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 to hear samples of each transformer.
| FE-X1 |
CM-DBX |
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|---|---|---|
| Sound | Clear, modern | Vintage, rounded |
| Made in the USA |
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| Mic output shield |
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| Mu-Metal Can |
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| Instrument input shield |
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Features
- Switch between instrument or amp input mode
- Thru jack for patching to amp or speaker
- Rugged, architectural aluminum enclosure
- Two transformer options, budget and boutique
- Ground lift switch to eliminate hum
Specs
| Input Impedance | ~200k/800k Ohms (depending on mic preamp) |
| Transformer Turns Ratio | 12:1 |
| Attenuation | 22dB/38dB (instrument/speaker input) |
Audio
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.
Docs
Assembly video:
Customer Reviews
Both of my daughters (15 and 18yo) are aspiring electrical engineers. So I thought, well, why not have them learn how to solder and other DIY skills with a kit that can be useful afterwards? Both of my daughters followed the videos, and were able to complete the kit in about an hour. I just sat there playing and pausing the video. Other than that I did nothing to assist them. They were both able to do it easily. The bonus is that I now have a a stereo pair of DI's with transformers. I have always ran Synths> Mixer> Interface. But now I have placed the DIs in between the Mixer and Interface, and boy I can really hear a difference in the integrity of the signal, coherence, and a touch of saturation. I did the FE-X1 because my non-golden ears could not hear a huge difference in the sonic examples and I wanted to keep this at a budget. But overall a huge win for all parties involved
This kit was a very easy to build! I have little to no experience soldering and I had no issues at all.
Very clear instructions, parts organization and the DI sounds great. Will definitely buy some of the more advanced kits in the future!
Sounds amazing and very easy to build, well worth upgrading to the cinemag transformer too
I am a total beginner and I found the directions to be really helpful, minus the section towards the end regarding the breaking off a tab that I never found..I just skipped it eventually and it works great. Sounds great!!
I got the cinemag transformer kit and the project was very enjoyable. The instructions were clear and everything worked great once I got it together!
