CGM Prods. Clear Line Passive DI

The CGM Passive D1 is a direct input .The Passive D1has 1/4" TRS connections for input and thru, and an XLR output to send it to your console and/or interface. Other features include buttons for a ground lift and a -15db pad. The CGM Passive D1 is very god quality, they are actually pretty hard to find, (if you are looking for a used one try your local GC). But brand new you can get them on all online stores but when I went to the music store they didn’t have it, not too sure why?


UTILIZATION

There isn't much to using the CGM Passive D1 at all as everything should be able to decipher without the assistance of a manual. Simply make your connections and you're good to go. The ground lift and pad both come in handy more often than not, so it is certainly nice to have these features. Beyond this, there isn't much to know about make up of the CGM Passive D1 .


SOUND QUALITY

As far as stand alone direct input boxes go, the CGM Passive D1 is one of the better models that I have experience with. I've used it to record bass guitar, in tandem with a mic'd up bass amplifier. Bass guitar is probably the most recorded instrument through a DI box, but this would definitely work well for getting any sort of direct signal, as it will reproduce your signal accurately and faithfully without adding any sound or noise of its own.


OVERALL OPINION

When it comes to DI boxes, Radial Engineering is one of if not the best in the business, and the CGM is one of their best and most affordable models. Suitable for both professional and home studio owners looking for a DI box, CGM Passive D1 is a great investment that will last a lifetime as it is built like a brick! Highly recommended for studio owners of any kind...

The CMG Clear Line Passive DI is a simple direct input box that is suitable for use in the studio or on the stage. My experience with this DI has only been in the studio, however. It's pretty basic, consisting of 1/4" connections for a high impedance input and output, and an XLR low impedance output. It isn't rackable as it's a DI box that's meant to float.

UTILIZATION

There isn't anything to using the CMG Clear Line Passive DI beyond setting it up. Once you've made your connections you're pretty much good to go. The only control to be aware of here is the ground lift that's available on it, but beyond that there aren't any parameters to play with. Because it's so simple, a manual definitely won't be necessary.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the CMG Clear Line Passive DI isn't really anything too impressive, but more times than not it'll get the job done. It definitely doesn't sound terrible, but it's not the best sounding DI I've used by a long shot. However, I've only used it for recording keyboard direct, which should be a more accurate signal to begin with when compared to bass guitar or something similar. It's great for use in a home studio, but for a professional studio I'd perhaps go with something a bit cleaner.

OVERALL OPINION

The CMG Clear Line Passive DI doesn't seem to be too popular, as the only one I've ever seen was the one I used recently. I work with this producer who has a home studio and we recently tracked some keyboards direct with this and definitely did the job just fine. I'd pick one up if you come across a cheap one, but there are plenty of other options out there that sound as good or better for quite cheap...