Yes, a DI signal in addition to the amplified signal can help tremendously. I often use both the DI signal or the amplified, and sometimes I will record only the DI and then reamp the signal.

My favorite DI for bass is the ART TubePAC, which is actually a mic pre but it works GREAT for bass. You can find them for $99.

Just a comment on DIs...

I find the Radial J48 to be THE best, most versatile DI box I've ever used, regardless of price. FWIW, get one of these and you'll be comfortable DI'ing ANYTHING you have lying around.

Oh, and yes, the bottom end is a little tighter than standard mic placement when using a DI. However, you can tweak the mic placement or choose a different mic and still get great sounds from a mic'ed bass cab. Most of the time, unless the bassist has a KILLER cab, I usually just DI anyway...

J.

MercenaryMetallion wrote: The sales guy at the local Guitar shop recommended using a DI box to get a better sound? Any recommendations? Is a DI box the way to go?

Yes, yes...and yes
The recommendation of a DI is right on. FYI--I could never get a good bass recording for years. Finally I bought some DI boxes and things have never been the same.
You get so much more punch and definition by using a DI box. Esp on bass guitar. I own the Radial J48. It is nice, but for MY bass recordings I use the SansAmp Bass DI. The SansAmp DI RULES! And they are only around $200.
If you want a DI box just for bass guitar with lots of tone adjustment. I think you will like the SansAmp ALOT!
I also own an Avalon U5. Now the U5 is more than twice the price of the SansAmp but it is very nice as well.
However, if I could only pick one DI box, it would certainly be the SansAmp. They make a bass pedal DI with an XLR output, and also make a rackmount version. You def should demo the SansAmp before buying anything else.
My 2 cents

Thx for all the feedback!!!! Some great info. I'll let you know how things go once I get my box.

In one word....Sansamp. Bass is probably the only instrument that I'd rather run through a Sansamp unit than even some of the nicest bass amps. Mainly because my room sucks, but a Sansamp unit makes things a whole lot easier on me.

To me first of all, the bass guitar must be in a good shape. Poor instrument deserve poor result. As a reggae bass player, the bottom is so important to me, I use an avalon U5, what to me do the best job until now. Combination
of a DI + Cabinet sound well interesting too, but first of all you must have a good source, no secret...

Couple of points... First be sure to pair recommendations with the style of music you are playing. For instance, my experience is that the SansAmp works best with modern, roundwound, active sounds. There are better DIs for old school, flatwound, passive sounds. Second, try what you have lying around already. I like the FMR RNP and the Baggs ParaAcoustic as well as anything in their price range. (Again, my old school sound has a lot to do with it.) I must have owned the Baggs for a year before someone clued me into how good it was as a bass DI.

BASS

I love the Sansamp RBI (the rackmount one) too. Delicious.

However, it's $200-$300 for a one trick pony... but a very important trick!

So, you may or may not be more interested in something like the Radial JDI (around $170) which serves as an instrument DI for anything from bass to guitar to keyboards, and doubles as a re-amping box. The JDI could be useful, and cheaper. A good instrument DI always comes in handy.

Decisions... :roll:

Hi guys ,

Radial also makes pro d1 and pro d2 (stereo di) passive

that are less expensive and Great great sounding

i took 2 pro d2 to have a few at a very good price

so you could have a great di for bass only like Sansamp (never used one but i'd like to try) and a few cheaper ones for other instruments...

cheers.