Line leveler for synths/drum machines

[GL Respect Due]

Looking for a box that can convert 16 chs of 1/4" unbalanced ins, to balanced XLR outs. Anyone know of a company that has developed a box like this? I've been unsuccessful in my hunt so far. I found a Speck box on eBay recently that almost fit the bill, but it's only 10 ch and the seller said it was custom built (which means I'm unlikely to find another 10 ch to give me my 16 chs needed). Does ProCo, Whirlwind, Speck, or anyone else do custom work like this (in the event someone doesn't already design a box that suites my requirements)?

[The MPCist]

I remember there was this multi-DI box made by someone in LA.... I can't recall the name... something-Doctors I think.... It had like 24 inputs.

Yo Tony Belmont, you know what I'm talking about, right? I remember you were talking about this one before on some post somewhere....

[GL Respect Due]

MPCist:

Hey thanks man, I put 2 and 2 together and got the Desk Doctors website. They make a box called the Active DI - a 24 ch box that does exactly what I need. If anyone else knows of a box like the Active DI, feel free to ad a response.

[GL Respect Due]

I'm back on the hunt again. They want $2,500 for that POS. Pleeeeaassee. Anyone else know of a production that is passive w/ 1/4" unbalanced in, balanced XLR out?

[twbrzkdm007]

Dunno if this will help but if you could use RCA connector in lieu of 1/4" on the unbalanced side, you should check out this box from Aphex:
http://www.aphex.com/228.htm
Fairly decent price even if you need 2 units.

Also Genelec makes this (again with RCA inputs):
http://www.genelecusa.com/products/di8a/di8a.php

The Ebtech Hum Eliminator/Line Level Shifter are passive pseudo balancing boxes (but without XLR outs):
http://www.ebtechaudio.com/products.html

Hope this helps!

[Rat Salad]

16 channels of awesome DI of a gearslutty nature might end up being pricey! Radial make a JD6, so 3 of them will do it, they’ve got Jensen transformers in them. I’ve used them in live and radio broadcast situations a lot, I always liked them. Dunno how they add up in the studio. Keep meaning to get one to compare in the studio, however I’ve got too many options as it is . You could always go mad and by up all kinds of odd DI boxes on ebay and find out whats good on what., could lead to temporary insanity.

Cheers

[GL Respect Due]

Rat:

. I'll check out that JD6 now. The Ebtech looks like a clear winner if I can't find something a little sweetier for a reasonable amount of money. I'm not too crazy about the whole "billion DIs" idea, as i'd like to keep the converting of groups of channels the same all the way through.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by GL Respect Due

I'm back on the hunt again. They want $2,500 for that POS. Pleeeeaassee. Anyone else know of a production that is passive w/ 1/4" unbalanced in, balanced XLR out?

How much do you think something like that should cost? It's an active DI that gives you a balanced line level...

Those Radial DI's are $900 for 6 channels... and you'll still need a mic preamp for every channel because it puts out a mic level signal. That equals to $2700 for 18 channels plus however much 16 ch of pre's you want cost.

[GL Respect Due]

Tony,

I don't need a mic preamp. I need a balanced line signal in the form of an XLR out. I'm considering just building one at this point.

[allencollins]

I made my own with audio technica transformers
for $100 or so

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by GL Respect Due

Tony,

I don't need a mic preamp. I need a balanced line signal in the form of an XLR out. I'm considering just building one at this point.

You'll probably have to... there's nothing under $2000 that does what you need for that many channels.

[Rat Salad]

Err.. yep tony is right about the radial, I wasn’t thinking, I guess there is always a console lying around to lift a dI to line level. Just goes to show how much I know, good luck. Oh , and steer clear of any recommendations made by someone called rat salad.

[Snatchman]

Hey...I don't know the quality ( sonically, or build) but what about those 8-channel ART trannys! Forget what you call them..... .... They are passive and cheap..!($140.00'ish, I think).. Get two of these for 16 channels!.... Ok..here's the model # T8-8 Insulator
www.artproaudio.com