Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $999

High-end/Boutique

$119

$300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Useful Arts BF-S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Useful Arts BF-S is far from your average DI box, offering a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication for musicians and recording engineers alike. Designed to faithfully preserve your instrument’s natural sound, this single-channel tube preamp/DI box is an excellent companion for both live performances and studio sessions. At its core, the BF-S features an innovative input tube that provides a massive 20 million ohms input impedance, ensuring even the most delicate tonal details from your guitar or bass are captured with precision.

One of the most significant advantages of the BF-S is its ability to function as both a traditional DI and a high-fidelity instrument preamp. With its dual gain modes, you can switch between Lo Gain for standard DI operation and Hi Gain for direct connection to A/D converters, providing flexibility for any recording situation. The BF-S also includes a 2-band EQ with large, tactile knobs for intuitive sound shaping, bypassable for A/B comparisons without hassle.

Further enhancing its versatility, the BF-S offers dual balanced outputs, allowing you to feed both your amp and console simultaneously. Housed in a durable, powder-coated steel enclosure, it comes equipped with a linear power supply from Useful Arts’ flagship SFP-60 mic preamp, delivering unparalleled clarity and low noise performance.

Key Features:

  • Linear power supply for exceptional clarity and low noise
  • Input impedance of 20 million ohms
  • Class A tube preamp
  • 2-band EQ with bypass switch
  • Dual gain modes: Lo Gain and Hi Gain
  • Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" outputs
  • Ground lift switch for XLR to reduce hum
  • Durable powder-coated steel enclosure

Product specs

Type Active Tube DI with Preamp
Channels 1
Ground Lift Yes
EQ 2-band EQ
Inputs 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
Outputs 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR (balanced out), 1 x 1/4" (thru)
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI Tube Instrument Preamp/DI Box?

The Useful Arts BF-S is designed to serve as an active tube direct box with a built-in preamp, enhancing the signal from instruments like electric guitars or basses before it reaches a mixing console or audio interface.

Does the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI include any EQ controls?

Yes, the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI features a 2-band EQ, allowing users to shape the tone of their instrument signal directly from the DI box.

What types of outputs are available on the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI?

The Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI offers three outputs: a balanced XLR output, a 1/4" output, and a 1/4" thru output, providing flexibility for various connection needs.

Is the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI suitable for live performance settings?

Yes, the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI is suitable for live performances, offering high-quality tube preamp sound and multiple output options to integrate seamlessly into live sound setups.

Does the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI require external power?

Yes, the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI requires an external power source and is powered by a standard IEC AC cable, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.

wavedistribution

wavedistribution

Zod ID: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World

Video thumbnail for Zod ID: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World by wavedistribution

Zod ID: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World

wavedistribution

wavedistribution

Video thumbnail for A Designs Reddi: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World by wavedistribution

A Designs Reddi: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World

wavedistribution

wavedistribution

Video thumbnail for Eclair Evil Twin: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World by wavedistribution

Eclair Evil Twin: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World

wavedistribution

wavedistribution

Video thumbnail for Useful Arts Audio BF-1 & BF-S Pro DIs - Gearslutz @ NAMM 2019 by Gearspace Forum

Useful Arts Audio BF-1 & BF-S Pro DIs - Gearslutz @ NAMM 2019

Gearspace Forum

Gearspace Forum

Reviews

Critic Reviews

| Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Neeraj Khajanchi uses Useful Arts BF-S

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "プロのバンド・レコーディング全公開" by SoundRecordingJP, Neeraj Khajanchi is shown using the Useful Arts BF-S direct box. This device, known for its exceptional clarity and headroom due to its linear power supply, enhances recording sessions by adding depth and a touch of second harmonic warmth, making instruments sound vibrant and alive.

See how Neil Citron uses Useful Arts BF-S

Neil Citron

Guitarist, Music Producer

Quiet Riot

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this Instagram post and visible in this one.

This is the greatest DI box period. Useful Arts

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Useful Arts BF-S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Josephson e22S
Josephson e22S Condenser Microphones
1
AKG C451EB
AKG C451EB Condenser Microphones
1
Sony DRE-S777
Sony DRE-S777 Effects Processors
1
Royer R-122
Royer R-122 Ribbon Microphones
1
Sennheiser MKH 40-P48
Sennheiser MKH 40-P48 Condenser Microphones
1
Royer R-121
Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphones
1
Neumann U47 FET
Neumann U47 FET Condenser Microphones
1

More Direct Boxes

Radial JDI

$224.50 - $269.00

# 1

Rank

Matt Heafy Matthew Healy Adrian Belew
29 artists using
Avalon U5

$936.00 - $1,099.00

# 2

Rank

Paul McCartney Billie Joe Armstrong David Gilmour
85 artists using
BSS Audio AR-133

$98.00 - $232.00

# 15

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Daniel Johns Colin Greenwood
7 artists using
Suhr Reactive Load

$349.00 - $485.00

# 18

Rank

Misha Mansoor Mateus Asato Ola Englund
5 artists using
Radial Pro 48

$112.25 - $135.00

# 21

Rank

Jake Bugg Martin Carthy Thomas Ramdhan
4 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides