Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $999
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$119
$300+
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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Useful Arts BF-S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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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
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What is the primary function of the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI Tube Instrument Preamp/DI Box?
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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.
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Does the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI include any EQ controls?
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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.
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What types of outputs are available on the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI?
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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.
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Is the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI suitable for live performance settings?
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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.
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Does the Useful Arts BF-S Pro DI require external power?
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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.
Videos
wavedistribution
Zod ID: Useful Arts BF-S vs. The World
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Artist usage
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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.
Featured in this Instagram post and visible in this one.
This is the greatest DI box period. Useful Arts
Genre Usage
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