Wednesday, December 28, 2011

BOSS DI-1 Direct Box

Name of Product: BOSS DI-1 Direct Box
Serial Number: BB 70998
Production Date: August 1990
(Production date sourced from Boss Serial Number Decoder)

Have used this sturdy and dependable direct box since the late '90s as a direct interface between my bass and the mixing board for both recording and live performance. It runs on either a 9V battery or 24-48V phantom power from the board. I usually use an Energizer 9V alkaline battery as most of the boards I've worked with have not been that reliable. The only niggle concerning my DI-1 is when it is in Auto Power On/Off mode. In this mode, if I don't play for around 5 minutes, the DI-1 automatically turns itself off. My battery loves this thoughtful feature. However, when I come back after a break, the first note I play turns the DI-1 back on automatically; along with an annoying audible thump through my bass amp as well as the PA system (if I forget to turn off my channel on the board). It's a hassle, no doubt; but the tonal clarity and otherwise noise-free operation of the DI-1 make it a winner in my book. Enjoy the pics. Please note that any fur seen is from one of my cats or kittens, not me :).

Block diagram of the DI-1 circuit


Clearer view of the DI-1 circuit block diagram. 







Faded serial number sticker.

















2 comments:

  1. this is another tech referral blog..bravo.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the encouragement. Guess who inspired me to open up gear and take pictures?

    ReplyDelete

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