August 2003 - Guitar Player magazine reviews BBE DI boxes

 

                                                    … in the August issue of Guitar Player magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

August 2003

 
Michael Molenda, Editor in Chief of
Guitar Player magazine praises the
BBE DI-100x and DI-1000 Direct Boxes:

“BBE's DI-100x and DI-1000 ($249 street) direct boxes are astounding.”

“…they offer features unmatched by bargain DIs.”

“The Sonic Maximizer is awesome.”

“…each box is so tough and roadworthy.”

“Best of all, both models feature a Sonic Maximizer...”

“…each DI did a fantastic job of translating input signals with punch and clarity.”

“Both the DI-100x and DI-1000 are exceptional pro-audio helpmates that present your direct signals in the best light possible…”

“Guitarists who are always looking for ways to make better tracks in their home studios need to put one of these babies in their trick bag!”

From Guitar Player, August 2003 issue

Pro Audio Report
BBE DI-100x and DI-1000

Being a cagey studio guitarist isn't always about cooking up brilliant guitar and amp combinations, slick effects, and facile mic positions. Sometimes, a tune requires the snap and ka-ching of a clean, direct guitar. Or your sonic tidal wave of layered guitars could use a little clarity and/or attack. Or you may need a little more punch from your drum machine, sound module, or sampler. In these instances, a great direct box can make the difference between a relatively anemic signal and a studly wallop. And if you can put your hands on an astounding direct box, well, then you can truly wield a little of that audio magic.

BBE's DI-100x ($199 street) and DI-1000 ($249 street) direct boxes are astounding. Obviously, they're more expensive than the semi-pro models typically employed by home-studio users, but these suckers will be by your side for a long, long time, and they offer features unmatched by bargain DIs.

For example, each box is so tough and road-worthy that I doubt a direct hit by a smart bomb would cause any damage. Both models also include a no-slip, rubber pad that not only prevents onstage "traveling", but also decouples any metal to metal contact if you put the box atop an amp chassis, rack, or mixer. Smart.

The DI-100x adds a 15dB pad (for taming hot input signals) and a balanced 1/4" output (for interfacing with semi-pro gear), and the DI-1000 piles on the classic Jensen JT-DB-E transformer (for impedance matching and beefing up signals), passive/active operation, and an additional 30dB pad (which makes it possible to take the output of your favorite amp head, plug it into the 1000, and run it direct to tape).

Best of all, both models include a Sonic Maximizer circuit that can be switched in or out. When active, the Maximizer can de-mud (as well as bolster) low frequencies and add sparkle to high frequencies. The knobs and switches on both boxes are extremely sturdy.

Tested with a Les Paul, a Strat, a semi-hollow Guild X-160, and a Martin Alternative II acoustic/electric as well as a Korg Electribe ER-1 groove box and a piezo-equipped upright bass, each DI did a fantastic job of translating input signals with punch and clarity. The DI-1000’s Jensen transformer added a very subtle low-mid presence added to an already excellent signal – which is cool, but the slight increase in warmth might not merit the additional $50 you’ll pay for the box. The Sonic Maximizer is awesome. I used the Lo Contour to add more "wood" to the Martin acoustic and some thud to the Strat. Then I cranked the Process (read: Hi Contour) to tag on an organic and articulate sheen to my Les Paul and X-160 timbres. Using both controls, I really pumped up the volume on the Electribe, tuning in a fearsome ka-boom and crackling attack to groove loops. And these are just a few of the timbral options available.

Both the DI-100x and DI-1000 are exceptional pro-audio helpmates that present your direct signals in the best light possible, and, if you need a little more shazzam, a few tweaks with the Sonic Maximizer will bring a smile to your face. Guitarists who are always looking for ways to make better tracks in their home studios need to put one of these babies in their trick bag!

By Michael Molenda, Editor in Chief, Guitar Player Magazine




BBE DI-1000 features

• Full Function BBE Sonic Maximizer for crystalline clarity and definition
• Jensen JT-DB-EPC Transformer for warmth and presence
• Purely Passive or completely Active operation
• Switchable 0/15dB/30dB Pad Switch
• Ground lift switch
• Balanced XLR Output
• 1/4” Tip-Sleeve input and thru-put
• Military-spec circuit boards
• Extra-thick, extra-wide circuit board traces for unequaled electron flow
• 1% metal film resistors throughout
• Solid 1/8” thick aluminum extrusion housing for light weight and superb strength
• Made with pride in the USA
• 5 year warranty

 

BBE DI-100x features

• Full Function BBE Sonic Maximizer for crystalline clarity and definition
• 15dB Pad Switch
• Ground lift switch
• Electronically-balanced XLR output
• Impedance-balanced 1/4” Tip-Sleeve output
• Military-spec circuit boards
• Extra-thick, extra-wide circuit board traces for unequaled electron flow
• 1% metal film resistors throughout
• Solid 1/8” thick aluminum extrusion housing for light weight and superb strength
• Recessed switches to reduce the opportunities for damage
• No-slip full bottom pad to stop slippage and prevent ground contamination through chassis to chassis contact
• Made with pride in the USA
• 5 year warranty




Learn more about the BBE DI-1000 and DI-100x



About BBE

BBE Sound, Inc., manufactures professional signal processing equipment used by the broadcast, recording, concert sound and public address industries and is a leading licensor of audio enhancement technologies to the consumer electronics industry. BBE High Definition Sound has been used in premium products from the world's most respected electronics manufacturers since 1988 and today virtually all manufacturers are offering products featuring the BBE trademark and technology.

 

For more information contact:

BBE Sound, Inc.
5381 Production Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Tel: 714 897-6766
Fax: 714 895-6728
www.bbesound.com

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