DI boxes are a crucial piece of equipment in the studio. No matter how great your instruments or other sound sources are, their quality depends on your signal quality. The best DI box will ensure your preamp or interface receives a clean signal. This includes a direct recording signal for electric guitar or bass that can be used for VST plugins or reamping.
Best Active DI Box | Best Active DI Box Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 98 | 300+ |
Budget Active DI Box | Budget Active DI Box Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 400+ |
Active DI Box - Stereo | Active DI Box - Stereo Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 97 | 50+ |
Best Passive DI Box - Mono | Best Passive DI Box - Mono Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 97 | 325+ |
Best Passive DI Box - Stereo | Best Passive DI Box - Stereo Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 96 | 775+ |
Budget Passive DI Box | Budget Passive DI Box Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 94 | 375+ |
Best Reamp Box | Best Reamp Box Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 100+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Reamping is a process that involves taking a D.I. signal from your computer and feeding it back into an amplifier using a Reamp Box. If you were to go straight from your audio interface, the signal wouldn’t hit the amplifier’s front end like an instrument would. To ensure that the amplifier reacts to the signal appropriately, you need to convert the signal back into one that an amp can understand. This is where a Reamp box comes in handy.
We’ve retained the Reamp Box section from the previous editions since there is still some confusion in forums and reviews. Some people mistakenly purchase regular DI boxes for reamping and vice versa. We want to assist you in making the right purchasing decision. You can read about the differences in the “Things to Consider” section, which will help you find the best DI boxes.
Some may still wonder what a D.I. box is for before diving into our best DI box guide. If you’re new to audio engineering and need a little introduction before purchasing a DI Box (also called Direct Input Box), we’ve got you covered. You can find a primer on what a D.I. Box is and why you might need one (or several) for your studio by clicking here.
Best Active DI Box – Mono
Active DI boxes first came to the scene to better capture the sound of bass guitars, especially since older models had weak, passive single-coil pickups. These days, the best DI box for bass is still an active DI, but active DI boxes are also being widely used with electric guitars. They are generally considered to provide better sound quality due to their higher headroom and extra features. For this reason, they are often seen as the best DI box for guitar, particularly for electric guitars in general.
Rupert Neve Designs RNDI
This DI box is excellent for adding harmonic richness to your recordings but may not suit those looking for complete transparency.
Pros:
- Adds harmonic depth to D.I. Tracks
- Top-Tier build quality
- High quality components
- Might be too colored for those seeking transparency
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Starting in the 1970s, Neve and their preamps and consoles have remained prominent in recording equipment. Not surprisingly, their Direct Box ranks high due to its impressive Gearank Rating, including many experts’ recommendations.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Neve Direct Box is its high quality. The enclosure, jacks, and switches all feel solidly built and made to last. What sets this unit apart is not necessarily its straightforward DI box functionality but rather its amplifier section. It features the same Class-A discrete FET amplifier found on popular Neve consoles.
Because of its design, the RNDI subtly adds harmonics to the signal. This doesn’t come as a perceptible shift in EQ but rather as more “depth” thanks to the harmonic content. It’s an excellent choice for adding critical tonal elements concerning depth and richness, and the RNDI imparts “preamp-like” characteristics to your sound. Recording multiple tracks with it can help blend instruments in the mix thanks to the similar harmonic content.
However, the RNDI isn’t exactly the most transparent. While having more depth from the get-go helps the mix down the line, you might need something else. A warmer and bigger sound is harder to achieve in the mix, and the RNDI provides that upfront.
I highly recommend the Rupert Neve RNDI for bass guitars and electric guitars, but it can also work well with any instrument. It is easily one of the best bass DI box options available. If you want to add more juice to your recordings or even your FOH sound, then the RNDI is highly recommended as one of the best DI boxes on the market.
- 48V phantom power supply
- Ground Lift switch for both speaker and instruments
- 1/4″ Input and Thru-put jacks, gold-plated XLR output
- Steel chassis
- Weight: 1.5lbs
Best Budget Active DI Box
Samson MDA1
A solid budget-friendly choice, the MDA1 delivers great low-frequency detail for bass recordings, though the jacks may need occasional maintenance.
Pros:
- Amazingly solid enclosure for a budget di box
- Great low-frequency extension
- Can be powered by Phantom Power
- Jacks feel less than stellar and may need regular cleaning
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The Samson MDA1 is a straightforward active direct box that runs on either 48v phantom power or a 9v battery. It can reproduce frequencies as low as 18 Hz, making it an excellent choice for a bass player to record bass DI tracks. The solid metal enclosure ensures that it will last for a long time. The MDA1 is built to be sturdy and can endure several years of use. It can preserve deep subfrequencies with good detail without being too overwhelming. The relaxed low-frequency roll-off is essential for tweaking the bass signal, providing clarity without sacrificing the depth of low-end sounds.
However, despite the solid enclosure, the jacks are something to watch out for. They are often the first to fail (although on the MDA1, it is expected that this will take years). Fortunately, they can be easily serviced or replaced by a technician.
If you’re looking for an active DI box that can easily reproduce sub-low frequencies and is built to last, the Samson MDA1 is a great budget option. Another excellent and affordable DI box is the Behringer Ultra DI di400p, which also provides reliable performance at a reasonable price. Both are solid choices if you’re in need of a durable, high-quality DI box for bass or other low-frequency instruments.
- In: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), Out: 1 x 1/4″ (thru), 1 x XLR (balanced out)
- Powered by 48V Phantom Power / 9V battery
- Metal enclosure
- -15dB pad and ground lift
Best Active DI Box – Stereo
Active Stereo DI Boxes add life to backing tracks and playback. These are the best direct box types to use for sources like mobile phones, laptops, or tablets. The signal from these sources may suffer a loss in quality over long cable runs from the stage to the mixer and back out the FOH or monitors.
Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-S
The RNDI-S offers unmatched phase coherence and sonic enhancements, making it worth the investment for stereo setups.
Pros:
- Tight component tolerances ensure phase coherence
- Solidly built
- Preamp-like harmonics
- On the expensive side, but understandably so
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The Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-S is a stereo version of the RNDI, also covered in this guide. For those looking for the best DI box for stereo sources, this stereo DI box is ideal. Stereo coherence is crucial for stereo DI, especially while recording keyboards, bass guitars, loops, effects, and samples. When the signal is stereo-matched, phase cancellation and comb filtering are reduced. The better the phase coherence between channels, the better stereo tracks fit into the mix, making this one of the best direct boxes for stereo recording.
Although this stereo DI box is one of the more expensive options on our list, many users have praised the RNDI-S for its sonic enhancements, phase coherence, and build quality. The only downside is its price, which may put it out of reach for budget-minded project studios. However, if you’re looking for a direct input box that delivers professional-quality sound, this may still be one of the best DI boxes available.
If you want to upgrade your already stacked studio, and want a stereo direct box, the RNDI-S may be the slight improvement your workflow and signal chain needs. Whether you’re working with bass guitars, electric guitars, or other stereo sources, this DI box ensures your signal remains clear and balanced, making it a top contender for those seeking the best DI box for their studio setup.
- 48-Volt phantom powered direct box
- High rail voltage design to avoid clipping
- 80Hz highpass roll-off filter for reducing mud and increases headroom
- Input 1/4″, Outputs XLR, 1/4″ thru
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
Best Passive DI Box – Mono
A Passive Direct Box is the most convenient, practical, and easy-to-use solution for musicians and engineers who want to connect their instruments straight to the console. If you’re using guitars and basses with passive pickups, there might be a noticeable drop in the level. However, you can quickly fix this issue by increasing the gain on the console a bit.
Radial JDI
Renowned for its transparency and durability, the Radial JDI is a reliable choice for professionals, albeit at a higher price.
Pros:
- A truly reliable DI Box
- High quality enclosure and components
- Excellent long-term durability
- Aside from the slightly higher price compared to no-name units? None
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It’s impressive that the Radial JDI has maintained its high Gearank Rating through multiple editions of this guide since 2016. Keyboard virtuoso Chick Corea and artists like Adrian Belew use and recommend this unit, adding to its already superb credibility as one of the best DI boxes available.
The Radial JDI has no extra features; it’s simply a DI box, but it performs its primary function excellently—removing ground hum and unwanted noise while allowing your instrument or amplifier signal to reach the PA system with the cleanest and clearest sound. Being a passive DI, it works well with active pickup-equipped guitars and basses, amplifiers, and other electronic instruments, including keyboards and laptops.
Compared to other DI boxes, this unit has no significant issues, which contributes to its perennial position on our guides as one of the best DI boxes for professional use. The only downside, however, is its price, which may not be the most affordable for those on a tighter budget, but its performance justifies the cost.
The Radial JDI is more than just a great DI box; it is arguably the best all-around direct input box on the market today. Whether you’re a multi-instrumentalist trying to figure out what to get or a sound engineer handling various sound sources like electric guitar, bass guitar, or keyboards, the Radial JDI is the one to choose for top-tier performance.
- Passive mono Direct Box design with Jensen Transformers.
- -15dB input pad.
- Merge Function
- Single 1/4″ input, single XLR, and one TS Thru output
- Welded I-beam construction.
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
Best Budget Passive DI Box
Hosa DIB-443 Sidekick
The DIB-443 is a cost-effective, no-frills DI box that offers surprising durability and performance for its price.
Pros:
- Very rugged and well-built for the price
- Instrument/Line switch adds a bit of versatility
- Only has the essentials; no additional features
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When you’re looking for the best DI box that’s both affordable and dependable, it can be challenging to choose one due to the abundance of low-quality products on the market. However, the Hosa DIB-443 Sidekick stands out as a reliable, high-quality direct input option that won’t break your budget.
This DI box features an instrument/line level switch, allowing you to adjust the signal from various instruments such as bass guitars, electric guitars, or even acoustic guitars as needed. It’s a simple yet effective tool built to last and is ideal for those who want a bass DI box or guitar DI box without overspending.
For its price, there’s not much to complain about. However, if you require additional features like a ground lift switch or a pad for more flexibility, you might want to consider a higher-end option.
You don’t have to compromise on durability or quality even if you’re on a tight budget. The Hosa DIB-443 Sidekick is a sturdy, cost-effective solution, making it one of the best DI boxes in its price range for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
- Passive D.I. Box with instrument/line level switch
- Solid Steel enclosure
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Weight: 0.80 lbs
Best Passive DI Box – Stereo
Passive stereo direct boxes do not provide the same lively tonality as active DI boxes. However, they provide a soft high-frequency roll-off and hard transient suppression due to the absence of any other electrical source interfering with the signal. Most designs have achieved relative transparency without requiring external power.
Radial ProD2
The Radial ProD2 is 2-channel DI box designed for handling high output sound sources like electric guitars and keyboards. It has an incredibly transparent sound with less of the digital harshness found in clear sounding DI boxes.
Pros:
- Good stereo matching
- Transient smoothing helps manage sudden jumps in signal like slap bass
- Very tonally transparent
- None as long as properly maintained / cleaned
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Radial Engineering unquestionably dominates the market for the best DI boxes, offering solutions for nearly every scenario. The ProD2 stands out as a transparent, 2-channel DI box ideal for keyboards, electric guitars, and other high-output sound sources. It’s specifically designed to handle the extreme transients that can overload a mixing console or audio interface without losing the line level signal. This makes it one of the best DI boxes for those seeking a balance between clarity and functionality.
One of the ProD2’s standout features is its ability to maintain sound quality while smoothing out harsh transients and eliminating background noise. Unlike other direct boxes that may color the sound, the ProD2 faithfully reproduces the input while reducing unwanted digital “harshness,” making it a top choice for both studio and live settings.
When well-maintained, including regular cleaning of the contact points, the Radial ProD2 will deliver reliable performance for years. It’s this durability and commitment to signal integrity that has solidified its place among the best DI boxes. Whether you’re tracking bass guitars, acoustic guitars, or handling pro audio setups, the ProD2 remains a versatile and trustworthy stereo DI box that brings out the best in your instruments.
If you’re looking for a single channel version, then check out the Radial ProDI
- Full range passive direct box with Eclipse ET-DB2 transformers
- Very low harmonic and phase distortion
- 14-gauge steel welded I-beam construction
- -15dB pad
- Input 2 x 1/4″, Outputs 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4″ thru
- Weight: 1.95 lbs
Best Reamp Box
Reamping is a technique that is frequently used in modern recording studios. It involves taking a clean DI guitar recording and running it through a Reamp box, which converts it into a signal that can be fed into a guitar amplifier as if the music was being played directly from an instrument. This preserves the amplifier’s response and allows for the re-recording of guitar parts using different equipment, microphones, and mic placement, even if the original session musician is unavailable.
Radial Reamp JCR Studio Reamper
With how it adds musical harmonics to your sound, the Reamp JCR Studio is the best single-channel reamp box to get. It’s like adding a high end buffer and clean boost to your signal chain.
Pros:
- Adds subtle harmonics to raw D.I. for added depth
- Reamped tone similar to going through a high quality buffer
- Simple to use
- Might interact strangely with fuzz pedals
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The Radial JCR is a passive reamp box designed by John Cuniberti, the inventor of the Reamping process. It is a must-have studio tool for modern music production if you want to easily reamp studio-recorded guitars.
Compared to other reamp boxes, the JCR uses high-quality components that add musical harmonics over the original guitar tone, much like using a boutique buffer or clean boost in the signal chain. However, it may not be the best option if you’re looking for absolute transparency.
Additionally, some fuzz pedals may not respond properly to reamping, so it’s something to remember when using a pedalboard.
The JCR is the definitive single-channel reamp box that reigns supreme in its category. If you want to reamp to a stereo signal chain like reverbs and delays, then the Radial X-amp might be more for you.
- Passive design re-amping box with custom transformer
- 14-Gauge steel welded I-beam construction
- Handy ground lift switch, Phase inverter, Mute switch, Tone Control
- Input 1 x XLR, 1 x TRS, Outputs 1 x 1/4″ TS
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Things to Consider when Buying a DI Box
So, what is a DI Box for, and what does a DI Box do?
A DI box (Direct Input or Direct Injection Box) converts your instrument’s unbalanced signal (like a 1/4″ guitar cable) into a balanced XLR signal, which is better suited for connecting to mixing consoles or audio interfaces. This process reduces unwanted noise, especially over long distances, and ensures better sound quality. Whether you’re using it for a bass guitar, acoustic guitar, or electric guitar, choosing the best DI box is essential for preserving your instrument’s tone and avoiding signal loss. The details of how it does this are beyond the scope of this guide, but if you want to delve further into the topic, then look at this DI article on Wikipedia. Some DI boxes go beyond the transparency, with features that let them stack musical sound on sound, resulting in preamp like behavior that colors the sound in a good way.
Passive vs. Active DI Boxes
There are two main types of DI boxes: passive and active DI boxes. Passive DI boxes don’t require power and work well with instruments that have active pickups, like certain electric basses. On the other hand, active DI boxes need phantom power or a battery and are great for passive electric guitars or acoustic guitars. Generally, if your instrument has passive pickups, opt for an active DI box, and if it has active pickups, a passive DI box will work best.
Input/Output Ports
The best DI box will have input and output ports that are suited to your setup. Basic DI boxes have a single input and an output to your mixer or audio interface. If you’re using multiple instruments or want more flexibility, look for a DI box with extra output options, like sending the signal to an amp or monitor while simultaneously sending it to the console. If you there’s nothing else to plug-in, then just go for a simple DI box.
Ground Lift Switch
Ground loops can cause hum and interference, especially in live settings. Many DI boxes feature a ground lift switch, which helps eliminate this noise. This is a key feature in both active and passive DI boxes and is essential for maintaining clean, noise-free sound on stage or in the studio.
Size and Features
More features mean a bigger DI box, so take into account your space and your needs. If you’re just using one instrument, like a bass guitar or electric guitar, a compact unit might be the best DI box for you. However, if you have a more complex setup, you may need something with more inputs and outputs. Some have built-in EQ to step up your tone, and reduce noise floor and feedback issues.
Regular DI Boxes vs. Reamp DI Boxes
Regular DI boxes and reamp DI boxes are not interchangeable. While DI boxes like the Orchid DI box convert live instrument signals for recording or mixing, reamp boxes take recorded signals and send them to amplifiers or effects processors. So, be sure to pick the right type based on whether you’re recording directly or working with pre-recorded tracks.
Many preamps also come with built-in DI box functionality. This is why bass players usually have a preamp that also behaves as a DI box in their rig. The same can be said with acoustic DI boxes, with brands like LR Baggs combining preamps with DI box functionality.
Best DI Box Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016. The current edition was published on October 15, 2024.
For this edition, we’ve expanded our list of viable DI boxes to 50. We then gathered relevant and current ratings, reviews, and recommendations from experts and artists. Over 20,600 comment, rating, and review sources were fed into the Gearank Algorithm, resulting in rating scores out of 100. We’ve categorized the best DI boxes into five categories: Active Mono, Active Stereo, Passive Mono, Passive Stereo, and Reamping. We’ve also included budget-friendly DI Box options for passive and active models with reasonable ratings. For more information on our methods, check out How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerry Borillo: Research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and editing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using photographs of the Radial JDI, Rupert Neve Designs RNDI, and Radial Reamp JCR Studio Reamper.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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Comments:
16 responses
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The following items came off our recommended list when we published the November 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our November 2021 Edition resulted in the following DI’s coming off the recommended list above:
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Our November 2020 update resulted in the following boxes coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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I’m surprised to not see the Countryman Type 85 get a mention for active mono DI boxes. It’s a personal favorite of mine. Great neutral sound, roadworthy construction, and flexibility in use with its ability to accept speaker-level signals.
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The Countryman Type 85 was on our recommended list from the time we first published this guide back in 2016 until November 2019, but times move on and although it’s still a good active DI, there are now more highly rated options available which we chose to recommend instead.
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As a result of our November 2019 update the following DIs came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them:
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Hi, I have a Scarllet 2i4 interface and when I record electric guitars I get some noise coming from the Pickups. My question is: would a DI Box solve that problem or the actual interface has already its own DI inside? If a new DI solve that problem wich one would be better? active or passive? Thank you
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Hi Pedro,
Noise during recording is usually compounded from multiple sources and factors. Unshielded cavities on your guitar + single coils is instantly a recipe for buzzing/hum. A bad cable can also be the cause. Some pickups, even humbuckers, are wound in a way that the two coils dont completely cancel out hum. There is also the question of how clean the power in your area is. Some establishments and houses have poorly planned electronics which contributes to noise especially when using pedals.
Your Focusrite is probably fine since the signal is converted from unbalanced to balanced internally. A d.i. usually solves the problem of Ground Noise and if you want to use a d.i. make sure it has a ground lift switch. What d.i.’s don’t solve is accumulated noise from the sources I listed above. If you notice, the hum may lessen or disappear when facing a specific direction. This may be because you are near an electric device like a CPU or an electric fan. Putting your guitar close to a stepdown/stepup transformer can also contribute to that.
My advice is to test everything one by one. Are you using single coils? Try a humbucker guitar. Are the cavities of your guitar shielded? Check to see with a guitar that you know is shielded. Is your cable working right? try different cables. Is the power in your house/studio clean and conditioned? Turn your appliances off or on and see if it makes popping noises when you have your guitar turned up with some distortion.
A d.i. is handy to keep around for its utility in being able to use an amplifier and your entire rig for recording while having a dry signal go to your computer for recording. Using an ordinary splitter can affect the strength of your signal going into your rig and into the interface. A d.i. box solves this by passing your signal through one end while the other is converted into a balanced signal.
Hope this helps.
-Raph
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Hi Raph,
Thank you so much for your detailed insights! My guitar is HSH and I believe is shielded (At least on the back side I see a wire solded to the tremolo. I know that single coils can cause some issues, so I avoid to use them. With the bridge pick-up I don´t have any problem at all but when I´m using the neck humbucker there´s almost always some hum that get´s worse if I switch on a desk lamp for instance. So, as you said, has maybe something to do with the electric devices around. I read above that passive DI are better than active ones on these hum problems but on the other hand active ones should be used with passive pick-ups (my case). What would be your advice in this situation? Thank you
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Hi Pedro,
Since there might be some issues with the power filtering in your area, I would advise using a good Passive D.i. instead of an active d.i. While pairing a guitar with passive pickups with an active d.i. would result in a slightly stronger signal to the interface, it would come at the risk of adding noise because of the power conditions in your area especially with less than optimal circuit designs.
I see no disadvantage of owning both if they are within budget.
-Raph
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Ok, Thank so much Raph! Appreciated.
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As a result of our December 2018 update the following DI Boxes came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them:
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It seems like the best sounding DI for guitars has either been overlooked or simply avoided. The SANSAMP has yet to meet it’s match in price/versatility/durability/reliability!!! I have the GT2, Para Driver DI, and the TRI A.C. and one of them is always in my gig bag. Para Driver is the only one I have with XLR outs, but the other two can 1/4″ directly into DAW or console. Can’t beat THAT with a stick!!!
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What, no L.R. Baggs products?? Their Para Acoustic DI (PADI) is still the best sounding DI I have ever used! I have several as I play several instruments (some have multiple pickups in them).
I have not tried their newer Session DI yet, but by reputation it should do nicely also.
You really should add Baggs to the list. The PADI is however (in my opinion) the gold standard for a DI for Acoustic Guitars (also works great on Bass)! I’ve used it on my electric too with good results (I prefer a clean sound with little to no effects, so it still works in my case, those who like many effects may understandably not agree)!
Its Parametric EQ is quite effective and the sound I get when running my instruments through it (Guitar and Banjo) is regularly complimented on by sound techs at the venues I play at.
If you haven’t done so yet, I challenge any Acoustic guitarist to try the PADI! They are very well built for a reasonably good price-point.
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Our research agrees with you – we just have those products classified a bit differently:
The LR Baggs Para DI, LR Baggs Session DI and LR Baggs Venue DI are all featured in our guide to Acoustic Preamps.
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People are happy paying 750.00 for a reddi direct box? nonsense.
They clearly dont run sound and have never had a di stolen or lost. lose one or two of these and the price becomes an issue. in a live situation, you wont hear the difference between a 100 or 1000 di.
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