The SB-2 occupies the space between the average “throwaway” passive DI with fingernail-sized transformer, and something like the ProDI. The response graphs do not tell the whole story. Its bottom end is limited in range and sounds a bit dead/sludgy in terms of dynamics. Its top end is also limited, but for BG use it may not be noticeable. Of all my passive DIs, its output level is the lowest by far for any given input level. Re. transformer saturation, I have not tested its behavior at high input signal levels.
The SB-1 is a camouflaged, criminally-underappreciated monster of a DI. It’s clear as a bell, its response is wide, and its dynamics lively. It’s also a very high-gain DI, even with the pad engaged, so your sound tech will never complain about low signal levels. Of course phantom power is needed but you already knew that. My one beef with the SB-1 is that its ground lift button is inside the unit. You get to it by sticking the end of a paper clip or the tip of a mechanical pencil into the hole provided in the case. It’s almost impossible to tell which position the switch is in simply by looking at it, because the hole is too small.
Consider the context(s) in which you’ll be playing, whether the choice of DI will make any difference to the average listener. Things like well-treated small room with a Smart Person running the console and half the listeners are musicians, vs huge hellhole cavern where sound waves are bouncing all over the place, half the audience is drunk or being yelled at by spouses, and no one in there could tell the difference between a Whirlwind and an RNDI even with a legal BAC level. Outdoor shows would be another case where the SB-2’s minor weaknesses wouldn’t be at all noticeable.
Finally, make sure the feature set of each DI suits your needs.
I own an SB-1, SB-2, JDI, ProDI, passive Telefunken, passive Warm Audio, and RNDI. I would try other ones, too, but it’s already getting embarrassing.
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