| Author | Message | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1287 Registered: 5-2002 |
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, <.05% @ 100Hz, +18dBu Input Connections: 1/4” TRS unbalanced, 50k Ohm Output Connection: XLR male, 600 Ohm Filter Type/Response: Switchable, Low Pass, -3dB @ 30kHz Input Attenuation: Switchable, (0dB, -20dB, -40dB) Output Phase: Switchable, Normal/Invert Ground Lift: Switchable, fully isolates inputs from chassis and output. Does anyone have an opinion as to the suitability of this unit? Is there any reason to consider an active DI? Other units have an output impedence of 150 ohms and an input impedence of 20k ohms; is this an issue? | ||
| wayne
Intermediate Member Username: wayne Post Number: 118 Registered: 5-2002 |
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 | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 1292 Registered: 5-2002 |
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
Intermediate Member Username: gare Post Number: 135 Registered: 11-2003 |
Any luck on this yet Dave ? Interested in hearing more about DI's. I liked the U5..but then its $595. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 1310 Registered: 5-2002 |
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
New Username: sscastro Post Number: 4 Registered: 2-2005 |
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. |
