Which DI-box should I get?

[TheStoryteller]

I know this has been discussed several times and I tried to search for it, but no matter what keywords I used, I got this:

The following errors occurred with your search:
1. Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

I have a pretty good DI right now (Line Audio Design ADIB), but unfortunately the output is a little to hot for my Mindprint pre, and it doesn't have a pad. So I guess I need a new one.

What I need: an active box with split/through function, ground lift, possibly a -10dB pad or so (but that's probably not necessary).

Suggestions?

Temporary solution right now: Guitar -> ADIB DI-box -> TLA 5050 preamp [line out] -> [line in] Mindprint DI-port [S/PDIF out] -> soundcard. I'd rather go straight from the DI-box to the Mindprint.

 

[KeithRT99]

you could buy an inline pad and save money. Shure makes them.

 

[jangoux]

Or you could build a pad yourself. Prodigy-pro's forum has some design ideas...seems pretty easy :Smug:

 

[fistula]

hey man - oz advice is really good - i bought Radial J48 - it's fuckin great

so clear... dont have a words - also it has -15dB pad - really helps for my active guitar pickups

it costs bout 200$(179 or something like that) but it worth any dollar of it!

 

[noarin]

i use the bss-ar133 DI.. also pretty clear!

 

[DivisionByZero]

I heard good things about the Samson S-Direct. I don't own one by myself (but planning to).

 

[SickBoy]

hey man - oz advice is really good - i bought Radial J48 - it's fuckin great

AFAIK, that box can be used for reamping as well... Or was it some other Radial's DI?

 

[sparkyness]

The J48's an active DI, so it can't be used for reamping.....I think it's the Radial JDI which is a passive unit which can be used in reverse for reamp purposes.

I own a J48 and very happy with it. I have both active and passes guitars and basses and use/need the pad switch accordingly.

 

[abyssofdreams]

I heard good things about the Samson S-Direct. I don't own one by myself (but planning to).

Just bought one, couldn't find any reviews online though...
Bought it 'cause it's got a lil higher input than the ART XDirect active DI (which is good for its price also...)

 

[Jarkko Mattheiszen]

I heard good things about the Samson S-Direct. I don't own one by myself (but planning to).

I've used the S-Direct Plus (it's our organization's, but I get to use all our gear pretty much like they were mine ), and it did it's job just fine. Couldn't hear much difference to the instrument inputs on my Firepod, though, so i didn't fiddle with it that much.

 

[Polpotkin]

I have the samson S-direct. it works just fine...

 

[abyssofdreams]

umm, just got my Samson S-Direct but for whatever reason
I don't see a higher input achieved? Don't hear a difference at all.

Stupid question: Is it necessary to use the XLR output cable to the interface?
Or can I go by the 1/4" output/link? Or is the signal bypassed then?

It's guitar -> samson DI -> Maxon OD 808 -> Audiophile 2496 -> Revalver

 

[t-rave]

The Behringer Ultra- G is a low priced excellent sounding unit. It has the db pad switch , ground lift and a pretty great sounding cab emulation. It costs around $35, built like a tank and worth every penny...don't slight it because it's behringer....

 

[everybody's x]

why do you need an active?

 

[Noumenon]

umm, just got my Samson S-Direct but for whatever reason
I don't see a higher input achieved? Don't hear a difference at all.

Stupid question: Is it necessary to use the XLR output cable to the interface?
Or can I go by the 1/4" output/link? Or is the signal bypassed then?

It's guitar -> samson DI -> Maxon OD 808 -> Audiophile 2496 -> Revalver

the XLR out is the converted signal, the tr out is just a copy of the input, to be sent to an amp input etc.

you should have it guitar -> maxon -> samson (xlr out) -> preamp -> audiophile

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Whirlwind director deluxe direct box.

It has the fallowing:

Instrument/amp switch
Flat/Filter switch
Ground lift switch
Hi Z out
Low Z out
Hi Z in

I used to run a bass through one when I played bass for a church a few years ago, very clean for the price.

 

[deanbailey]

AFAIK, that box can be used for reamping as well... Or was it some other Radial's DI?

In the X-amp manual (FAQ section):
"I heard that the Radial JDI can be used backwards as a re-amping device?

Yes this is true. The Radial JDI, when driven 'backwards', will also reverse the impedance from low-Z to hi-Z and allow a padded down line level to drive the amp at a 10k-ohm level. The difference however is akin (i think they mean asking) to comparing a passive direct box to an active direct box or like comparing a dynamic mic to a condenser. Active boxes tend to have more 'reach' or better high frequency transfer of upper harmonic detail."

I feel dumb for typing all that out..

 

[everybody's x]

"akin" means "related to" or "similar"

I use a passive radial for reamping

 

[aramism]

how important is it to match DI and pickups. in other words passive vs active

 

[C_F_H_13]

I have the active Radial, and a countryman, and some random Redco Passive...

While I can't comment on pickup matching or anything....The radial gets the most use, but for some reason I love my countryman on EMGs....maybe I'm kidding myself that it sounds better hahaha