Direct boxes

[SteveXFR]

For a recording project, I want to split my signal so I can record the signal direct out of my bass and route it through an amp to take a dirty signal as well. It looks like a direct box should do the job but they range from £16 for a cheap Behringer to ten times that for a fancy one. 

Considering, I don't want it to process or alter the signal in anyway, is there any advantage to using an expensive one over a Behringer?

[Steve Browning]

Nope. For your purpose it would be just the job. 

 

The DI100 is an excellent unit.

Edited 5 hours ago by Steve Browning

[vbance]

I love the Lehle p split...very handy, not cheap and I have nothing to compare against but no complaints.

 

 

Edited 5 hours ago by vbance
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[BigRedX]

No electronic device is 100% transparent, so by all means for this application start with something inexpensive and if the results are satisfactory then that's all you need.

[Ed_S]

Never had any significant problems with the DI100s deployed by techs at small venues. I've generally found DI20s to be quite noisy and/or susceptible to interference, though, which is a shame as they're handy in concept.

[BigRedX]

IME DI100s have an earthing system that can cause some instruments not to work with them, especially anything with a non-standard PSU.

[Steve Browning]

Interesting. Not experienced that but also not used one with a huge range of instruments.

[WinterMute]

You generally get what you pay for in these cases, sure the Behringer will give you a signal, but a Rupert Neve Designs will sound better.

 

I had an old BSS box for years, doing exactly what you describe, worked absolutely fine till I ran through an RND box at a mates studio, then I had to change up.

 

Remember, all a DI box does is change the impedance of your bass output to match the mic level required by whatever mic pre-amp you have available, which will have a more significant effect on your tone anyway.

 

Generally, I shy away from the likes of Behringer, and would suggest BSS, Klark Technic, Radial, Palmer etc. but if it's not going to be integral to your rig on a permanent basis, then try the cheaper ones.

[BigRedX]

45 minutes ago, Steve Browning said:

Interesting. Not experienced that but also not used one with a huge range of instruments.

 

Never worked with my Etherwave Theremin. If we plugged it into the PA and there was no signal at the desk the culprit was always the PA's DI100 box. Swapping it for the EMO DI box we carried would sort out the problem every single time. AFAICS the way that the earths of both devices were wired would cause the DI100 to effectively short the output of the Theremin. 

[Elfrasho]

I have the thomann cheapo di box. It's passive, and other than the signal being reduced slightly, I've no complaints!

[itu]

If your need is one session, loan one from a friend. Constant use, go for something good. I've had my Countryman 85 maybe 15 years, and I bought it used. It is maybe +25 years old, but sturdy, uncoloured, and works on a 9 V battery or Phantom. 

[SteveXFR]

Thanks for the replies. For £16 I may as well try the behrinnger. If there is a little noise, it'll be hidden when I add distortion and put it in a metal mix.

[Dood]

42 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

Thanks for the replies. For £16 I may as well try the behrinnger. If there is a little noise, it'll be hidden when I add distortion and put it in a metal mix.

 

I can't comment on the Behringer, but, adding distortion (which is lots and lots of gain) after a noisy source will only make the noisy source way more noticeable - think running a bass with a single coil pickup in to a dimed RAT alone or similar. Lots of noise! Try it, I'd be interested to hear how it fares, a pretty good real world test!

[SimonK]

If you are wanting to split a signal may be worth getting something with a phase switch on it. Doesn't matter so much if half the signal is going into a computer, but if you are using two amps (or more precisely mic'ing speakers) it is essential.