Jensen Transformers has announced four ISO-Max DI boxes – the Concert-1 and Concert-2 for instruments, and the Media-1 and Media-2 for laptops and other consumer-level audio sources.
The Concert-1 and Concert-2 are aimed at interfacing musical instruments such as acoustic guitar, bass and keyboards with the PA.
The Concert-1 is a single-channel direct box with standard quarter-inch input and throughput. Inside a Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformer performs the balancing and lowers the impedance to ensure optimal signal transfer from the instrument to the PA’s mic input. A 3.5mm TRS connector enables connection of a laptop computer to the Concert-1 and the signal is summed to mono by dressing the selector switch. This also turns the input and thru into LR quarter-inch jacks for stereo-to-mono conversion when used with a keyboard.
The Concert-2 is a stereo version that retains full stereo functionality at all times. The Jensen transformer is particularly important when used with high output instruments such as keyboards and active bass that can often overload active direct boxes.
The Media-1 and Media-2 are similar in that they are equipped with Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformers, but each is also equipped with a variable pad that enables precise adjustment of the input level to enable all types of media sources such as laptops, tablets, video players and DJ mixers to be connected using the quarter-inch RCA or 3.5mm inputs while allowing the user to set the signal level on the fly. The Media-1 is a single-channel device that automatically mixes the stereo source to mono saving valuable channels in the PA system while the Media-2 retains full stereo functionality.
The Jensen Concert and Media direct boxes claim linear performance from 10Hz to 40kHz. Galvanic isolation, internal faraday shielding and a mu-metal exterior combine to provide unmatched noise rejection and immunity from buzz and hum caused by ground loops. They are housed ine a rugged aluminium outer shell with a slide-in steel shell on which the circuit board, switches, connectors and transformers are mounted.
‘Over more than 40 years, Jensen has gained the reputation for offering the very highest quality transformers, both in terms of low distortion and noise elimination,’ says Jensen General Manager, Dave Hill. ‘And although Jensen transformer-equipped direct boxes are available from others, we felt that the time was right for us to expand our ISO-Max range by offering some designs that follow both Deane Jensen’s and Bill Whitlock’s commitment to achieving the very highest standards. These four new products bring advanced connectivity and features to the market that we believe will make them unique.’
MAP pricing for the series is: Concert-1 US$199.99, Concert-2 US$299.99, Media-1 US$219.99 and Media-2 US$319.99.
More: www.jensen-transformers.com
