Tech 21 Acoustic DI Product Overview, Applications, With Acoustic Guitar, With Other Instruments

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Tech 21 redefined the term “direct box” with the development of SansAmpTM Bass DI, and again with SansAmp Bass Driver DI. For recording and live performances, our exclusive Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry delivers the sound of a miked-up bass amp system in a convenient direct box format.

We have now adapted our proprietary technology specifically for the acoustic guitar player, whose seemingly simplistic desire to just put a good quality microphone in front of an acoustic guitar is foiled by feedback or unbalanced sound. Piezo pickups have helped, but their characteristic high frequencies tend to sound artificial and abrasive.

With SansAmp Acoustic DI, the parametric equalizer (the Mid Shift con- trol) removes unwanted feedback. The Tube/Microphone Emulation circuit- ry (engaged via the Blend control) eliminates the unnatural harmonics of piezo pickups. SansAmp Acoustic DI gives your acoustic guitar a natural warmth and presence as if you were miking the guitar through a tube pre-amp.

SansAmp Acoustic DI also functions as a standard direct box with EQ when the Blend control is at minimum. In bypass (inactive), SansAmp Acoustic DI functions solely as a standard transparent direct box.

As with each SansAmp model, the controls are designed to give you the flexibility to achieve your desired sound, be it at home, in a local bistro or on a world tour.

SansAmp Acoustic DI.

APPLICATIONS

WITH ACOUSTIC GUITAR:

-Direct to the mixing console of a recorder or a P.A. system: For live and studio use, you can plug the XLR Output or 1/4” Output directly into the input of a mixer/recorder. Work with the input trim control on the mixer/recorder and be sure not to overload its input. Additionally, bear in mind that full-range systems yield a wide frequency response. Therefore, we suggest you start with the EQ levels at 12 o’clock and increase/decrease to taste.

-With a conventional acoustic guitar amplifier: To enhance your acoustic amplifier with a more natural sound, run the 1/4” Output into the front input of your amp. For best results, keep the Level control of SansAmp Acoustic DI close to unity gain so as not to overload the amp’s input (which could yield undesirable distortion).

-With a conventional electric guitar amplifier: To expand the capabili- ties of your electric amp, run the 1/4” Output into the power amp input, a.k.a. “effects return” (if available) of the amp. This will bypass the tone-coloring pre- amp section. If a power amp input is not available, use the cleanest channel with the amp’s EQ flat and maximum headroom. For best results, keep the Level control of SansAmp Acoustic DI close to unity gain so as not to overload the amp’s input (which could yield undesirable distortion).

WITH OTHER INSTRUMENTS:

SansAmp Acoustic DI can be used with electric and bass guitars, and upright bass, as well as drums, sax, harmonica, and even vocals. But don’t stop here. Try your own experimentation.

WITHOUT INSTRUMENTS:

-Insert SansAmp Acoustic DI in your mixing board and use it as an outboard processor to warm up a particular channel.

-Put direct in-line from the microphone to the mixer. -Enhance existing tracks in the mix-down process.

-Use as a speaker/mic simulator to record your favorite effects/stomp boxes directly (see Sample Settings).

Consistent quality sound studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.

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