Super 3 vs D Activator-X

[andro64]

I don't want to necrobump the old thread so I made this one, sorry guys :/
The thing is I just got the amount of money to get bridge pickup for my Ibanez RG570. Everything was clear and with your help I went on with think that DM Super 3 is what I want. But searching some threads D Activator-X got my attention, mostly because it's very hot, aggressive metal pickup and has badass look but it can also get very clear with some guitar volume control. None of this pickups has good samples and opinions, there are only few YouTube videos or reviews on some forums
So what's the difference between these two particular pickups? I'm not hiding that it's easier for me to get D Activator-X, mainly because it's newer and all the dealers have it in their offer.

EDIT: Bear in mind that I want ultimate chords presence with bridge pickup, I love that S3 or DAX can be tight as hell but either I want notes clarity. I'm in love with the sound of HAKEN, but I want this thrashy Testament-esque bite too And I think about D Activator-X because Broderick was using them when he was in Megadeth

 

[andro64]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

Bump. Anyone? Does anyone know anything about comparision between this two PUPs?

 

[Magic]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

I've been considering the DAX for a while myself, and I agree it's frustrating not being able to find a lot of good examples of it. I'm pretty sure though that Broderick used the standard DAs when he was with Megadeth, although I think they were customized for him personally. I have tried the standard DA and I really liked it a lot. I think the DAX just has more output as well has less treble and more bass/mids.

I read on the Dimarzio forum that this band uses the Super 3:

Here are a few vids I found of the DAX:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC841S5JHHY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSZErAi7_ys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QQbKl9_M6k

 

[andro64]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

Thank you for the response. I couldn't find any of these videos, I'm really happy because of them
The D Activator-X sounds thick as sick, very defined, thrashy sound
Yep, I know Broderick used DAs instead of DAXes, but I consider DAX as something similar in "DeActivation" technology

Anyone else? And what about Dominion, it is supposed to be thick also but not as cold and compressed as D Activators?

 

[Chazzy]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

What you want is the d activator and not the x, im assuming ur playing lead... the DAX is more of a rythm style version of the DA which is more of a lead pickup, the DA focus' on upper mids and lots of treble while the DAX has lots more bass and lower mids

 

[andro64]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

What you want is the d activator and not the x, im assuming ur playing lead... the DAX is more of a rythm style version of the DA which is more of a lead pickup, the DA focus' on upper mids and lots of treble while the DAX has lots more bass and lower mids

Ok, so DAX is more a rhythm pickup… but people are saying that DAX is better, less compressed, tighter and with more midrange. Had you compared them?
And how does Super 3 compares to regular D Activator then… and how DA compare to the Dominion bridge?

 

[devastone]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

The Super 3 and D-Activator are both high output pups, but with different personalities. The S3 is very warm and the bass is tight while the treble is dark, although pinch harmonics come throught easily, kind of the darker, angrier brother of the Breed. The DA on the other hand was more "in your face" with a lot more clarity and presence, although the bass was still tight and it didn't have the "warm" mid bump of the S3.

I personally like the S3 more, but again, they are both good pickups, just different.

I can't comment on the DAX, haven't tried it...

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

Super 3 has a nice low mid push while I feel the Dact's have a pretty even eq push, the neck might be a tad treble-ier than most high output neck pups...

 

[andro64]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

Thank you for your responses For a while I was getting to know each other with pickup picker and I've came into D Sonic... What's your thoughts about this pickup? I haven't thought about it because CrunchLab was advertised as "better D Sonic" so I wasn't curious about it but as I'm going through multiple topics about D Activators and D Sonic it looks like it can do the job?

 

[Chazzy]

Re: Super 3 vs D Activator-X

actually from the research ive done the dax is more muddy, ive heard some demos and they are definitely not quite as clear as das, idk anything about the super 3 or dominion