DI20

ENGLISH
User’s Manual
Version 1.0 October 2002
ULTRA-DI

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

Welcome to the BEHRINGER family!

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in us by purchasing
the ULTRA-DI DI20 professional active 2-channel DI-box/splitter.
On stage as well as in studios, it is sometimes advantageous to
connect certain sound sources directly to the mixing console. Since
many instruments (keyboards, for example) don’t have balanced
outputs they require a DI-box. Sometimes, even guitars can’t be
directly connected to mixing consoles because their impedance is
too high.
By using a DI-box, you can directly tap into a high-impedance,
unbalanced signal—for example, a signal between a guitar and a
guitar amplifier. From this point, you can feed this signal directly to a
mixing console.
There are active and passive DI-boxes. A passive DI-box is more
affordable, but its performance is dependent on the impedance of the
device to which it is connected. When the impedance on the mixing
console’s end changes, so does the impedance at the input of the DI-
box. Such DI-boxes only function properly when the connected
impedance values are strictly specified (high at the input, low at the
output). Active DI-boxes are not affected by these impedance
considerations. The input impedance of the DI20 is extremely high,
and it absolutely does not influence the signal flow through the DI-
box. The output impedance is balanced and always very low, whereby
the signal is far less prone to being affected by noise.
+ To prevent damaging your loudspeakers, first connect
the DI-box and then hook up the respective channel.
The same goes for alternating between battery and
phantom power operating modes.
2

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

1. CONTROLS

Fig. 1.1: Controls of the DI20

CH. 1 IN input is used to connect unbalanced as well as
balanced signal sources to channel 1.
CH.1 OUT is the balanced output at mic level for channel 1.
CH.2 IN input is used to connect unbalanced as well as
balanced signal sources to channel 2. In LINK mode (see )
this connector functions as output and sends the signal
directly from channel 1.
CH. 2 OUT is the balanced output at mic level for channel 2. In
Link Mode (see ) this connector sends the signal directly
from channel 1.
The ATTENUATION dampening switch considerably increases
the useful operating range of the DI20 from low signal levels
of a high-impendence microphone or a guitar, all the way to
the speaker connectors of a guitar amplifier (solid state). You
can select between 20 and 40 dB worth of attenuation.
1. CONTROLS 3

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 ULTRA-DI DI20
+ You should only use the ATTENUATION switch when
your DI20 rather than the mixing console preamp
begins distorting. Otherwise refrain from using this
function to avoid excessive dampening.
The MODE switch lets you select the operating modes of the
DI20. In the 2-CH mode, two independent signals can be
connected to channels 1 and 2 respectively. In LINK mode the
DI-box functions as a splitter: One signal can be fed to the
channel 1 input and split into two balanced signals (at outputs
1 and 2) and an unbalanced signal at CH.1 OUT. The un-
balanced signal can, for example, be connected to an additional
amplifier.
+ When connecting a tube amplifier to the input of the
DI20, please keep in mind that an appropriate load
resistance (e. g. a loudspeaker) must be connected
to the CH.1 OUT (LINK MODE) connector.
The BATTERY switch activates the battery powered mode.
Set the battery operating mode to OFF when your DI20 is
connected to phantom power. While setting it to OFF, brief
whistling noise may occur. This is completely normal and
needs no further attention. However, you should not change
the battery switch when you have an amp connected. For
battery operation, you’ll only need a commercial 9 V battery of
the 6LR61 type.
By using the GROUND switch, you can interrupt (LIFT) the
grounding between the input and output. Depending on how
other devices connected to your DI-box are grounded, ground
loops can be eliminated.
+ Never connect pin 2 or pin 3 to pin 1! Never remove the
screen protection on pin 1. Otherwise, you won’t be
able to run the DI20 on phantom power (for example,
phantom power from a mixing console).

4 1. CONTROLS

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

BATTERY COMPARTMENT
To access the battery compartment, loosen the screw on the rear.

2. CONNECTION OPTIONS
2.1 Connecting a (bass) guitar

Fig. 2.1: Guitar ß DI-box ß guitar amp/mixing console

This illustration shows the standard application of a DI-box. The
signal is fed unbalanced to a guitar amp and balanced to a mixing
console (LINK mode). This application has advantages when used
with bass guitars, because very few microphones are able to pick
up low frequencies at high levels.

2.2 Converting output signals of a keyboard, DJ-mixer, etc.

Fig. 2.2: DJ-mixer ß DI-box ß mixing console

2. CONNECTION OPTIONS 5

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

This configuration is recommended when using a DJ-mixer or another

signal source, which sends an unbalanced line level signal. In
addition, if you need a separate monitor signal, the line level signal
can be sent to another amplifier.

3. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The BEHRINGER ULTRA-DI DI20 features electronically servo-
balanced standard inputs and outputs. The circuit design is equipped
with automatic hum suppression for balanced signals and operates
problem-free even at high levels. Externally induced mains hum is
thus efficiently suppressed. The servo function automatically detects
unbalanced pin connections and changes the nominal level internally
by 6 dB so that there is no difference in level between input and
output signals.

Fig. 3.1: XLR connectors

6 3. AUDIO CONNECTIONS

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

Fig. 3.2: 1/4" TS connector

Fig. 3.3: 1/4" TRS connector

3. AUDIO CONNECTIONS 7

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

4. MULTILINGUAL DOCUMENTATION
+ The following versions of this user’s manual can
be downloaded free of charge at
http://www.behringer.com: German, French, Spanish,
Italian, Dutch, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Portuguese
and Greek.

5. SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response 10 Hz to 70 kHz (-3 dB)
Noise 100 dBu
Distortion < 0.014% (1 kHz, 0 dBu in)
Input resistance > 250 kΩ
Connection impedance > 600 Ω
Input 1/4" mono jack
Output XLR balanced
Max. input level +12/+32/+52 dBu
Phantom power 18 V DC to 48 V DC
Battery power 9 V 6LR91
Dimensions 6" (150 mm) x 5" (130 mm)
x 2 3/8" (60 mm)
Weight approx. 650 g

BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of

these efforts, modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice.
Specifications and appearance may therefore differ from those listed or shown.

8 5. SPECIFICATIONS

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 ULTRA-DI DI20

6. WARRANTY
§ 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION
To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty
card within 14 days of the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, in
accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure to return the card in due time (date as per
postmark) will void any extended warranty claims. Based on the conditions herein, the buyer may also
choose to use the online registration option via the Internet (www.behringer.com or www.behringer.de).
§ 2 WARRANTY
1. BEHRINGER (BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH including all BEHRINGER subsidiaries
listed on the enclosed page, except BEHRINGER Japan) warrants the mechanical and electronic
components of this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1)
year* from the original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty regulations described below.
If the product shows any defects within the specified warranty period that are not excluded from this
warranty as described under § 3 and 4, BEHRINGER shall, at its discretion, either replace or repair the
product using suitable new or reconditioned parts. In the case that other parts are used which constitute
an improvement, BEHRINGER may, at its discretion, charge the customer for the additional cost of
these parts.

2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be returned to the user freight prepaid.

3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
§ 3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer) must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed
list) during normal business hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must be accompanied
by a description of the problem. BEHRINGER will then issue a return authorization number.

2. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with the return
authorization number to the address indicated by BEHRINGER.

3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted.

§ 4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by a copy of the original retail
dealer’s invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by BEHRINGER under the
terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product at BEHRINGER.

2. If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to comply with applicable technical or safety
standards on a national or local level, in any country which is not the country for which the product was
originally developed and manufactured, this modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect
in materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover any such modification/adaptation, irrespective
of whether it was carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, BEHRINGER shall not
be held responsible for any cost resulting from such a modification/adaptation.

3. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly excluded from this warranty, in particular,
if caused by improper handling of the product by the user. This also applies to defects caused by
normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders, potentiometers, keys/buttons and similar parts.

6. WARRANTY 9

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 ULTRA-DI DI20
4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty:

s improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions given
in BEHRINGER user or service manuals.

s connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the technical or safety
regulations applicable in the country where the product is used.

s damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other condition that is beyond the control of
BEHRINGER.

5. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by unauthorized personnel (user included) will void the
warranty.

6. If an inspection of the product by BEHRINGER shows that the defect in question is not covered by
the warranty, the inspection costs are payable by the customer.

7. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s
expense. BEHRINGER will inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a
written repair order within 6 weeks after notification, BEHRINGER will return the unit C.O.D. with a
separate invoice for freight and packing. Such costs will also be invoiced separately when the buyer
has sent in a written repair order.

§ 5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer (customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable
to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail dealer, etc.) shall be
entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf of BEHRINGER.

§ 6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Failure of BEHRINGER to provide proper warranty service shall not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential)
damages. In no event shall the liability of BEHRINGER exceed the invoiced value of the product.

§ 7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS AND NATIONAL LAW

1. This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer’s statutory rights provided by national law, in
particular, any such rights against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase contract.

2. The warranty regulations mentioned herein are applicable unless they constitute an infringement
of national warranty law.

* Customers in the European Union please contact BEHRINGER Germany Support for further details.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the express written
permission of BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER, EURORACK and ULTRA-DI are registered trademarks. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2002 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 36-38, 47877 Willich-
Münchheide II, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 21 54 / 92 06-0, Fax +49 (0) 21 54 / 92 06-30

10 6. WARRANTY

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