More common that you think, see A designs REDDI. Same clean signal you expect from any DI box but with more harmonic content, additionally they almost always have a gain stage to push a hotter signal if you want to.
This one specifically has a huge transformer in it as well which helps with the quality of sound.
Live I wouldn't recommend it, too subtle, too big and too heavy of a box but in the studio it's that extra piece of magic.
I primarily run IEM's so between the bass and a good quality DI there isn't really a lot else in my chain for me to spend money on. 😎
Additionally, now with foamed out Peli case.