School me in High end DI/Instrument input

[abt]

I recently used a Phoenix Audio DRS-8 for guitar DI and it sounded great. It was rich and smooth, it sounded darker but in a good way. All the pick attack scratchiness seemed smoother and better but there was still plenty of high end content.

Is this the secret ingredient I've been missing?

Who's using really high end gear for their guitar DI? What do you have and was it worth it? In the past I've used an API A2D but it was a lot more subtle.

I'm looking at these, particularly the Nice DI as my local has one on sale.

http://www.phoenixaudio.net/products/nice-di/
http://www.phoenixaudio.net/products/drs-1r/
http://rupertneve.com/products/portico-5017-mobile-diprecomp/
http://rupertneve.com/products/portico-517-500-series-diprecomp/

They're a big investment but it's pretty much the crux of my entire sound, just trying to gauge if it's worth it.

I don't currently own any 500 series cases so I'd have to spend more money there.

 

[abt]

No one?

 

[Fox Mulder]

The pick attack scratchiness, ime lies around 900hz to 1200hz on the DI and I've had great results notching them out for some of my stuff.

Would be kind enough to post a clip or two of your DIs?

 

[abt]

I might upload some DIs later (I cant right now). It's more than just the pick attack, there seems to be more low end content and just overall better fuller sound.

 

[Drummerrrrr?]

I've never been able to get rid of that scratchy-ness! Especially if you want a djenty tone, they seem to occupy the exact same bands.

 

[Machinated]

there's a variety of DI's, active/passive and with/without transformer's.

many of the more expensive ones usually have better transformers, the tone can vary lots and if possible its best to test out as many as you can for any given project.

 

[abt]

I agree with you 100% but testing out lots of devices in Australia is difficult as almost no one keeps stock of anything.

 

[abt]

I think my post is probably a bit misleading (I've been misleading myself) what I'm probably looking for is preamp color, not a particular DI.

 

[7string]

In Australia, maybe check these guys. Looks like kits or completed units.

http://www.jlmaudio.com/shop/