Raven Labs' APD-1 Active Direct Box
By Ted Blaisdell - Edited by Barry Rudolph
© 2000 Music Biz Magazine
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.
The APD-1 is a low noise, active direct box with a special output transformer. Battery-powered, the unit comes with a nine-volt power supply and has two independent, switchable instrument inputs. For the player it offers a lot of flexibility with two front panel inputs, both with on/off switches. Perfect for bass players with two axes, it also features an effects mixer that lets you gradually blend effects from any effects unit plugged into the back panel Aux Send and Receive jacks. The APD-1 has a four-position output pad switch good for turning the output level down or up to +6dB of additional gain. The rugged cabinet design has handles that protect the front panel and other features including: output mute switch, passive phase switch, ground lift switch and an "always on" tuner jack.
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!
Ted Blaisdell is a LA-based recording engineer. Visit his Web Site at: www.musicwire.com/ted
