Control Elements, Front & Rear DI100 | Behringer ULTRA-DI DI100

Welcome to BEHRINGER!

Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the ULTRA-DI.

DI stands for Direct Injection. On stage or in the studio there are sources you want to connect to your mixer that are not equipped with a suitable connection. Keyboards seldom have properly balanced outputs. Guitars cannot be directly plugged into a mixer and placing a microphone in front of a backline is not always ideal. A microphone picks up ambient noise such as other instruments. Low frequencies (such as from a bass guitar) are especially difficult for a microphone to handle.

A DI-box makes it possible to tap a signal from a high impedance unbalanced line, for instance the signal from a guitar to a guitar amplifier, and Inject it Directly into the mixer’s input without having to use a microphone. But that’s not all, there are lots of situations where you want to inject the signal coming from an unbalanced source directly into your mixer and preferably balanced, too. That is the application of a Direct Injection box.

Impedance is the electrical frequency dependent resistance of a device combined with its phase response. It is a literally complex matter. That is why a good DI-box is distinguishable from a bad one. As with a power amplifier and speakers the impedance to a device determines the performance. With a good power amplifier the load impedance only affects the maximum power output. Whereas on some other devices the impedance governs other properties as well. With a transformer as used in a DI-box, the connected impedances (in and out) influence the bandwidth, frequency response, distortion, etc.

There are two basic types of DI-boxes, passive and active. Both active and passive DI boxes are designed to be connected to the console’s microphone input. A passive DI box has the advantage of being slightly lower in cost (less electronics, no battery facility) but their performance is highly dependent on the connected impedances. When the impedance on the mixer side of a passive DI-box changes, the impedance on the input changes also. Not only that, the frequency response changes, too. A passive DI-box only works well at specified connected impedances, high in and low out, which means that they only work in a standard application.

Active DI-boxes don’t have such restrictions. The signal coming from the input is buffered with an amplifier. The input impedance of the ULTRA-DI is ultra-high so it doesn’t affect the signal throughput at all. The output impedance of the ULTRA-DI is balanced and very low so that it is much less susceptible to picking up hum and noise. This way, the impedance for the signal source is independent from the impedance of the used mixer and vice versa. There is no sound alteration. The transformer used is BEHRINGER´s renowned OT-1 witch guarantees distortion free, clean sound and a flat frequency response. Furthermore the BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI can be powered by your console’s phantom power or by battery and switches automatically between these two.

+To avoid switching noise, you should mute the desk channel before activating the DI100. Same applies when switching between battery and phantom power and vice versa.

The design of the DI100 includes four sturdy rubber feet which protect the unit (even during a unplanned drop) and allow cables to run underneath. It also provides literally a “ground lift” so that the unit can be stacked on top of another unit and other equipment without creating ground loops.

1.CONTROL ELEMENTS

Fig 1.1: Front & Rear DI100

With the ON/OFF switch you can switch the battery power on and off to preserve battery life. Switched off the ULTRA-DI will still work on phantom power. Switched on, the ULTRA-DI will automatically switch between battery and phantom power. When the DI100 is operating on battery power the ON/OFF LED will flash once every few seconds, when operating on phantom power the LED will light up continuously.

INPUT. Connect the source to this 1/4" jack to receive the signal.

To provide maximum flexibility the ULTRA-DI is also fitted with an unbalanced XLR input to connect the source.

LINK OUT. This is the unbalanced parallel output of the ULTRA-DI. Connect this to the input of the backline or monitor amplifier.

+The 1/4" jacks (input and link out) and the Input XLR are wired parallel, so any connection as input will give the same performance.

ULTRA-DI DI100 specifications

The Behringer ULTRA-DI DI100 is a professional direct injection box designed for a wide range of audio applications. Musicians, sound engineers, and producers alike appreciate the robust features and affordable price point of this device, making it a popular choice in the world of music production and live sound reinforcement.

One of the standout features of the DI100 is its high-quality, low-noise performance. The device is equipped with a high-impedance 1/4" input jack that allows you to connect instruments such as electric guitars, basses, and keyboards directly to the sound system, ensuring pristine audio quality. The balanced XLR output provides a clean signal with minimal interference, which is essential when connecting to mixing consoles or recording interfaces.

The DI100 is built on advanced technology that ensures versatile connectivity and compatibility with various audio sources. It operates with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 30 kHz, ensuring that it captures a wide range of sound frequencies, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings. The 48V phantom power capability allows the DI100 to work seamlessly with professional audio equipment, providing additional flexibility when integrating it into complex audio setups.

Portability is another significant aspect of the Behringer ULTRA-DI DI100. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, allowing musicians to easily transport it between gigs and studio sessions. The robust metal housing guarantees durability, protecting it against the rigors of travel and performance.

In addition to its stellar performance, the DI100 features a ground lift switch. This allows users to eliminate hum and buzz often caused by grounding issues, ensuring a clean and noise-free signal. This can be particularly beneficial in live performance situations where electrical interference can compromise sound quality.

With its blend of affordability, durability, and high-performance capabilities, the Behringer ULTRA-DI DI100 is an excellent investment for those seeking quality audio solutions. Whether you are a solo musician, part of a band, or a professional audio technician, this direct injection box provides the tools necessary to achieve superior sound quality in any setting. Its consistent reliability and user-friendly design make it a must-have accessory for audio professionals worldwide.