Countryman TYPE 85 Direct Box

This is an almost ubiquitous DI box, one that I have seen in many studios. It is an analog DI box. It has a 1/4" input, as well as a 1/4" output to an amplifier if you want to use it in tandem with an amp. It has an XLR output that is it's main output as a DI. It also has a switch to choose between instruments with Pickups and those that have speakers (mainly, a bass guitar or a keyboard). There is also a ground switch to use in case of getting excess noise, which I have rarely encountered. When I did encounter it, it was minimal and the ground switch eliminated it. There are no effects on this DI box.

UTILIZATION

There is really no editing to be done on this DI box. It's main selling point is that it is totally transparent, which is a good thing in a DI box. The setup is pretty basic, just run a 1/4" cable to the "Instrument" input, another one to an Amp if you are using one in tandem with the DI, and then an XLR out of the back into the XLR input. The manual is pretty much unnecessary, if you've used a DI before this is a piece of cake.

SOUND QUALITY

The reason so many people have used these DIs is because they are totally transparent. While some might see this as a drawback, I happen to think that it's a great attribute. With the right amp modeling, and EQing, this might be the best way to record Bass and Keys that I know of. Even with a great bass, a great amp and good mics (as well as good pre's), I'd still probably do a DI signal as well as the amped signal, and get a nice blend between the two. I use this on a Motif keyboard and it also sounds fantastic. I kind of hate the sound of a DI guitar, but if I had to do it this DI would sound as good as any other (since I'd have to use amp modeling anyway). Sometimes I do get a little bit of noise but the ground switch on the back has always taken care of that problem, at least to the point that it is buried within a mix if it's even there at all.

OVERALL OPINION

I like the transparency of this pedal, as well as the ease of use. It's the most barebones DI I've used, and I love it for that. It's not really a bad price when you consider how much other transparent DIs can cost. The sound quality is superb. I've tried a few DIs but none that were as transparent. Highly recommended.

The Countryman DI Type 85 is an analog direct input box with class A circuits. It has a 1/4'' input for the instrument and 1/4'' out to go to an amp. It then has a microphone output to send to your board or audio interface. Its not a rackable unit, its just a small box.

UTILIZATION

There is really no setting up the Countryman beyond plugging your instrument in and sending it to your board or interface or an amp. There are no real effects as it is merely a direct input box. I have had no need for the manual.

SOUND QUALITY

I would say that beyond using a top of the line preamp as a DI, this is the best DI box I have used. It really doesn't color the sound and just serves as a clean and clear DI box. I use it mostly for bass guitar and keyboard, but is also great for guitars if you are looking to record a clean tone and then add effects later.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had mine for about a year but I had been using them in studios for a few years. The price is very reasonable for a top of the line DI box. You never know when a DI box will come in handy and it is great to have a good option for going direct if you don't want to use your on-board instrument inputs on your interface and if you don't have any external preamps. I looked into some Whirlwind and Radial direct boxes but I decided to go with the Countryman because I had used it before and was comfortable with it; it was also a bit cheaper than some of the higher end Radial models. Overall, this is a great DI box for your buck.