The best DI box for bass

[georgestrings]

I use Radial J48s for the bass and guitar in my acoustic trio. I'd say you can't go wrong with the J48, JDI, or Countryman Type 85. I really don't think there's any need to drop $500+ on a U5 or REDDI, although they are superb. If you want some tone control, I'd recommend the SansAmp ParaDriver DI over the Bass Driver DI because the PDDI has a semi-parametric mid control that comes in mighty handy.

Agreed - I like my Countryman, but don't mind using any of the above... I also prefer the Para for it's mid controls...


- georgestrings

 

[robbotbass]

Sans Amp Para Driver DI or BDDI

 

[BassinCT]

One of my favorites is the Demeter mono tube DI, In the studio , it made my EMG-loaded modulus sound like buttah without any eq adjustment.

From the chatter about the A designs Reddi, it seems that it ads a bit more color than the Demeter. Radial also just came out with a tube DI that I have not tried called the firefly. If you need a lot of output options and eq, the Radial Bassbone is worth a look- otherwise the previous suggestions will all get the job done, you will just need to narrow your needed feature set, then decide on either neutral or tubey, etc.
R

 

[5stringwonder]

What he said!

Have used both the BassBone and the JDI. Like both, for different reasons. JDI has the industry-standard Jensen transformer. BassBone does a lot more that just DI -- makes a great switch if you use two very different basses.

dcr

Totally agree. Used the Bassbone for a number of year until I sold it off. Still regret selling it. Now use the JDI.

 

[DJJazzV]

I'm using the Ampeg SVT Tube DI box at this time. The coolest feature is the ability to engage or disengage the tube for the DI and Line Out separately. It also works passive.
For the original post, I also like the Aguilar Tone Hammer DI.

 

[ejmy]

For the same price of a Radial DI, I bought an Eden WTDI. You get a preamp and a compressor as a bonus and the DI out is noiseless.

 

[Calaverasgrande]

the countryman type 85 is a great DI, very clear sounding. Standard for decades.
The Radial DI's made their name by not only sounding excellent but also being swiss army knife DI boxes with every contingency provided for in some fashion or another.
The Whirlwind director is a good lower budget passive DI, though not as good as the aforementioned.

 

[Interceptor]

I used a MXR M-80 just today in studio.

It worked very well. I fooled around with the thing some, as we were in no hurry. The straight DI sounded the same as the DI in my Thunderfunk. The tone controls are a cool add to a DI, and the centers are well chosen.

The distortion is usable for adding a touch of body to a track.

 

[fusoid]

These are well regarded in studio circles:

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[Rockprocess]

tried many but like REDDI best

 

[chadds]

The 85 is great for bass and acoustic guitars. This may not be a universal truth but I heard this and have experienced it. When going direct from an instrument, passive instruments sound better with active DIs and active instruments sound better with passive DIs. Again YMMV!

I liked the Demeter DI.
But faves are the 85, Summit TD-100. The Summit spans the DI/pre divide. Everything else I like is fully a pre. Kern, Glock and Monique. The Monique is pinnacle.

Oh yeah! Almost forgot! The Monique line driver is pretty amazing. AC powered and completely simple. Very hi-end components.

 

[wvbass]

I own and use a JDI. Truth be told, though, in a live setting, nobody can tell the difference between it and my cheap Whirlwind Imp. Or the Rapco stuff the local sound companies tend to use for that matter, although I have seen them land in the "broken" pile, and I'm not sure it is possible to damage a Radial or a Countryman.

In the studio, the engineer I've been working with likes the DI on my RH750 better than the tube DIs some of the other guys that he works with use. Say what you will about the power section of the RH750, the direct out commands instant respect in the studio because of the TC name and backs it up with a great, flexible tonal palette.

I have also found there to be some magic in old SWR combos. The Super Redhead and the Baby Blue have great tube DIs for studio use.

 

[Musical_musings]

This Sundays set-up for me going direct into the desk that I happen to be controlling as well as playing bass! Using the Hartke bass attack as DI. The cab on the left is only being used as a stand for the mixing desk!

 

[chadds]

I forgot the BBII.
It's DI is excellent. With the "more me" function you can give yourself a private headphone mix of your whole band or tracks with you as loud as you want soley under your control.

 

[domestique]

Anyone using a VT Bass Deluxe as their DI?

 

[dponbass]

I'm using the Ampeg SVT Tube DI box at this time. The coolest feature is the ability to engage or disengage the tube for the DI and Line Out separately. It also works passive.
For the original post, I also like the Aguilar Tone Hammer DI.

I am also a big fan of the SVT DI, it just sounds good in all the right spots for me.

 

[singlemalt]

Mxr M80 di+. The phantom power option is great.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I used a MXR M-80 just today in studio.

It worked very well. I fooled around with the thing some, as we were in no hurry. The straight DI sounded the same as the DI in my Thunderfunk. The tone controls are a cool add to a DI, and the centers are well chosen.

Thunderfunk is in the process of releasing a stand alone DI.


















Thunderfunk endorser.

 

[Staccato]

Sansamp Bass Driver DI (Gen. 1)

 

[riotriot]

I'm using a custom made DI. It's like a Hughes & Kettner Redbox, but this one has a Ampeg 8x10 voicing. I plug it between the amp and cab. Work wonderful!