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New DI boxes


c.cam108

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Hey

 

I'm looking for a little help here. I'm after a cheap stereo DI box (or 2 mono) for a set of V-drums in our church. I don't wanna go spending mega-bucks as we might not end up using the drums at all, it is just to try it out.

 

I am looking at the CPC catalogue (I'd rather buy from them) and am not sure which to go for.

 

I am not going to get another Ultra-DI DI20 from Behringer, as that is what we have at the moment and it makes more noise than the Sunday School kids in the front row. This has put me off Behringer gear altogether (unless someone can point me at one that they use and love), and to an extent put me off cheap active DIs.

 

With that in mind, I was looking at the Stage Line part no DP26893 or the Samson part no DP29470. I am open to the multi-channel Behringer models if someone can tell me for certain that they are silent electrically and sound OK, as it would mean I don't need to use a handful of separate boxes as I do know.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Colin C

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The Behringer DI-100 is considerably better than the DI20.

 

Alternatively I've taken to using Micro DIs - active DI that looks like a Jack -XLR adapter. Comes in 2 flavours -0db and -20db.

 

However I now can't find these on ebay or google

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With that in mind, I was looking at the Stage Line part no DP26893

 

I have one of these (albeit with a different name on the front: EWI FDB-202) and it is an adequate device. I use it for getting unbalanced computer audio down a multicore and/or dropping earth loops. It has transformers, which means (a) electrical isolation, and (b) not as good a frequency response as an active transformerless DI box.

 

I'm happy with mine, and consider it good value for money.

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You can often pick up old BSS or KT DI's second hand on ebay for around £40 a piece. it's only a few quid more than a Behringer and they ARE better. I don't think they're enough of an improvement to warrant their retail price new so if sound quality if the key then second hand or a new behringer DI100 will be fine. However if you don't like the badge then you have to pay the £££.

 

 

RE your statement in your original post.

 

I had a car once and the exhaust went on it, it's put me off buying cars now.

 

The DI120 are an appalling bit of kit, I have a couple somewhere that I bought whilst being stupid.

 

 

Passive alternatives, I've never had sound quality issues with the Thomann DI-E at around £7 a piece. I've got about a dozen of these. The build quality isn't amazing and a bit of extra glue on the parts inside doesn't hurt but ....£7 a piece.

 

 

 

 

Rob

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I've got a couple of Behringer Hum Destroyers which are ideal for interfacing electronic drums, keyboards, laptops to the desk. They're passive (with transformers inside) and are only about £15 each. Only downside is they're jack in and out, so you'll need to make up a coupe of stereo jack-XLRM cables.

 

Also Behringer DI 100 Boxes are perfectly good for most applications (unless you happen to be connecting up someone like John Mayer or James Taylor).

 

Pete.

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Cheers for the replies guys. I'll bear in mind about the DI100, but I think I'll go for the Samson box, as it is stereo for the same price as the mono Behringer.

 

Colin C

 

EDIT: Just phoned CPC and the guy said thaht the Samson DI box is discontinued, even though it says on the website "Awaiting Delivery". Can our man (Chris?) from CPC confirm this?

 

Colin C

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Orchid Electronics Micro DIs are compact, fool-proof, solidly built in the UK, reasonably priced and sound great. We've got about 6 at my local venue and never had a single problem.

 

http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk

 

As you've found, the Behringer DI20 is rubbish - horribly noisy bit of kit. I've got one too and it only comes out in real emergencies!

 

I've got a couple of the Studiospares BSS copies and a couple of LD Systems ones (Studio and LD both made by Soundking and rebadged) and they seem fine, although I'm not sure how long the Chinese connectors will last, compared to genuine Neutrik.

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The DI20 is in my mind one of the worst things in Behringer's range, as others have said the DI100 sounds far better, and I'll second the DI800 too - both much much better than the crappy DI20! I'm pretty sure you'd hear a noticeable improvement with either, and if it's possible you'll need up to 8 channels of DI in the future then the 800 would in my mind be a good investment. As Rob said the BSS's do sound better, but in live settings I've rarely found the Behringers to not be up to the job - as long as it's not the DI20.
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The Samson products are temprarily unavailable until the new distribution for Samson moves from Sound Technology to Korg. Personally I would go for the DI-100's or the new PULSE unit ... I have used both and have no problems with either of them for a budget DI. If you give the PULSE ones a try and they are not right drop me a PM and I will sort it for you :D
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