DIYRE

FE2 Direct Input Box Kit

$60.00

  • Full Kit
  • Step-by-Step Guide
  • Supported
  • Beginner

Build your own boutique passive direct box.

Our popular DI box kit is back with expanded features and two transformer options. The FE2's studio-quality electronics are housed in an architectural aluminum enclosure that's rugged enough for the road.

The new FE2 features a through jack for patching to an amp or speaker and a switch for selecting between instrument or amp sources. The amp, or "SPKR," mode is great for recording old guitar and bass amps without line outputs.

The FE2's output section features a Neutrik XLR jack and ground lift switch for eliminating hum. 

Transformer Options

We're proud to offer two USA-made transformer options: the FE-X1 wound for us and the legendary Cinemag CM-DBX. 

The main difference between the transformers is their noise immunity. The sonic differences between them are very subtle, but when radio signals or other interference are present, the higher-priced transformers will exhibit less noise. Click on the "Audio" tab above to hear samples of each transformer.


FE-X1
$60
CM-DBX
$150
Sound Clear, modern Vintage, rounded
Made in the USA

Mic output shield

Mu-Metal Can

Instrument input shield

Features

  • Switch between instrument or amp input mode
  • Thru jack for patching to amp or speaker
  • Rugged, architectural aluminum enclosure
  • Three transformer options, from budget to boutique
  • Ground lift switch to eliminate hum
Input Impedance ~200k/800k Ohms (depending on mic preamp)
Transformer Turns Ratio 12:1
Attenuation 22dB/38dB (instrument/speaker input)

Both transformer options for the FE2 are exceptionally transparent when compared with the original ("dry") signal, with subtle tonal differences.

Samples were taken by sending pre-recorded tracks from an Echo Layla 3G interface to the FE2 and then back into the Layla's mic inputs. The mic input gain was set the same for every transformer. The recorded files were then normalized to eliminate differences in volume.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
83%
(24)
14%
(4)
0%
(0)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
A
Andrew Ratcliffe

Great kits!!! We’ve enjoyed building them in our audio electronics class!!!

N
Neil Russell
Di kit

Works great. A little suseptible to interference. Just don’t place it next to other equipment and it’s fine.

J
Jason Gonzales
Absolutely dope, like everything else I have from DIYRE

The build was fast, easy and fun. This thing has a lovely sound. It's incredible what a simple circuit this is and what the Cinemag XFRMR can do for sound.

C
Chuck D
Fun project and works great

I wanted to connect my guitar to my amp and my computer to play Rocksmith, but would get a ground hum using a y splitter. This was an easy build if you have a soldering iron and some helping hands.

T
Torsten Hartwell
Sounded great but is now just a paperweight

I've always loved building my own gear and as an AV Engineer, I have a healthy knowledge of how these things work. I'd read from others that the PCB and chassis don't line up, but they sound great for the low cost. It was an easy build, I was able to adjust for the PCB/chassis misalignment and I was impressed with the sound quality for maybe 4 months. Then the S/N ratio started going out of whack and the sound quality plummeted. I figured it got dropped or something, so I metered everything. The transformer was the only readings that changed. I contacted tech support and just received instructions on how to not cold solder. Doing hot soldering is AV 101, but I went ahead, de-soldered and cleaned everything, metered all the parts and rebuilt the whole unit, but it still sounded like crap. For me it was less about the bad part and more about the tech support. I've seen a $10,000 Neve piece go bad, but they were more helpful than DIYrec was.

Hi Torsten,

I'm very sorry to hear your FE2 still isn't working and you weren't happy with how our support thread is going. I always try to stay on the line with customers until the issue is fixed, so I apologize if I dropped the thread. I just sent you a follow up email but in case you didn't get it please feel free to contact me at support at diy.re.

-Peterson

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