Radial JDI

[secombs]

Justin-
I have been using a Radial JDI at the end of my pedal chain and I absolutely love the tone, but soundmen occasionally gripe because they get such a weak signal. I use passive P and J basses so I'm sure this has a lot to do with it. Do you ever use your JDI live? Would you recommend using something like a MXR M80 or Sansamp Bassdriver live and reserving passive DIs for studio use? Just wondering your thoughts on this... Thanks!!

 

[SteveC]

I believe that passive DI's work better with active basses, and active DI's work better with passive basses.

Our local sound companies use Radial so sound guys should be able to deal with them.

 

[JimmyM]

Weak signal is often a symptom of using a lot of effects. You're using more cable length, and your effects, even if they're all true bypass, add even more for the signal to have to pass through. Justin will have to tell you what he does to combat it since I have no clue, but I've heard of a lot of people having good success boosting their signal back up with an MXR Micro Amp or similar small preamp.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

MXR Micro Amps sound really good, for sure.

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

I had a similiar issue.......I use passive basses almost exclusively and had a Radial DI and several soundmen wanted a hotter signal. I use no effects........bass > pre > power amp. That's one thing I like about my Sansamp RBI, I can control the level of the XLR out.

 

[JimmyM]

Not that I use effects much these days, but if I were to boost my weakened signal with the Micro Amp, I'm thinking the place to add it would be the end of the signal chain before it hits the amp. Is that correct, or is it better to use it before the effects?

Also, I've only used a Radial DI a couple times, but you guys who say you got complaints about it being a weak signal to the board, is that typical? So many people use them that it seems odd that a weak DI would end up being such a big seller and such a big favorite with so many bassists.

 

[TheOldFlatwound]

i use that DI to run a 2nd line in the studio sometimes. it sound good, but quiet going straight in. i normally use it with an overdrive or other effect, though, so it hasn't been much of an issue

 

[On The DL]

I use the bass bone with an active bass and though it has a few more options and differences in tone than the sansamp di, I like them equally. But, compared to other preamps, I do agree that the radial should send a stronger signal, maybe by 20 or 25 percent more.