Hi folks, We've been busy researching DI boxes to help you figure out what you need to make
your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
Links to all the products in the review are in the description box below, where you'll
find current pricing for your region wherever possible.
Now before I move on, we'd love to hear what DI box you're using right now and what you
think of it.
Let us know in the comments!
Okay, let's get into it!
Here are the top five best DI boxes.
The fifth product on our list is the Radial Pro DI.
The Radial Pro DI is a passive direct box that is best for your high impedance instruments.
It can handle high output instruments with minimal distortion.
The I-beam design keeps the Pro DI compact while the electrical components are top notch.
The transformer isolated output makes sure that unwanted noise is eliminated from ground
loops.
The body is metal and designed to withstand live gigs and road use.
It also has an internal MuMETAL shield.
This protects against electromagnetic fields that could create distortion.
Radial’s integrated custom transformer is at the heart of the Pro DI.
This helps match your instrument's signal with the balanced 600 ohm XLR output.
On the side of the box, there is a left input and a right pass-thru which allows you to
split it with an amplifier or track it.
As the Radial Pro DI is a passive direct box, it is perfect for guitar players.
The fourth product on our list is Whirlwind’s IMP 2.
Whirlwind's IMP 2 is a passive DI box with an intuitive setup.
It has a compact body that makes it easy to bring to gigs and it's an affordable bit of
kit.
The full metal body can handle most environments and ensures that the circuits are safe.
It has two quarter-inch input and output jacks which help turn unbalanced signals into balanced
signals for live shows.
There's also an XLR output that connects to recording software.
Humming and buzzing noises in your sound isn't an issue with the IMP 2.
It has a ground lift switch that prevents electromagnetic interference.
It features Whirlwind's TRHL transformer, which effectively converts high impedance
signals to low impedance.
Over all, the Whirlwind IMP 2 is a great option for beginners who are looking for a passive
DI box.
The third product on our list is the Fishman Platinum Pro.
The Fishman Platinum Pro is an active preamp with some great EQ functions.
It's powered by a 9 volt battery or a 910R power adapter.
It packs a lot of features into its 6-inch or 153-millimeter body.
There is a single jack input with a side mounted input trim control that lets you adjust your
sound to its optimum level.
You can see these levels on the LED input screen next to the volume control knob.
Another interesting feature is the guitar or bass switch.
This customizes the frequency to suit either of the two.
A handy tool if you switch between instruments often.
The Fishman Platinum Pro has a built-in tuner with four instrument modes.
You can control this using the left footswitch.
The right footswitch controls the level boost which you can preset from 3 to 12 decibels.
The Fishman Platinum Pro offers a wide array of features for the musician who likes to
switch things up, including built-in compression, an ideal feature for adding body and presence
to acoustic guitar.
It's a great investment if you're looking for a durable active DI box.
The second product on our list is the SansAmp Bass Driver DI.
The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Preamp Pedal is an analog circuit with great bass
effects.
It can replicate tube tone and add overdrive to color your sound in a really pleasant way.
You can also adjust the treble, bass and presence settings to suit your needs.
On the bottom of the box you’ll find the quarter-inch jack input and XLR output.
This lets you route your signal to an amp.
The SansAmp DI is versatile and allows you to cut or boost your frequency with the bass
and treble knobs.
You can also balance the speaker emulation using the dedicated Blend knob.
As for power options you can use phantom power with a standard 9-volt battery or ground connect.
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI is a great buy for musicians who are looking for a compact
but feature-packed DI box.
The build is durable and the setup is straightforward with a wide range of customizable features.
This is a DI box that will work for beginners and pros alike.
The first product on our list is the LR Baggs Venue DI effects Pedal.
The LR Baggs Venue DI effects pedal is tailor made for acoustic guitar players.
This device functions as a DI box and preamp with features packed to the brim.
There's versatile adjustable gain for both active and passive pickups.
Along with tone shaping which you can use to refine the sound of your instrument.
There are 5 adjustable setting knobs with bass, treble and presence, as well as sweepable
high and low mid frequencies.
The full chromatic tuner is accessible using the right footswitch, which also doubles as
a mute switch.
For quick adjustments while performing you can use the volume boost footswitch.
This allows you to have your rhythm at one level and then boost your signal for solos.
You have the option to power the Baggs Venue pedal with a 9-volt battery or DC adapter.
The build of this device looks very solid and the design is snazzy.
The features are sure to give you more than enough flexibility with your sound while still
functioning as a great active DI box.
The LR Baggs Venue DI effects pedal is the perfect companion for acoustic musicians.
And there you have it folks, the five DI boxes that got us excited this year.
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If you would like to see some more reviews from our team here at Gear Music Tech, here
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Bye for now.