Two levels of clean gain boost assure versatility for both studio and stage applications
Royer Labs, a leading manufacturer of high quality ribbon microphones, is pleased to announce the dBooster (model R-DB20) In-Line Signal Booster for ribbon & dynamic microphones. As a phantom powered microphone signal booster and impedance buffer, the new Royer Labs dBooster accurately increases the level of passive low-output ribbon and moving coil dynamic microphones without distortion or coloration. Designed for professional applications, the dBooster provides two levels of clean gain boost: either 12dB or 20dB, selectable by a front panel switch. Unlike other in-line gain products, the dBooster maintains headroom and gain regardless of load.
The heart of the dBooster design is a sophisticated, uniquely configured input stage consisting of multiple paralleled PNP semiconductors to keep noise low. These devices run in pure Class A mode for minimal distortion. The Class A input circuitry presents a high source impedance to the microphone to minimize loading (damping), reducing coloration and distortion while improving headroom. By utilizing the unit’s 12/20dB gain switch, optimum balance between gain and headroom can be achieved for a variety of applications.
The low-impedance output of the dBooster is an increased microphone-level signal that can drive either a standard microphone preamplifier or a digital interface directly. The unit’s output section utilizes a pair of operational amplifiers that act as buffers and low impedance line-drivers. The output stage enables the dBooster to drive difficult loads and long cable lengths without sacrificing gain or performance while maintaining excellent headroom. The dBooster’s circuit is phantom powered and is fully regulated and de-coupled—providing clean voltage and current for optimum circuit operation.
Royer’s new dBooster is safe for use with all ribbon microphones and provides increased headroom at the preamp, true electrical isolation, and the protection of ribbon mics from phantom power hits—all while minimizing mic loading. Further, this rugged, compact device can drive difficult loads such as mic splitters and vintage-style preamps without loss of gain or increased distortion.
John Jennings, Royer’s VP of Sales and Marketing, commented on the company’s new dBooster, “Our R-10 ribbon microphone is what originally got us interested in providing an in-line signal booster. The R-10 has slightly less output than an R-121 and we knew engineers might want some extra gain for vocals and acoustic instruments. The amount of distortion in the available in-line preamps wasn’t acceptable, so we designed our own and it does a great job of providing an extremely clean signal lift. It’s a great fit with Royer’s non-powered ribbons, and it kills with a number of dynamics too!”
The Royer Labs dBooster (model R-DB20) In-Line Signal Booster is expected to carry a street price of $179. The unit will ship mid-February 2019.
