DI for bass with 2 outputs

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amra

amra

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I am looking to get a DI, primarily for recording bass guitar and I would like to be able to capture a direct signal as well as mic the bass cab. So I need a DI that has one 1/4" input and then a 1/4" output (to go to the amp) as well as a XLR (to go to the board). Is there a DI that is set up like that? Or is there another way to get it done with a regular DI?

Thanks
Amra
 
YOu could go from the bass to the amp then use the line out to the DI box. Then just mic the cab.
 
If you don't have a specific amp you were wanting to use, the SansAmp Bass DI's are excellent for this purpose. It has a 1/4" input from the bass and a parallel (uneffected) 1/4" output. It then runs through its processing circuitry, and then gives you the option of mic level or line level over XLR, or line level over 1/4". Pretty good stuff...
 
Lots of Di's function this way. 1/4" input with a 1/4" output which you send to the amp. Usually an XLR output for the DI singnal. Try to use as short as cables as is possible for your 1/4" (unbalanced) connections. (guitar to DI and Di to amp) The XLR is for your long run to the preamp. Less noise since it is a balanced connection. I recomend the Countryman DI on the cheap. (around $150) See my nubs are sweet! Hope this post complies with 8th grade reading level requirements!
 
another vote for sans-amp (tech 21) you can also use it as an eq or distortion pedal. that company makes good stuff.

i've used it to warm up direct keyboard sounds too
(like adding a small amount of distortion to an organ sound to try and fake a leslie sound, no one gets fooled but it dose sound better)
 
As far as I know, all DI's offer that function. Personally, I will never buy anouther Countryman DI again. We have 12 of them and every single one is constantly needing minor repairs. They do sound good though. On the other hand, I find that both the radial and the BSS DI's are about the same price, and sound just as good if not better. Not only that, but are MUCH more durable. The BSS DI's also have an easy access battery compartment, a power switch, a 2 position pad, both male xlr and female xlr jacks, and nice rubber feet which make them very stackable and durable.
 
I had planned on getting a Tech21 Bass DI, but then I started hearing about sadowky and countryman DI's and using just plain mic preamps for DI. When I do get one, I want to be able to go direct and mic the amp.

Thanks for the advice, all. I wasn't sure if most direct boxes had the features I needed or not.

Amra
 
You could use a mic pre but then you got to lug it around and you may or may not have an output to an amp. If your pre is racked then you defeat one of the purposes of using a D, to convert the unbalanced signal to balanced so you can run it long distances. Countrymans are fine and somewhat of an industry standard. I don't own any anymore but still use them on occasion. They are a good cheap DI. Never had too many issues with them in the past. Hmmmm.
 
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