How Many DI's is Too Many?
The quest for the perfect tone continues.
I’m getting ready to make the most ambitious video for YouTube I’ve ever attempted.
The premise is simple, the execution is not.
I’m amassing the single greatest collection of DI/preamp pedals ever assembled, and I’m going to try and make sense of them all for you in one video. A video that will leave you feeling like you learnt something after watching it, and better informed about why you might need one of these devices to enhance your live and recorded bass sound.
My first step in the planning phase was to actually play all of them. Well, all of the ones that have arrived already that is. I’m still waiting on pedals from Sushi FX, MXR, DSM & Humbolt, and REDDI that will arrive in the next few days.
So far I have some of the most insane DI’s you could possibly imagine. From the units I happen to already own like the Noble, Caveman, Miura, Aguilar, and Teletronix, to the recently arrived Jad Freer, JHS Colour Box, SGT-DI, Jule Amps Simone, and Origin Effects Bass Rig Super Vintage.
I want to give you a VERY brief preview of 10 DI’s that will be in the video. Just 4 bars of a Dua Lipa song I removed the original part from yesterday and tracked fresh bass on.
Aguilar Tonehammer
Caveman Audio BP-1 Compact
JHS Colour Box
Jad Freer Capo
Miura K3
Noble
Origin Effects Bass Rig Super Vintage
Ampeg SGT-DI
Jule Amps Simone
Teletronix TDI
I know there will be a temptation to drop your favorite DI in the comments, but it would be incredibly helpful if instead you dropped some thoughts about what you’d like to hear discussed in the upcoming shootout video.
There are the obvious topics like cost, studio vs touring, build quality, active vs passive, and so on. But if there’s a burning question you’ve always had about DI’s, now is the time to get it answered in what I can only describe as the biggest bass DI video ever made.
It sounds so click baity, but as far as I can tell that’s going to be the most accurate way to describe it.
More soon!
Janek
Hi Janek,
I’m interested in signal chain placement, general use…is used as sound enhancement for your amp or tone in general? Recording applications, front of house signal? Do some “play” better with effects? Bang for your buck? Overall, which one checks the boxes for you? Why do you need a DI?
Very general questions, I know but with the amount of DIs being covered, I was trying to think of simple questions/topics.
Love the channel, cheers
John
This is a bit of a left-field comment, but I hope it makes sense: for over 2 decades I've been watching and listening to you just...DO wild shit, with confidence and tenacity. This is another wonderful example of you diving into yet another interesting, insanely challenging and labor intensive project...that also ends up also helping others. Thank you.
Also, to anyone who might read these comments: get Janek's last album if you haven't yet! I was one of those folks who pre-ordered it for 25 bucks; it was a crazy good deal that included WAV's and MP3's and charts AND playalongs!
Janek: please do the same for the next album! 🤗