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 |
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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
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!
Kit was complete and all components tested out well. Instructions were very clear. Assembly with the Cinemag transformer went very well. The kit is well designed. The test was done with a Taylor AD17e. I don’t personally like Taylor electronics, but the guitar sounded nice with this DI. The DI was compared to the Neve RNDI Active DI and Warm Audio Passive DI with Cinemag transformer. The FE2 DI will be the DI I use for this guitar in the future.
Super easy to build with great sound. Didn’t know what to expect when opting for the Cinemag transformer, but definitely not disappointed in my choice. Well done!
