Still confused about which DI...

[Evil Undead]

Yeah, still.

I'm going to start going to open mic nights soon, and am told that the bass players usually go through their own DI into the PA, to save space.

I use an active bass, and won't have an amp with me.

I've read that active basses usually need a passive DI, but, I'd like some tone shaping options. Could I use an active DI with an active bass? I've seen the Sansamp BDDI, MXR M80, Aguilar ToneHammer... Any of those any good for my situation?

I don't have much money - max $100 ish.

Thanks in advance

 

[bongomania]

Active basses don't need a passive DI. That idea comes from something similar but not the same: an active bass can go through a passive DI without losing any high end, while a passive bass may lose some high end with a passive DI. So it can be said that a passive DI "needs" an active bass. That's an oversimplification though, not always true.

 

[jokerdean]

If you want a great DI with tone shaping and solid build at an affordable price I would go with the mark bass super booster.
Great pedal

 

[bassbrad]

Zoom B2.1u and B3 have very good line level DI outputs and many amp models to choose from.

 

[FretNoMore]

Active basses don't need a passive DI. That idea comes from something similar but not the same: an active bass can go through a passive DI without losing any high end, while a passive bass may lose some high end with a passive DI. So it can be said that a passive DI "needs" an active bass. That's an oversimplification though, not always true.

Wouldn't also active vs passive DI be kind of irrelevant if you have a (buffered) pedal inbetween your bass and the DI?

 

[bongomania]

Wouldn't also active vs passive DI be kind of irrelevant if you have a (buffered) pedal inbetween your bass and the DI?

Yes because the main point of "active" is it has a buffer. So add a buffer to a passive, same thing more or less.

 

[Downunderwonder]

If you're DI'ing to save space I'm betting the mixer is on the stage, so you don't need DI, only tone shaping. Further on the lack of space theme, I'd take a cab and forgo PA, put it stageside.

 

[cheapbasslovin]

Any DI will work well enough for an open mic. The only way it won't is if it is a faulty unit or not designed for the purpose (I've had some bad-ish experiences with acoustic DIs and active basses/ buffered signals).

If you can take your bass to a store that would be an excellent way be sure the unit is compatible with your bass.

 

[gregmon79]

Yeah, still.

I'm going to start going to open mic nights soon, and am told that the bass players usually go through their own DI into the PA, to save space.

I use an active bass, and won't have an amp with me.

I've read that active basses usually need a passive DI, but, I'd like some tone shaping options. Could I use an active DI with an active bass? I've seen the Sansamp BDDI, MXR M80, Aguilar ToneHammer... Any of those any good for my situation?

I don't have much money - max $100 ish.

Thanks in advance

I would def shop used here on TB or elsewhere. It may be hard to find one of the pedals you mentioned for only $100, but it happens. They sometimes go used here around that price range but usually around $150. The MXR however usually goes for that used I believe. The BDDI has a great DI on it for what youre looking for. Havent worked with the others.

 

[Eublet]

I've owned a lot of DI's and the Tone Hammer is the winner for me. It's a pristine flat DI when off, has the signature Aguilar tone and shaping controls when on, and has an AGS circuit for dialing up vintage tone with or without overdrive. Sweepable mids, rock solid casing, incredible support from Aguilar. What's not to love?