The Fishman Aura Spectrum DI is an acoustic preamp and DI pedal built around Fishman's Aura Acoustic Imaging Technology. Instead of simply amplifying your pickup, it applies an Aura image, a recorded picture of how the instrument sounds through a microphone, and blends that image with the direct pickup signal for microphone-style plugged-in tone. Fishman describes it as the first preamp to use Impulse Response technology to transform your plugged-in tone into the true acoustic sound of your instrument1.
Fishman's product page marks the Aura Spectrum DI Preamp as discontinued1. Players looking at current alternatives from the same maker can compare it with the Fishman Platinum Stage EQ/DI or the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Analog Preamp, and it sits among other options on the Acoustic Pedals and Preamp Pedals pages.
How the Aura imaging works
At the heart of the unit is Fishman's Aura Acoustic Imaging Technology, which provides an "image" of an acoustic instrument as captured by a microphone. You can blend this Aura image with the direct signal from your instrument's pickup to achieve a realistic-sounding microphone tone2. The Spectrum features 128 preloaded Aura images, accessed with a central selector knob and a slider2.
The front panel centers on a Blend control to balance the Aura Image tone with your direct signal1. Around it, the pedal adds the practical tools an acoustic player needs on stage:
- Blend knob: balances the Aura image with the direct signal2
- 3-band EQ: a high-quality preamp section for shaping the sound1
- Input trim: adjusts the level from the 1/4-inch mono input2
Connections and power
The Aura Spectrum DI is an instrument preamp and direct-input pedal with balanced outputs that can be used with acoustic instruments. A 1/4-inch input and 1/4-inch or XLR DI outputs provide connectivity between your instrument and amp, mixer, PA, or recording setup2.
Power comes from a nine-volt battery or an optional adaptor, with Fishman listing battery life at 20 hours12. For pedalboard use, the Fishman 910-R AC Adapter is the maker's external supply for pedals and outboard preamps.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Conversion and processing | 24-bit A/D/A conversion; 32-bit processing2 |
| Dimensions | 5.6" L x 5.25" W x 2.1" H (142 mm x 133 mm x 53 mm)1 |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (.77 kg)1 |
| Construction | Durable all-metal1 |
| Battery life | 20 hours1 |
Price and what reviewers said
When Acoustic Guitar reviewed the pedal, the street price was $329.952. Fishman's own product listing more recently showed a list price of $469.95 USD3.
Reviewer Teja Gerken, writing in Acoustic Guitar, summed up the concept this way:
"You can 'blend' this Aura image with the direct signal from your instrument's pickup to achieve realistic-sounding micro..."2
Gerken also found the pedal useful beyond guitar: although the majority of the Spectrum's settings are most fitting for guitar players, it works well with other acoustic stringed instruments like violin and viola, and the bluegrass bank features several "fiddles" recorded with top-quality microphones2.
Videos
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Fishman Music
Fishman Music
Questions
Does the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI run on a battery?
Yes. The Aura Spectrum DI runs on a nine-volt battery or an optional adaptor, and Fishman lists battery life at 20 hours. For pedalboard use, an external nine-volt supply such as the Fishman 910-R AC Adapter can be used instead of relying on batteries.
How many Aura images does the Aura Spectrum DI have?
The Aura Spectrum DI carries 128 preloaded Aura images. They are accessed with a central selector knob and a slider, and each image can be blended with the direct signal from your pickup using the blend knob.
Is the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI discontinued?
Yes. Fishman's own product page marks the Aura Spectrum DI Preamp as discontinued, so it is no longer in current production. Used and remaining new stock is where players will find it.
Does the Aura Spectrum DI have an XLR output?
Yes. The Aura Spectrum DI has a 1/4-inch mono output plus a 1/4-inch or XLR balanced DI output, giving connectivity between your instrument and an amp, mixer, PA, or recording interface.
Can the Aura Spectrum DI be used with violin or viola?
Yes. Reviewer Teja Gerken found that although most of the Spectrum's settings suit guitar players, it works well with other acoustic stringed instruments like violin and viola, and noted that the bluegrass bank features several fiddles recorded with top-quality microphones.
Sources (3)
- Aura Spectrum DI Preamp, fishman.com
- Review: Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Brings Mic-Style Tone to Plugged-In Acoustic Instruments, Acoustic Guitar, 2015-03-28
- ToneDEQ Acoustic Multi-effects, Fishman
