Raven Labs' APD-1 Active Direct Box


Raven Labs' APD-1 Active Direct Box
by Ted Blaisdell
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As a recording engineer, a direct box is not something I usually pay too much attention to. I just write "DI" on my setup sheets and leave it up to the assistant engineer to pick one out for me. Well after checking out the new Raven Labs' APD-1, I won't be so nonchalant anymore.

I first used it recording an electric bass guitar for a commercial/jingle date. The session was called to record a longer version of a music track we had done months earlier. The players listened closely to the sounds from the previous session, as it had to match and sound the same. Matching bass sounds was easy and I was pleasantly surprised that although it was the same player, instrument, and microphone preamp, the new bass guitar sound, as compared to the old sound, noticeably "popped out" with a clearer presence within the overall mix. The producer even mentioned how good the bass player sounded and that we'll have to call him more often. (This really did happen!).

I love the sound of this box. It's quiet, punchy and will accept, as well as put out, tons of level. At $349 retail, If you're in the market for a DI, I would definitely recommend the APD-1. If you're a bass player, it might even get you called back! For much more about this unit and whole line, contact Raven Labs at 818-368-2400 or e-mail to: ravenlabs@aol.com or WEB to: www.raven-labs.com

Ted Blaisdell is a LA-based recording engineer.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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