Author Topic: DI boxes (Read 141 times)

David Houck · « **on:** January 31, 2005, 07:39:10 AM »

I'm considering purchasing a direct box for my rack. It would be placed in the signal chain right before the power amp. I'm looking at the Art Z Direct; this is a passive unit. Here are the specs:

Frequency Response: 10Hz ?50kHz, +/-.5dB @ +4dBu
THD: .01% Typical @ 1kHz, +18dBu,

wayne · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2005, 08:07:50 PM »

Dave-

Not that I fully understand the technical specs, but this looks in line with others that I've seen.

I've not played through the Art Z, but I did a side-by-side-by-side-by-side comparison of my F1-X (pre-EQ), the Radial JDI (passive), the Radial J48 (active), and a Raven Labs DI. The winner was the F1-X. A very close second was the Radial JDI. Distant third was the J48 and then the Raven Labs. All were better than the standard DI's you typically see. I've also played through Rolls, Horizon, Behringer, and Whirlwind. They're nothing to write home about.

I have played through an Avalon U5 and was not impressed with the sound. It was too, ummm, sweet for my taste.

If you're looking to spend a bit of money on a really good DI (in excess of $200), take a look at the Little Labs Multi-Z. I've been told it's what Jimmy Johnson uses. The Grace Labs gear also gets high marks from what I've read.

Good luck finding the right one for you.

C-Ya.........wayne

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2005, 08:28:36 PM »

Thanks Wayne! No I wasn't really wanting to spend a bit of money on this. The ART Z is pretty inexpensive. This is a subject I know practically nothing about. And your response suggests to me that maybe I need a little education.

gare · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2005, 10:12:38 AM »

Any luck on this yet Dave ? Interested in hearing more about DI's.
I liked the U5..but then its $595.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2005, 05:41:59 AM »

Gare; I'm leaning heavily toward the ART Z. It's very inexpensive, and I may be setting myself up for a lesson in you get what you pay for. I haven't pulled the trigger yet. My new band is going to record some demo stuff tomorrow to take around to local clubs; but we'll just mic the cab for that. Otherwise, there is not at the moment a pressing need. Still, I'll probably go ahead and order one pretty soon.

sscastro · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2005, 10:43:50 AM »

Hi
I am not a pro bass player anymore, but on a recent production we had great results with the active valve DI frm Summit Audio, the TD100. A great feature is the hability of fine adjusting the input impedance. It's not cheap, but I believe you will be able to find it for around $400 or less.