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Preamps and Processors:
Preamplifiers (2 or more Channels)
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D-TAR Solstice 2 Channel Acoustic Musical Instrument Preamplifier |
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Manufactured by:
D-Tar
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Choices starting at $329.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
Shipping Cost: Starting at $0.00*
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D-TAR Solstice Two Channel Mixer
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Who is D-TAR?
D-TAR (which stands for Duncan Turner Acoustic Research) is a company founded by musicians (Seymour Duncan, the pickup guy, and Rick Turner, of Renaissance Bass fame) who want to make the kind of gear -- for acoustic amplification -- that their fellow musicians deserve.
What is Solstice?
Solstice is a high-quality and extremely versatile two-channel, four-input preamp/blender. With it, you can blend up to four different sound sources, of virtually any type: from pickups to microphones and more. It's studio-quiet, and has LOTS of great input/output options for setting up a simple - or somewhat complex - setup.
Solstice features TWO distinct "channels" - each featuring its own 3-band EQ, effects loop, and balanced direct output. (There is also a separate Master Mix Balanced Output and a Master Effects Loop). On each channel is a ¼" input jack for pickups or other similar inputs, as well as an XLR input jack. Each of these inputs has its own separate input volume control, and using one does NOT defeat the other - so you can use 1 ¼" input AND 1 XLR input on EACH of the two channels simultaneously, giving you the possibility to mix/blend up to FOUR separate inputs at the same time!
Solstice is, therefore, the perfect solution for musicians looking to live-mix up to four sources such as piezo pickups, magnetic pickups, standard mics, and high output condenser mics. Most any combination of two mics and two instrument level inputs are possible! Do you have two pickups on your bass, and want to add a mic (or two) into the mix? Solstice can do it. Have two pickups wired to a TRS jack? Just use a TRS cable, because Solstice will split them out - no Y-cord required.
Features:
- 1/4” and XLR inputs on each channel: Allows either a microphone or pickup input (or both) on either channel
- 15v Phantom Power* Switchable on either channel
- Balanced XLR mic input with true gain control for optimum headroom and lowest noise: Very low noise and high common mode rejection ratio. Utilizes discrete hybrid circuitry as in high end mixing consoles
- Full 3 way level / clip indicator: Helps set optimum gain for best headroom and signal to noise ratio
- Phase reverse switch on each channel: Helps control acoustic feedback
- Channel effects loop with send and return jacks: Can be used as independent signal output or as insertion point for external signal
- Mute switch: Allows complete shut off of rig
- Tuner output (unaffected by mute switch): Allows quiet tuning
- Stereo input jack: Allows access to both channels with one stereo cable
- External wall mount power supply: Allows AC operation for best performance
- High quality components: Extremely low noise and distortion, audiophile quality sound
- Mic stand adapter available as an option: Useful for on-stage applications that use a microphone stand. Allows the performer to have full access to the front panel while facing the audience
Will it work for my high impedance piezo pickup?
The regular 1/4” input jacks for each channel are very high impedance inputs; The input impedance is 10Meg Ohms (10,000,000
Ohms), so they are very well suited to piezo type pickups, like those used for upright bass, acoustic electric basses, the Kala U-Bass, Acoustic-electric guitars, violins, mandolins, and more. This means you can plug in any kind of pickup -- active or passive, magnetic or piezo, clip-on or under-saddle -- and get the fullest frequency response possible.
The Solstice also works very well with the K&K Multi-Pickup sets, like the Bass Master Rockabilly Plus, Bass Master Pro, and the Golden Trinity Microphone Systems - the "smart jacks" also accommodate “stereo” signal sources coming in on a “TRS” (tip, ring, and sleeve) plug. In other words, you can plug a stereo signal into channel 1, and the signal present on the ring will be automatically routed to the unoccupied channel 2, or vice versa. We offer to option to substitute the Solstice for the standard K&K small preamp on those product pages, if you prefer the more powerful Solstice preamp.
*Important Note about Phantom Power on the Solstice
Certain microphones require power in order to operate; "Phantom Power" is a method of powering such devices by sending DC current -- using the same microphone or instrument cable that carries the audio signal (hence the term "phantom" - it "secretly" gets its power with no additional cable required).
There are two types of phantom power mics: the original type that typically uses XLR connectors and requires approximately 48 volts, and a newer type often used with "mini" condenser mics that uses approximately 9-15 volts in parallel with the signal cable, usually terminated with ¼" phone plugs. They are not interchangeable. The Solstice supplies a maximum of 15v of phantom power at both its ¼" and XLR jacks. It will NOT be direct-plug compatibile with condenser mics which require the higher 48v phantom power; for instance, the AMT SP25B and S25B mics, DPA 4099B bass mic, or the common condenser mics from makers like Shure, Audio-Technica, AKG, Audix, CAD, MXL, etc. You can use mics like that with the Solstice, but you will need to purchase and use a separate inline Phantom Power Supply (available elsewhere) between the microphone and the Solstice.
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Is the Phantom Power Compatible with my K&K Microphone?
In a word, Yes! If the phantom power* switch is engaged, +15V will be supplied to the ring of the respective ¼" channel input jack (this phantom power will work just fine with the K&K Mics). This will then power compatible* microphones or active pickup systems that work from off-board power. That same +15v is also applied to the XLR jack*.
So, I have two different pickups and a microphone, and I want to blend all of them to get "my" sound. Will Solstice do it?
Probably! If your microphone doesn't need 48v* (or any) phantom power, you can plug in both of the pickups AND the microphone and have a separate input volume control for EACH. The microphone will have to share EQ settings with one of the pickups, but if your settings aren't extreme that shouldn't be a problem. And you could even add a second mic if you really wanted to. (But would you? That sounds pretty complicated.)
I want to send my rockabilly "clicky" pickup to a guitar amp with reverb, but have my main pickup go to my bass amp. Can I?
Yes. You could use either the Insert (Channel Effects Loop) on that channel, or the separate Balanced Channel Send (which is on an XLR jack) to accomplish that. See the manual for details.
The Solstice is an incredible unit that offers specs and features equal or better what the Raven Labs PMB-II (no longer available) offered. If you have other questions not answered here, about whether the Solstice will work with your system, pickup, mic, or special requirements, please contact us!
If you reach this page when searching for replacement power supplies for the old, discontinued Raven Labs gear, sorry, we do not know of any sources for them but continue to seek one.
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Choices starting at $329.00
(click on arrow next to Add To Cart button)
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Additional Photos of this Product
Simply "mouse over" the small thumbnail image to see the full-sized version.
FAQs Associated With This Product
FREQUENCIES: What are the frequencies of bass notes?
PHANTOM POWER BASICS: Microphones/Preamps
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PAM5A Personal Powered Monitor Speaker
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AMT Violin/Viola/Mandolin Microphone Systems
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D-TAR Gig Bag for Solstice, Equinox, or Mama Bear
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Raxxess Equipment Mounting Bracket for Mic Stand/Amp Handle
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D-TAR Power Adapter (DTAR)
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From $34.50
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Here is what some of our customers think about this product:
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Thanks so much! I received the order two days after placing it on Wednesday and gigged out on Thursday night. My old Fishman (BP-100) setup was prone to feedback and "scratchy" tone. Not so with the Bass Master Pro. Everyone in the band commented on the natural tone. The solstice required very little EQ. Probably due to my old Fender BXR 60 amplifier. I was standing within one foot of my amp and did not get any feedback at all. Of course the volume level was pretty low. Now I just need a better amp. I heard Clarus is introducing a series three. Now where did I hear that?
—Chip
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Bob,
I received the Solstice Monday. Last night I got to check it out with a nice sound system.
I love it. It's just what I needed.
Thanks for your great service...
—Dan L
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