The Behringer ADI21, sold as the V-TONE ACOUSTIC DRIVER DI ADI21, is an acoustic preamp, direct recording preamp and DI box in one pedal. Behringer describes it as combining "the features of an active DI (direct injection) box with our proprietary tube/mic emulation circuitry," aimed at acoustic guitar players who want a more natural, mic'd sound from a pickup1.
What it does
The pedal's core idea is that a piezo or undersaddle pickup often sounds thin and quacky compared with a mic'd acoustic guitar. Behringer says the ADI21's tube/mic emulation circuitry gives "a more natural sound with smooth saturation, just as if your guitar were being mic'ed in the great outdoors"1.
The BLEND control lets you mix the amount of modeled tone with your instrument's normal output, so you can dial in anything from a fully processed signal to a light touch of emulation1.
Controls and connections
| Control or connection | What it does |
|---|---|
| BLEND | Mixes the amount of modeled tone with the instrument's normal output1 |
| 3-band EQ | Onboard EQ with sweepable mids, which Behringer says helps keep feedback under control2 |
| Footswitch | Engages DI mode, where the pedal functions as an active DI box2 |
| Outputs | 1/4" TS or balanced gold-plated XLR connectors, for sending a low-impedance signal to the mixing console or straight to tape1 |
Power
The ADI21 runs on a 9V battery or the Behringer PSU-SB DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal1.
The PSU-SB power supply is not included, so you will need to supply your own 9V battery or adapter.
Where it sits
The ADI21 is one of the more affordable entries among acoustic pedals. Players comparing it with other options might also look at the Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre or the LR Baggs Session DI, which occupy higher price points in the same acoustic preamp and DI territory.
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Questions
Can the ADI21 be used as a plain DI box?
Yes. Behringer says that if you prefer the old-school approach, you can step on the switch and the ADI21 functions as an active DI box. In that mode the tube and mic emulation circuitry is bypassed, and the pedal sends your instrument's signal straight through.
How is the ADI21 powered?
Behringer says the ADI21 can be powered with a 9V battery or with the Behringer PSU-SB DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.
What outputs does the ADI21 have?
The output is laid out on 1/4-inch TS or balanced gold-plated XLR connectors. Behringer says these can be used to send a low-impedance signal to the mixing console or straight to tape.
Sources (2)
- ADI21 | Behringer, Behringer
- ADI21 | Behringer, Behringer
