New dbx Direct Boxes

kirkm24

kirkm24

Jan 1, 2007
2,331
51
4,626
Columbus, Ohio
#1
Has anyone tried or heard any reviews on the new dbx direct boxes? They have a passive version and an active version. I was just curious how they compare to high end DI's such as Countryman and Radial. They are priced relatively low at $100 (for the passive) and $130 for the active model. The active model only runs on phantom power there are no other power options for it. I was just wondering if the active would be worth the extra amount or if the passive would be fine for recording and live sound purposes. The phantom only power is a concern because not all boards have phantom power available. Please provide your thoughts and if you've tried it; a mini review. I would assume these are really nice seeing how everything dbx makes is excellent especially their compressors. I am very interested in these and if they perform as well as Radial and Countryman at a lower price, it would be worth taking the plunge on one.
 
#2
The new DBX DIs are extremely nice. I've tried both and found the passive DI fits better for my bass needs.

Disclaimer: My buddy is the Southeastern Rep for DBX, Crown, QSC, and a few other big name audio companies. He let me borrow his demo DBX active and passive di's.

The passive works fantastic on bass. Easily as good if not better than a Countryman Type 85 or Radial JDI. I like it better than the Radial Pro DI and just as much as a Countryman. Save your money and buy the passive DBX. If you are using keyboards or something like running loops/programs off of a laptop in a live situation then I'd buy the ACTIVE DI...otherwise the passive works fantastic on bass and acoutic guitars. Everything is there...the DI is pristine clean...just enough warmth...but these DI's are very "color-less"...just like a good 'ole passive DI is meant to be.

Only negative...the size of the DBX DI is about 1 and 1/2 times the size of a Countryman or Radial. Could be a deal breaker for some people. Not for me...but some people like the smaller size. That being said...they are built like tanks and are tested to be "water resistant".

Buy It! You'll love 'em!
 
#3
stingray56funk said:
The new DBX DIs are extremely nice. I've tried both and found the passive DI fits better for my bass needs.

Disclaimer: My buddy is the Southeastern Rep for DBX, Crown, QSC, and a few other big name audio companies. He let me borrow his demo DBX active and passive di's.

The passive works fantastic on bass. Easily as good if not better than a Countryman Type 85 or Radial JDI. I like it better than the Radial Pro DI and just as much as a Countryman. Save your money and buy the passive DBX. If you are using keyboards or something like running loops/programs off of a laptop in a live situation then I'd buy the ACTIVE DI...otherwise the passive works fantastic on bass and acoutic guitars. Everything is there...the DI is pristine clean...just enough warmth...but these DI's are very "color-less"...just like a good 'ole passive DI is meant to be.

Only negative...the size of the DBX DI is about 1 and 1/2 times the size of a Countryman or Radial. Could be a deal breaker for some people. Not for me...but some people like the smaller size. That being said...they are built like tanks and are tested to be "water resistant".

Buy It! You'll love 'em!
Click to expand...


Do they have speaker thru's for putting them between head and cab?
 
#4
apparently it has a 3-setting Pad, for Line, Instrument or Speaker. So between amp and cab shouldnt be a problem i assume.

i've been looking for a decent passive DI for the end of my pedalboard, as i have the Tech21 VTbass at the front and my effects inbetween. im a DI n00b, so is there a great deal of difference between this and, say, a £25 behringer DI (apart from construction issues)? i just need a DI, pure and simple, i like the idea of it being transparent as my VTBass has got all the tone and warmth i need. This is looking very promising, it has a name i can trust and seems solid enough to not worry about it falling to bits after a few gigs, but money is an issue, and most venues ive played gigs at (in the UK) have their own DIs for band use, although im now playing more parties and 'unofficial' gigs (house parties, art exhibitions ect)
is this worth the almost 3x price of a budget DI (that i see at alot of venues)?

thanks
Theo
 
#5
DosiYanarchy said:
apparently it has a 3-setting Pad, for Line, Instrument or Speaker. So between amp and cab shouldnt be a problem i assume.

i've been looking for a decent passive DI for the end of my pedalboard, as i have the Tech21 VTbass at the front and my effects inbetween. im a DI n00b, so is there a great deal of difference between this and, say, a £25 behringer DI (apart from construction issues)? i just need a DI, pure and simple, i like the idea of it being transparent as my VTBass has got all the tone and warmth i need. This is looking very promising, it has a name i can trust and seems solid enough to not worry about it falling to bits after a few gigs, but money is an issue, and most venues ive played gigs at (in the UK) have their own DIs for band use, although im now playing more parties and 'unofficial' gigs (house parties, art exhibitions ect)
is this worth the almost 3x price of a budget DI (that i see at alot of venues)?

thanks
Theo
Click to expand...

Definitely worth the 3x price tag in my book. A good DI sounds clean and clear, takes any signal and handles it properly, doesn't break down on you, and lasts for years and years. The DBX certainly is made well and can be tossed around for years to come with no worries. I don't think I'd do it with the Behringer...plus the DBX is going to sound better. Guaranteed!
 
#7
Thanks for input. Before I had read your guys's responses, I went out and bought a db12. I just ordered a db10 to try out. If a db10 works out for my needs that would be great because I have played places and been in studios that didn't have phantom power and that is the only way the db12 can be powered. The db10 is only $79.95 at American Musical and there is an eBay dealer selling them for $75 brand new w/ free shipping but you can't get the free road case offer through him. If you buy one now through 12/31, you can send away for a free road case for it. I sent away for mine in August for my db12 and still haven't received it... :meh:
 
#9
bryan stoke said:
Hi guys need some help i bought a second hand dbx active di and ita not working the poer light is not on im not sure whats goong on.cheers
Click to expand...
Those need to have phantom power applied from the mixer input they are connected to.

If you have the mixers phantom power applied, try another xlr cable. Depending on the model of mixer some do not
provide a full 48 volts, that could also be an issue.
 
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