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[Fred Coulter]

A while ago on one of the forums I frequent, I asked for recommendations for a stereo direct box. Now that I'm ready to buy, I can't find it, and I foolishly did not add it to my Amazon Wish List.

So, I'm going to ask again. I've got an upcoming gig, and the organizer wants me to bring a direct box rather than plugging directly to the board. (On a different forum, I was told that the sound guy was wrong, and that they should buy a better sound system. Not wanting to argue with the person running the event, I'm not going to take that advice.) I'm running a stereo feed from a keyboard, and need a direct box -- either passive or active -- between the keyboard and the main PA's mixer.

The price of direct boxes vary from less than $20 to a heck of a lot more. I don't want to sacrifice sound to save a few buck, so I'm not running in fear from paying over a hundred if the sound is better. However, I'm not at all convinced that more than $200 would result in even better sound. (Although I suppose I could be convinced.)

What direct box would you recommend if price is not an object but is a factor?

 

[happyrat1]

I'm running a Behringer Active Stereo DI box that only cost about $20 USD.

It cured my ground loop whine problems between my computer and my mixer without a hitch.

Audio properties seem to be commercial grade.

I highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Ultra-Di-Professional-2-Channel-Splitter/dp/B000CCSWQA/

Sample of music recorded thru this box.

https://soundcloud.com/happyrat1/devoured-by-bunnies

Sample recorded without DI Box and whine present.

https://soundcloud.com/happyrat1/dead-eye-dirk

Gary

 

[CowboyNQ]

Hey Fred,

Would you believe I use exactly the same DI box as Gary in the rehearsal room. Works fine for me too.

You DEFINITELY should play through a DI so you were told the right thing by your sound engineer. The only point of debate is whether you bring your own or whether the sound guy supplies it. When I play out I specify that the sound engineer must provide stereo DI inputs for me, I just bring mine along as a spare.

From what I understand it would seem that the unit featured in the link below is considered the gold standard in DI boxes. I base this on feedback from other keyboard players, plus a lot of the sound guys I've worked with in larger venues seem to use them:

http://www.radialeng.com/prod2.php

Good luck - hope the gig goes well!

 

[Rayblewit]

Are you getting paid for this gig?
If not the organiser should pay for the box. He is putting demands on you to bring one.
Send him the bill . . lol