We're back from field testing the new "Venue" from LR Baggs, and have nothing but rave reviews! It's always nice to have sleek, simple, and capable all in the same compact package, and this is what you get with this efficient floor DI box/tuner.

"Sweet," "clean," "rich" are all qualities that leap to mind in evaluating this fretted acoustic musician's answer to a maiden's prayer. We tested it on an Austin Clark JM Signature mandolin, and found additional vibrant tone character we had never heard before coming through the high quality church sanctuary PA. Brilliant mids, crisp highs, and warm lows danced through the auditorium, and its 5-band adjustable EQ gave us plenty to play with to get the maximum sonic potential from this glorious instrument.

Of course this is the back end of what we hoped to achieve with a professional quality DI box, but on the front, the ability to step up sound with a "boost" footswitch, as well as an effective state of the art chromatic tuner (and mute) switch makes an attractive package for the mandolinist hoping for easy stage tuning and rapid volume changes for soloing. Battery check button is nice, but with only a 40 hour capability we hope to add a 9-volt adapter soon (not included). The unit also includes a ground loop eliminator and notch filter, though we hadn't experienced the resonant feedback with this instrument necessary to engage within the setting we experimented.

We also opted to use the auxiliary send/return effects loop to include an Electro Harmnonix "Holy Grail" reverb unit for additional atmosphere. The sturdy package is roadworthy tough, comes in a convenient carrying pouch, and includes no-slip footing to keep it from traveling off the stage when you kick any of the switches. List price is $399, and expected to street price in the low 3 bills.

Highly recommended!

More information: LR Baggs Venue DI

Posted by Ted at September 3, 2009 7:59 AM