Dual Source System
Onboard Pickup/Microphone Mixing System
Unique to the DS, and a must for stage use, is our exclusive soundhole mounted controller, the Remote Control. It attaches non-destructively to the edge of the soundhole and puts master volume and microphone volume controls right at your fingertips. In mix mode, the Remote Control provides a pan control between the pickup and mic plus a master volume. However, simply flipping a switch separates the mic and pickup for independent access by simply plugging in a stereo "Y" cable. Importantly, in split mode, the Remote Control provides individual volume controls for both the mic and pickup.
The Pickup
The Ribbon Transducer is a thin, flexible undersaddle microphone for acoustic instruments. The high-tech RT, manufactured to ISO 9001 specs, is comprised of a layer of micro thin PVDF polymer sensor material laminated between layers of Kapton and then laser trimmed. The key characteristic that sets our transducer apart from the pack is that our sensor material is configured to be responsive to vibration but not to pressure. Consequently, there are no limits to its dynamic range and it effortlessly tracks the vibrations of the guitar top. And, because it does not respond to pressure, the dry, stringy sound characteristic of pressure sensitive pickups is eliminated. When you experience it you will have a hard time believing it's really a pickup.
The Microphone
The DS mic is a high quality omni-directional FET condenser capsule encased in a small block of acoustically transparent foam. It mounts easily on the back of the inside of the guitar with Velcro(TM). It is designed to use the entire back surface as a "pressure zone." This minimizes the effect of standing waves and hot spots inside of the guitar. Consequently, the sound is closer to that of an outside microphone than with other internal mic placements. This location also gives increased protection against feedback.
The Electronics
If you have ever wondered how we can make such great sounding stuff for such a low price, this is it - we do more with less than any audio designer that we know of. Not only does this make for the purest possible sound but it actually reduces the cost. The entire Dual Source signal path, for example, contains only six transistors and a few film caps. We also insisted on all discrete Class A circuitry, with no negative feedback, for the lowest noise and most sweet, transparent sound possible.