The Pettyjohn Electronics LINK ONE STUDIO is a DC powered studio grade mono DI box and direct instrument preamp: a single channel Direct Instrument Preamp box that takes a high impedance unbalanced instrument signal and converts it to a low impedance balanced signal at an XLR output1. It is an analog unit, and the circuit is a one to one exact port of the direct in circuit from the Ethereal Analog DejaVu DI circuit1.
Where the standard LINK uses a 990 enh opamp, the Studio version upgrades to a SIL 995 discrete opamp, which Pettyjohn calls its favorite big box discrete opamp in this circuit. The maker describes the 995 as having a slightly more open top end and more focus than the standard 990, making it sound even more 3D and pure1. The opamp stage drives a custom made Cinemag transformer running off high voltage power rails1.
The LINK ONE STUDIO is a custom made product with an estimated shipping time of 2 to 3 weeks1.
The controls
The LINK ONE STUDIO is switch driven rather than knob driven, and each switch does one job:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| GAIN SWITCH | Sets the gain level of the discrete opamp stage from 0dB (unity gain buffer) to +6dB or +12dB1 |
| PAD | Three way mini toggle reducing the level internally by 9dB or 18dB, with 0dB for unity gain; for extra hot signals or to reduce transformer color1 |
| PHASE FLIP | Inverts the phase of the signal by 180 degrees1 |
| MUTE SWITCH | Mutes the input without any electronics pop; the indicator jewel lights up red when the signal is muted1 |
| GROUND LIFT | Solves ground loop hums with a simple flick of the switch1 |
With the Gain and Pad switches set to 0dB, the unit is a unity gain line level box, so it does not reduce the signal by 18dB the way a standard DI box does1. That matters for players who want the DI to sit at line level into a console or interface without a level drop, while the Pad is there when a hot signal or the transformer's color needs taming1.
Inputs, outputs and power
The input side accepts high impedance unbalanced instrument signals, and the output is a low impedance balanced signal, the balanced XLR feed for a mixer or interface1. Power comes from a pedal power DC power jack, so it shares the same kind of DC supply as a pedalboard1.
In the audio path, Pettyjohn specifies only the highest quality Wima MKP10 capacitors and PRP audiophile film resistors1. The top label plate is made of solid Cherry wood, laser cut and hand-finished in the company's Oregon shop1.
Where it sits in the Pettyjohn range
The LINK ONE STUDIO's direct in circuit is ported from the Ethereal Analog DejaVu DI, and it sits alongside Pettyjohn's preamp pedals such as the PreDrive and the PreDrive3, which are channel strip style preamps rather than dedicated DI boxes1. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals.
Questions
What is the Pettyjohn LINK ONE STUDIO?
It is a DC powered studio grade mono DI box and direct instrument preamp from Pettyjohn Electronics. It takes a high impedance unbalanced instrument signal and converts it to a low impedance balanced signal at an XLR output. The circuit is a one to one exact port of the direct in circuit from the Ethereal Analog DejaVu DI, driven by a SIL 995 discrete opamp and a custom made Cinemag transformer running off high voltage power rails.
Does the LINK ONE STUDIO have a ground lift?
Yes. A Ground Lift switch is included to solve ground loop hums with a simple flick of the switch, which is a common need when connecting a pedalboard or instrument to a mixing console or interface in a studio or live setting.
Is the LINK ONE STUDIO a passive or active DI?
It is an active, analog unit. Pettyjohn describes it as a studio grade analog circuit with discrete opamp circuitry, powered from a pedal power DC power jack rather than working passively like a transformer only DI box.
What does the Pad switch do on the LINK ONE STUDIO?
The Pad is a three way mini toggle that reduces the signal internally by 9dB or 18dB, with a 0dB position for unity gain. Pettyjohn suggests it for extra hot signals or to reduce transformer color.
Does the LINK ONE STUDIO have an XLR output?
Yes. The unit converts high impedance unbalanced signals to a low impedance balanced signal, which is the balanced XLR output you would run to a console or audio interface.
Sources (1)
- LINK ONE STUDIO, Pettyjohn Electronics
