Best Bass DI Boxes – Direct Box Shootout

Every guitarist and bassist understands how important effect units can be when it comes to extending what their instruments are capable of. But sometimes these units can be overlooked, especially the DI boxes.

Well, a bass DI box, like most units, is an invaluable tool (full bass pedals list) for every bassist and guitarist. Whether you’re playing on stage or in the studio, a DI box can save your tone from a terribly, unfitting venue, giving you an easy way to record your sound.

However, not all DI boxes are made the same.

Therefore, here’s a detailed buyer’s guide to give you the relevant info on what you need to know about bass DI boxes. We’ll also get you up close with some of the best units on the market today.

Bass DI Boxes We Recommend

Radial J48 MK2 48V Phantom Active Direct Box

What’s good: Doesn’t choke when driving hard, an innovative merge function.

Not so good: No option for battery power, no adjustable EQ.

If you’ve been around any musical scenes, a live performance or recording studio, you might have laid your eyes on Radial Engineering boxes. They are one of the biggest names in stage and studio audio gear, best known for their high-quality DI boxes.

One of which, the Radial J48, a highly-rated active direct box with a linear frequency response that ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz and optimized to handle high transients without distortion.

This active 48-volt phantom powered unit works around limited current to deliver the purest and most natural sound of your instruments. It also uses a unique switch-mode power supply that steps up the internal rail voltage so it can handle an input signal of up to an incredible 9 Volts without any noticeable distortion, resulting in improved signal handling and better headroom.

With over-sized capacitors for ample current storage and additional headroom, there’s improved performance in all areas: significantly lower harmonic distortion, improved dynamics over competing DIs, and single-digit-modulation distortion.

The 14-gauge steel chassis gives it an outstanding build quality, which is durable with full recessed controls. Other functions include a ground lift for reducing the buzz and hum from ground loops, 15dB Pad switch to accommodate high-output instruments.

180º polarity reverse to rein in on-stage feedback, 80Hz high-pass filter to tame instrument with heavy bass response, and a merge function to mix left-right signals to mono without phase cancellation.

Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P Passive Bass DI

What’s good: A durable, road-ready metal case, a high-performance transformer for crucial signal integrity.

Not so good: Not ideal for recording, has got limited features compared to other DI boxes.

Behringer is another popular company in the musical scenery, having a great reputation for making some of the most affordable audio gear on the market.

The Ultra-DI DI400P is one of their best performing and an incredibly affordable audio gear. A professional, high-performance, multi-purpose, passive DI box that is ideal for studio and stage applications.

It features the Behringer OT-2, high-performance transformer meant to convert unbalanced signal to balanced signal, eliminating unwanted noise and allowing you to use long cable runs without losing high frequencies.

In addition, it is equipped with a balanced XLR mic-level output that feeds your mixer with a clean and super-flat signal, not forgetting to mention the dual 1/4″ TS jacks are wired in parallel to allow for a reliable connection to your instrument and amp.

The rugged metal casing gives it an outstanding built quality that is road ready. There’s a ground lift switch to eliminate typical ground loop problems. And with its capacity to offer impedance and signal matching for direct connection of instruments to amps and mixer (and speaker outputs of up to 3000 Watts), it will serve the purpose of your ordinary bass DI box.

Whirlwind IMP 2 1-channel

What’s good: Very affordable, simple, rugged construction.

Not so good: A simple engineering for an average performance, has no tone-shaping controls.

If you’re thinking of a simple, versatile and affordable direct box, you may want to learn about the Whirlwind IMP 2.

It is a great option for hobbyist audio engineers who want to learn how to produce professional sounding recordings without breaking the bank. Well-designed to focus on reducing different signal noise (such as hum) and give you an ultra-reliable performance.

This unit uses Whirlwind’s TRHL transformer to provide substantial audio performance and is riveted to the chassis for secure performance and transportation.

Designed as an in-line transformer, it converts an instrument/line-level unbalanced signal to a low impedance, mic-level balanced signal to ensure you’re feeding the right signal into the mixer. It also works transparently with no adjustments, meaning it can be used on any instrument or amp.

The IMP 2 is housed in a durable, road-tough metal enclosure for reliable performance and ability to withstand long haul. It is also equipped with a ground lift switch for isolating ham and buzz, XLR output, and 1/4″ parallel wired in/out jacks.

TELEFUNKEN TDA-1 Active Mono

What’s good: Recessed switches and connectors for 15dB pad and ground lift, a remarkable sonic performance with an exceptionally flat frequency response of +/-2dB from 10Hz to 40kHz.

Not so good: Lacks the pedigree of other options, some customers find it to be high-priced.

Telefunken Elektroakustik is another big name in the stage and audio gear, best known for amazing microphones. However, a few years ago, they launched a new line of DI boxes comprising four models of both passive and active FET designs. One of which, the TELEFUNKEN TDA-1.

The TDA-1 is designed for maximum auditory integrity, from the Class-A FET circuitry and the high-quality custom-wound OEP/Carnhill transformers to the gold plated traces on the circuit board.

A desirable system that converts instrument-level unbalanced signals to mic-level balanced signals smoothly. This will also ensure you have a clean and rich tone even when you’re using long cable runs.

Then there’s the rugged aluminum enclosure that houses the circuits. The gold plated traces on the circuit board are rust-resistant, and connectors and switches are recessed for better protection.

This simple and elegant design approach together with the rugged construction is durable and has the capacity to hold out the wear and tear of gigging.

Behringer Ultra-DI DI100

What’s good: The battery/phantom power operation makes it a versatile option, a very easy-to-use unit.

Not so good: Some people have expressed concerns about the sound quality, it’s ideal for those looking for average performance.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bass DI box that will put an end to your hum and impedance problem, the Behringer Ultra-DI DI100 might be the right option for you.

This unit is true reflection Behringer’s ability to come up with feature-packed audio gear at affordable prices and still compete on the market.

The Ultra-DI DI100 is a stage and studio warrior. It is equipped with the BEHRINGER OT-1 transformer that gives it the ability to handle all the important tasks of converting unbalanced bass, guitar and keyboard source to clean and balanced signals. A reliable ultra-frequency response and room for direct connection to speaker outputs with up to 3000 Watts.

Away from its Active DI box design, it can also run on 9V battery or phantom power which makes it a reliable unit for professional on-stage and studio applications. It also features a ground lift switch, switchable input attenuation that allows up to +50dB input, gold-plated XLR connectors, and ¼“ TRS connectors.

A Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box

What’s good:Thick and warm vintage tone.

Not so good: A bit bulky to be carried around.

If you love the old Ampeg B-15 vintage sound, then the REDDI Tube from A-Designs is just the right direct box for you.

The REDDi has an input jack that accepts both a quarter-inch plug or an XLR, a thru jack to send your signal to your pedalboard or amplifier, and an XLR out where you send your signal to the house mix.

The great thing about the REDDI is it is a tube di box, which equates to thicker and warmer sound for your bass. The box also comes with an attenuator in case you would need to increase the signal sent to the mixer, and a ground and lift switch to remove those unwanted hums. A great tube di box with a vintage tone.

Countryman DT85 Type 85

What’s good: Gets the job done. Simple aesthetics.

Not so good: No other inputs available except the ¼ plug option.

The Type 85 direct box from Countryman is as simple as they get – what goes in must come out. This direct box gets its power either from a nine-volt battery, or runs from phantom power which would give you the assurance of going dead onstage.

The most basic controls and inputs are available on this box – an instrument or amplifier input, an XLR output, an open or ground switch, and a pickup or speaker selector.

With the Type 85, you can be sure that your tone will truly be heard without coloration or signal distortion.

Radial Pro DI Passive Bass DI Box

What’s good: Very good for the money

Not so good: Only ¼ plug option available

Being one of the most affordable bass direct box in the market today, the Radial Pro DI Passive Direct Box has definitely found favor with a lot of musicians and sound technicians alike.

This direct box features a thick rugged casing, a ¼ plug input and a thru, XLR output, and a lift switch.

The impedance conversion from 20 Hz-18 kHz assures a clean signal transmission all throughout.

With its heavy built chassis, this box is sure to handle all the abuse that goes its way.

Hosa DIB443 Sidekick Passive DI Box

What’s good: Noise-free tone

Not so good: Can get buzzy

The Sidekick Passive DI Box from Hosa is one of the most affordable bass di boxes in the market today.

All the basic features that you would need in a direct box is here – ¼ instrument input/output, XLR output, and a ground/lift switch.

The best thing is because of the price, you can easily get another one for backup just in case, or a ready provision for any instrument that might be needed to be hooked directly to the live mix.

Clean unprocessed signal transmission is, of course, the strongest point of Hosa Sidekick Passive DI Box.

Conclusion

Bass DI boxes are essential audio links that should never be overlooked. They are necessary to ensure you’re getting the best sound out of your instruments’ setup and still preserve the amazing results. Before investing in a unit, research well and invest in the right model that will bring the much-desired quality in your sound.

From our above-listed options, the Radial J48 MK2 is my favorite unit because of its amazing ability to convert critical signals into quality sound. I just love how it works around limited current to deliver the purest and most natural sound of your instruments.

The rest of the recommendations are also great, considering their undisputed ability to preserve your tone.

I believe you’ll find this buyer’s guide important as in your quest to find the right option for your musical responsibility.

FAQ

What does a DI box do for bass?

Well, a DI box protects your bass signal from noisy outside inference and makes it much easier to control the bass tone when plugged into a console mixer.

This allows you to run bass and guitar directly into the microphone amps or send signals over long cable runs without losing volume and important high-frequency information.

What is a DI box audio?

For starters, DI stands for Direct Injection. It is an electronic device meant to resolve the impedance mismatch/disparity between electrodynamic guitar/bass pickups and sensitive studio electronics, mostly in recording studios and in sound reinforcement systems.

It does this by providing electrical ground isolation between the input and output, and equals/matches impedance of the source to the load.

In simple English, DI boxes take an unbalanced, high-impedance bass signal and convert it to a balanced, low-impedance signal.

As a result, it gets rid of line noise, which makes it much easier to control the bass tone when plugged into a console mixer. And since it protects your signal from the noisy outside interference, it is an important tool for bassists.

Difference between an Active and a Passive DI Box?

You already know there are two types of DI boxes, passive and active. Passive DI boxes work without the need for an external power supply, while Active DI boxes must have either battery, phantom power or their own separate power source, to operate.

In principle, passive DI boxes offer straightforward functionality and you don’t have to worry about the power supply, whereas active DI boxes provide improved sound quality and better functionality.

Active boxes offer more options (adding to the signal) and are used to on instruments with passive pickups, mostly to adjust the frequency. Passive boxes, on the other hand, are used on electronic and instruments with active pickups because they convert signals and send them their way.

Now that you know why DI boxes are an invaluable tool for bassists, you may want to have a shopping guide to help you settle for the right unit.

Choosing the Right Bass DI Box for Your Musical Responsibilities

As always, the #1 rule when it comes to choosing tools that make sound is setting a structure that guides you through the relevant factors or features you need to achieve your musical taste.

For a DI box, here are some key things to take into consideration.

A Passive or Active DI box

As you already know, Passive DI boxes are functional without an external power supply, while Active DI boxes require either battery, phantom power or their own separate source of power, to operate. Active units offer better sound quality and functionality, whereas passive units have a simple work mechanism and you don’t have to worry about the power supply.

Passive units are the least expensive and offer convenience, simplicity, and straight-to console use. They are mostly used with active instruments such as active basses, keyboards, and electronic percussion, within a live performance environment. Active units, on the other hand, are relatively expensive but offer a better sound quality while keeping the cost down. Most models are custom made to improve classic bass, guitars, synthesizers and electric pianos.

A number of Input/Output Ports

The simplest form of DI boxes (passive) has one input port and one output port that goes directly to the mixer. However, you should understand that the price of the units go up as they offer more options like multiple input/output ports for complex rigs or a separate output for the amp.

If you want a DI box with multiple capabilities, you may want to consider the right amount and types of inputs/output that will serve your interest.

Ground Lift

Ground lift is also important to ensure the production of clean sound and quiet studio. It is a switch mostly found on DI boxes and other pro audio products that isolates the signal ground from the chassis ground. The more equipment you have in your set up, the more voltage differences there will be between them. These differences are mostly perceived by the mixers as hum and noise.

Since passive DI boxes are essentially transformers, they offer an automatic ground lift for prompt hum and noise reduction. Active DI boxes also have the ground lift switch that separates the unit’s own chassis ground from the signal ground. This makes them important in keeping studios and stages quiet and clean sounding.

Other important features you may want to look into include:

Pads – Reduces (attenuates) the signal’s voltage or power levels by a fixed amount, hence allowing very hot signals to be connected without overloading, and balanced for long cable runs.

Polarity reverse – used to combine sounds that may be out of phase.

Thru-put – Allows you to connect an amplifier along with the console.

After the above-listed features, you’ll have to also look into these “secondary” factors to ensure you get the real value for your money.

Sound Quality

Different DI boxes produce different tones. An active unit, for instance, provides higher frequencies and are used on low output instruments. A passive unit provides a rounder or fuller tone, and are used on higher output instruments.

Away from a different tone, you should also know how the unit will be used in your system. Different combinations of preamp and mic offer different sound qualities too.

Durability

Considering the amount of use and type of hauling the unit will be exposed to, the DI box should be more durable.

Budget

Once you’ve factored in everything you need your DI box to feature and offer, you should settle on one that fits in your budget.