear differences and I did have preferences. The JDI and the RNDI just sounded better to me. I’m not even sure exactly why, but they did - some clarity or presence- or maybe a slightly higher signal? I don’t know.
One reason is that (too) many mixers only offer 24V phantom power which will not yield the expected results.
To add to all the confusion, if you have an always on or buffered pedal (like a Boss TU-3) it’ll convert a passive bass signal from high impedance to low impedance and drive a JDI without loading down the signal and rolling off the top end the way you would if you plugged a passive bass directly into the DI.
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I never really thought of a DI box as an "Effect". Lots of really good info at the "Live Sound" Forum on this topic. ;-)
I have both the JDI and the J48 as well as a ProDI. They’re all great professional grade tools. My two cents is that the biggest difference is how they behave if they are the ONLY thing between your bass and the PA or recording interface. The J48 is hotter and delivers a killer sound for passive basses or acoustic guitars. I adore the JDI with my Modulus or at the end of a pedal board with any bass. My passive basses sound good through the passive DI’s but it’s a more subdued sound to the board. The ProDI is more than good enough for the basic role of a DI. It’s the smallest and lightest but still built like a tank.
The Radial line is all about reliability and transparency so you don’t expect “magic”. It’s about keeping as much of what you have through that part of the signal chain. All three of these DI’s do the job. All three have plenty of output and pads if you need less.
The J48 is the most dramatic in terms of signal boost for long cable runs and maximizing the widest frequency response. The passive ones are bulletproof reliable with a more gentle high frequency response. Not muddy by any means, but not as sparkly clear as the J48.
Shortest version: if I have a P bass (or acoustic guitar) and just one of these and nothing else - J48 all day. Any other situation I’m a huge fan of the JDI.
You could also buy a ProDI and a Pro48 instead of one of the J’s and then you’d be ready for anything.
I will also add that a used Radial is essentially a new Radial. They don’t do “planned obsolescence”. Radials are forever.
The Radial line is all about reliability and transparency so you don’t expect “magic”. It’s about keeping as much of what you have through that part of the signal chain. All three of these DI’s do the job. All three have plenty of output and pads if you need less.
The J48 is the most dramatic in terms of signal boost for long cable runs and maximizing the widest frequency response. The passive ones are bulletproof reliable with a more gentle high frequency response. Not muddy by any means, but not as sparkly clear as the J48.
Shortest version: if I have a P bass (or acoustic guitar) and just one of these and nothing else - J48 all day. Any other situation I’m a huge fan of the JDI.
You could also buy a ProDI and a Pro48 instead of one of the J’s and then you’d be ready for anything.
I will also add that a used Radial is essentially a new Radial. They don’t do “planned obsolescence”. Radials are forever.
As does the Countryman FET 85. Many active DI Boxes also have a battery power option (as does the FET 85).
After reading a bit about DIs, I went the JDI route and never regretted it. It's strapped to the side of my board and use it wether my board is DI'd or not (as opposed to using the amp's DI out). I have a dead-quiet rig and I suspect the J is at least partly responsable for that. Indispensable piece of gear, IMO.
I have confirmed the ground switch on the Countryman works whether it is on Phantom or battery power.
This is specifically addressed on the website: "Unlike many active DI boxes, the Type 85 can always isolate ground, even when running on Phantom power, to help eliminate hum and buzz from ground problems."
Type 85 Direct Box - Countryman.com
I cannot find the video anymore but they claimed that they used a JDI to jack the inner side of the dually wheel - inner tire of a trailer , so they can remove the outer tire. It's a trick that trailer owners use but a 2X4 is usually what we use. You drive the tire that is not flat over the small piece of 2 X 4.
There is also a video of a guy who explains the difference and it is almost tiring to hear. There was a part one and part 2.
I have the 2 bassbones V1 and V2. How are the DI's on those? I have a no name DI in an plain metal case that has a Jensen transformer. Probably shed - made. It came with my Mesa 400.
There is also a video of a guy who explains the difference and it is almost tiring to hear. There was a part one and part 2.
I have the 2 bassbones V1 and V2. How are the DI's on those? I have a no name DI in an plain metal case that has a Jensen transformer. Probably shed - made. It came with my Mesa 400.
You might like this:
After we bought Radials, we kept the Countrymans in the mic locker to use as wedges to tilt back speaker cabinets. They are the perfect size. Occasionally we would press them into DI duty. We had a Christmas show a few years back and the Countrymans are the only DI's that eliminated ground noise on our keyboards.
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Not that this is the question, but I have an MXR M81. It has been hum free for me in several situations that would have been suspect. Ex. Jam at a friends house with “vintage” wiring... I use it with an amp, set flat b/c the eq on the pedal does that job. I have used it with an active bass with both the pedal engaged and not (typically not with active bass). I also use it direct. It’s great at that too. It’s just a tiny little pedal that’s great at what it does. Only down side is it needs power. There’s always a place to plug in a one spot tho. I have it on a small board with a tuner, and a clean boost. Nice grab and go setup.
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I have both. The J48 does have a -15 db switch. I have both active and passive basses but I usually bring the JDI. But you can use both. For gigging I bring the JDI in case the sound man is using cheap DI's. For recording I use the useful Arts BF-1. 2 tubes and very nice.
That is correct. The RNDI is my choice.
It could be because Contrymans come wired with pin 3 hot instead of pin 2.
I do have a Boss TU-3 in my chain as well as a Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass that is always on.
The two basses in question are an American Original 60s Jazz and an American Original 60s Precision.
I like the simplicity of the JDI, but given the advice here and on Radial's website, I'm leaning towards the J48. I've also been eyeing the Firefly, but it doesn't seem as well received as the JDI and J48.
At this point, I'm also considering just grabbing a 2U shallow case for my GK Legacy and carrying it around using the direct out. Do I need to have a cabinet plugged it to use the DI?
The two basses in question are an American Original 60s Jazz and an American Original 60s Precision.
I like the simplicity of the JDI, but given the advice here and on Radial's website, I'm leaning towards the J48. I've also been eyeing the Firefly, but it doesn't seem as well received as the JDI and J48.
At this point, I'm also considering just grabbing a 2U shallow case for my GK Legacy and carrying it around using the direct out. Do I need to have a cabinet plugged it to use the DI?
You DO NOT need a cab plugged into a GK Legacy Head to use the DI or any other GK head for that matter.
