DI Boxes

[MatXel]

Ok, so one more...

 

 

I want to buy some DI Box for balacing my synths, and for some venues, the question is I don't know which one. I have two main selected, but I really don't have any idea which one should I buy.

 

I'm thinking about Behringer DI800 (Ultra DI Pro) and DI100. Is it better to buy the DI800 and have 8 channels for 90€ or buy five DI100 for 300€ (5 channels)?

If I choose the DI800, can it be placed on-stage, or it must be somewhere in local rack, I don't think it's big so I don't see any problem on placing it on-stage?

And if the DI100 is better, why?

 

 

Thanks, MatXel

[revbobuk]

I'll let other people chip in on the relative performance of the two; I have the DI800, and am perfectly happy with it. But a lot depends on how you set your system up. I have the DI800 in a flightcase with one of my power amps (the amp for the monitors) and sit both right on top of the multicore drum. That means that I can use a short loom to take feeds from all 8 DI sections into the multicore.

 

But the downside is that the TS cables feeding the DI are longer. And that makes a difference, especially if you are also running a TS lead back to a local keyboard amp from the DI. In that case, the DI100 would suit you better.

[Wilflet]

how many channels of synth are you looking at running?

 

theres no problem with rack mount di boxes being on stage. Its not uncommon for keys players that have them to have them in small (2 or 3U) racks, which has all the cabeling and distro in too, so they open the back, a loom of jacks and power adaptor goes to each keyboard, and an 8way XLR loom goes to the sound man. quick and neat set up, looks very professional.

[MatXel]

how many channels of synth are you looking at running?

 

theres no problem with rack mount di boxes being on stage. Its not uncommon for keys players that have them to have them in small (2 or 3U) racks, which has all the cabeling and distro in too, so they open the back, a loom of jacks and power adaptor goes to each keyboard, and an 8way XLR loom goes to the sound man. quick and neat set up, looks very professional.

 

4, but thinking of more.

 

Yea, that's the thing I was thinking about, but why the heck does the DI100 cost 70% of the DI800?

[MarkPAman]

I would think the cost of the metalwork will be significant.

 

The 100 is really quite a sturdy little box and the design is only used for that box & the red one as far a I know. The 800 is a standard 1U rack unit, not so strong (you're putting it in a rack anyway) and used in lots of Behringer's products.

[MatXel]

So, the only thing why the DI100 is more expensive is the fact that it's from metal? No other features? Ok, som I'm going for DI800 =)

 

BTW. the red one is the feedback destroyer? I think so.

[lonfire]

hi,

although I haven't used the two models you quote, I have used the behringer ULTRA-DI DI20, and it was terrible! the noise floor was so high. It worked better on battery than phantom, but even so it was really hissssssssssssssy.. I replaced mine with the LD systems ones and they've been great..

 

regards

chris

[MatXel]

Yeah I read something about that one so I didn't even think about it, but this looks good (rating, visually...)

[pete10uk]

I have a number of DI100's a really nice looking sturdy piece of kit. I have no issue with the sound from them nor have I had anyone turn their nose up at them. I also have one of the red ones as the stock ran out and I needed them, this is basically the same but has an effect built in to simulate a guitar amp, not sure if this sounds any good, as I never used the feature, there may also be a different connector on there but cant remember.

 

The only thing I would say on the rack mount model as I haven't seen one is what happens if the power supply dies? (assuming it has one) all you DI's stop!

[Doug Siddons]

I bought my d1800 five years ago for one job which needed 8 di's with the idea that after the job I would use it as a back up to my LA audio di's and when it died skip it. Its unracked has worked quite hard, last used last saturday. Each channel requires its own phantom power using it with the mains plugged in doesn't work. It is nowhere near as clean as the LA's but it only gets used for synth/keyboard work where the noise floor isn't really critical. (Don't use it on acoustic guitars!) Its never been in a rack but has held up really well to being thrown in the van "just in case".

[themadhippy]

what happens if the power supply dies? (assuming it has one) all you DI's stop

nope they can run on phantom power as well as mains

[Rob_Beech]

If you're after separates then I use the LA Audio stuff. Fantastic units, not as cheap as the Behringer but considerably better sounding. However, arguably not as robust due to the lack of big rubber corners.

 

Rob

[TimmyP1955]

Behringer: Nah.

 

See if you can find the UK equivalent of these: http://www.audiopile.net/products/DI_Boxes/DI_Boxes.shtml