USER CONTROLS
DI MAX CONTROL PANEL
INPUT CHANNEL-1: This input is designed for all passive and active type pickup signals. The
Channel-1 input will accept both ¼” mono or ¼” stereo (TRS) inputs. If using a pickup system with
stereo output use this input to process the signal. When using a stereo (TRS) input the DI MAX will
process the tip signal through the Channel-1 controls and the ring signal through the Channel-2
controls. (If you plug an instrument into Channel-2 it will disable the signal on the ring of the Channel-
1 input) CHANNEL-1 will also accept low impedance XLR inputs so it can be used for controlling a
microphone or other device that has a low impedance XLR output.
Description:
Now with 2 channels, the DI MAX can be
used as a blender as well as a pre-amp.
The Channel-1 input will accept a stereo
(TRS) plug and allows the DI MAX to
process the tip signal through the Channel-
1 controls and the ring signal through the
Channel-2 controls giving you a huge
amount of flexibility for some creative signal
blending from your stereo pickups. Of
course you can plug 2 different instruments
into the DI MAX and blend the signals also.
Channel-1 also allows the use of an XLR
input so you can use the DI MAX as a
personal mic pre-amp.
INPUT CHANNEL- 2: This input is designed for all passive and active type pickup signals. This is a
mono input.
It is recommended that you turn down your amp or mixers input before plugging/unplugging
from the INSTRUMENT INPUTS or powering the unit on or off . This will protect your speakers
from loud pops.
XLR OUT: Plug a standard XLR cable from your PA or recording console into this low impedance
balanced output. Use the "XLR LEVEL" control to set the output level which matches up best with
your PA or recording gear and gives you the least amount of noise. If your board provides 48V
phantom power on the XLR cables, the DI MAX will run from this and save the battery. It is
suggested that you keep a battery in the unit as a backup when using the phantom power.
Don’t let the name fool you, this is not only a
DI but a full-featured preamp designed after
our famous AG-series amps. You will be
able to dial in the clear natural acoustic
sound that our amplifiers are known for, and
route it to the stage PA through a balanced
XLR output. Sound engineers will
appreciate the versatile controls and the
optional 48-volt phantom power operation.
(No more wall warts or batteries if your
mixer has phantom power.)
LINE OUT: This is a standard unbalanced line level output signal. Use the "LINE LEVEL" control to
adjust the signal level on this jack. This output can be used simultaneously with the XLR OUT jack
for some creative signal routing. Plug a standard instrument cable from this output to a stage monitor
amp or unbalanced Mic input on a mixer.
INPUT GAIN (CH-1 & CH-2): Please see Getting Started section for a full description of the INPUT
GAIN control.
BASS: (CH-1 & CH-2) This is an "Active" control. The BASS control adjusts the amount of cut or
boost in the low frequency (150HZ) range.
TREBLE:(CH-1 & CH-2) This is an "Active" control. The TREBLE control adjusts the amount of cut
or boost in the high frequency (5kHZ) range.
SHAPE: ON/OFF (CH-1 & CH-2) - This switch enables or disables the SHAPE control. This control is
a mid dip control. In the ON position, the mid frequencies will be cut and the high and low
frequencies will be boosted.
Getting Started:
As a rule of thumb for all of our products, begin with all of the controls at the mid point
(12:00 o'clock) with the "NOTCH" and "SHAPE" switches "OFF". This is a medium gain
setting with FLAT frequency response.
PHASE: Changes the polarity of the signal. Phase affects the way the guitar top is pressurized by the
loudspeakers. When the signals are out of phase with each other, low-end feedback is minimized. If
you experience “positive acoustic” feedback on stage, flip the phase switch from its current setting to
see if this will kill the feedback. Phase will also affect the way the guitar signal mixes live and when
recording. Each channel has an individual PHASE switch to allow you to control the channels
separately. This is very useful if you are sharing the DI MAX with another player.
The "INPUT GAIN" control will be the first control that you will want to dial in. The "INPUT
GAIN" is not a volume control, rather this control sets the level of amplification applied to
the input signal to boost it to a useable level. The reason this is adjustable is to
accommodate a wide range of pickup devices. For instance if you are using a high output
active pickup system you will want to use a lower setting on the "INPUT GAIN" than say if
you are using a passive type pickup system. You will want to use the highest "INPUT
GAIN" setting you can without overdriving or distorting the signal. To achieve this, while
playing, slowly turn the "INPUT GAIN" up (clockwise) until you begin to hear some
distortion, then back the "INPUT GAIN" down (counter-clockwise) until the distortion
disappears. This will give the DI MAX the most signal to work with and the best signal to
noise ratio. Once you have determined the best setting for the "INPUT GAIN" we
recommend that you take note of this setting and also the settings on your guitar controls
for future reference.
XLR LEVEL: This control adjusts the amount of signal sent to the XLR OUT jack.
LINE LEVEL: This control adjusts the amount of signal sent to the LINE OUT jack.
BATTERY POWER:This is the on/off switch when using “battery power”. If you have a battery
installed and wish to run the DI MAX from the battery this switch must be in the on position. To
conserve the battery, make sure this switch is in the off position when the unit is not in use.
48V: (Phantom Power) This LED lights when there is 48V Phantom Power present on the XLR OUT
jack. No battery drain will occur when Phantom Power is present.
POWER: This LED indicates the DI MAX is ready to operate. The POWER LED will illuminate when:
A. There is a fresh battery installed in the DI MAX and the Battery Power switch is in the ON position.
B. A 9VDC adapter (Wall Wart) is plugged into the power jack.
C. There is 48V phantom power on the XLR cable plugged into the XLR OUT jack. (The 48V LED
and the POWER LED will both be illuminated.)
