Dimarzio D Activator X

[moonlight]

I put a set of these in an RG and like them a lot. I can get a good variety of tones out of them. I'm kinda surprised there isn't more talk about them in some of these pup threads. Just curious as to why that is. Anyone else try them, like them, hate them? Whataya think?

[IBNZ_RG]

i am planning on putting one in the bridge on my current RG project. was just a little iffy because i haven't heard anything about them. thanks for writing about them, now i'm definitely gonna put one in.

[reguv760]

had mine in an S5470 for over a year. Very happy with it for playing heavy metal/death metal and with the volume knob at 1 or 2, it's "blues-y". I think there are couple threads I posted/replied regarding the D-X

As to why there isn't much talk... maybe the dual-blade design doesn't appeal to certain people? maybe people already have D-Activator's but [insert random reason] to upgrade... maybe it's the most powerful pup in Dimarzio's catalog (much more so than an X2N!).
For what it's worth, the D-X is definitely an underdog that's not a one-trick-pony imo.

Reg

[moonlight]

I think the X2N is rated a little higher power. Anyway, I have RG's with Evo's and D Activators to compare to. I like how Dimarzio backed off on the treble on the DX so it's not so bright. I also really like how I can control the gain with the volume knob. Those Dimarzio custom taper pots seem to work well with the DX.

[reguv760]

the X2N is rated @10mv higher than a D-X. Even then, The D-X's "power" comes from the magnet itself i.e. string-pull is much stronger. I have both pups in two different guitars, the X2N is mounted much higher than a D-X bridge. I'm sure it's my guitar but raising the D-X closer to the strings makes it sound very bassy.
I agree with the toned-down treble [compared to the original D-Activator's]... i was quite surprised how articulate the pickup is for being mid-bass heavy. What i really dig about it is how "in-your-face" it sounds... haven't heard a D-X in an RG thugh...

Reg

[Jblaze]

Originally Posted by moonlight

I think the X2N is rated a little higher power. Anyway, I have RG's with Evo's and D Activators to compare to. I like how Dimarzio backed off on the treble on the DX so it's not so bright. I also really like how I can control the gain with the volume knob. Those Dimarzio custom taper pots seem to work well with the DX.

Does the DX have a lot of high mids like the Activator, or more low mids? How bright is it compared to the EVOs and Activators? I like both the EVO and Activators crunch, but both are a little much in my Alder guitar.