tube direct boxes, which one is good

I have the Ag and it is good, but for the money ($399), you can get a good used tube preamp like the Demeter or Alembic that have good DI's. Or you can get a Countryman--they're not tube but they sound great and they are relatively cheap and built like tanks.
Also, the Ag uses AC power, so you'll have to be situated near an available outlet. Its main strength is that it sounds good with all kinds of instruments. There's a DI review in a recent issue of one of those recording magazines--EQ or Mix or something.

 

PS- For some reason, this statement gave me a chuckle....

 

I'd like to put in a good word for everyone's favorite black box: The Sansamp Bass Driver DI. Even though I would love to score one of those Aggie tube DI's $399 is a lot of money to spend on something you will only use on a limited basis. The BDDI is a cost effective alternative IMHO and they sound great.

 

Yeah, I've had three SansAmp Bass Driver DI's--since they consistently sell for around $125 used, it's the first thing I sell when I need quick cash, because I know I'll be able to find another one for the same price when I have money again. I also had the RBI rack mount version and that thing was cool too.

How often you use the Ag depends on what you're doing. I'd say that its main advantage is its capability to add warmth to all kinds of instruments--bass, guitars (acoustic and electric), keyboards, whatever.

To the dUdE who started this thread, I wouldn't recommend the Ag for live playing, because when your band's loud, and going through a PA of questionable quality, much of the Aguilar's tonal nuances will be lost. You're better off with a Countryman DI--cheap, sounds good, built like a tank, and zero maintenance. I'm slightly confused because you asked for people's suggestions when you seem to already know that you want the Ag. If so, then go for it. I got mine from eBay for about $225!

 

Avalon.

 

Damn straight.

 

Why ask about which tube direct box is good, if you have already decided to get the Aguilar?

 

49$!

 

ridge farm gas cooker dual DI - fantastic piece of equipment (esp. if you only pay £99 for one

 

Huh? I never said get an new amp! Oh well, does your head have a built in DI? Use that then. Anyways, the clubs you are playing probably use a Countryman or something of equal quality. If you are willing to spend $400 then go ahead but the Aggie would be your best bet if you do a lot of studio work. I'd be nervous about it growing legs in a club!

Take FunkyC's advise...he knows what he's talking about.

 

Okay, I found it. In a recent issue of Electronic Musician magazine is a rundown of many tube DI's. It looks like the originator of this thread has dropped out for awhile, but if you want to read what other people think about gear, there it is.

 

Avalon U/5. Class A circut and a massive transformer.

 

This was already voted twice above. I'll add to that. This makes 4

 

5.

 

Check out the DI shootout in Mix.

Also here:
http://industryclick.com/magazinear...aseid=9554&magazinearticleid=132822&siteid=15