BecosFX introduces the DITOS Transformer-Coupled Balanced Output DI Board for CompIQ Stella Pro Compressor

Constanta, Romania, European Union – September 20, 2021 – Adding even more functionality to the powerful CompIQ Stella Pro – our full-featured compressor in the CompIQ series of Blackmer VCA dynamic processor pedals –, BecosFX now introduces the DITOS Transformer-Coupled Balanced Output DI as an additional board.

The optional DITOS board allows the convenience of having a high-performance Blackmer® VCA compressor coupled with an active DI in one compact and downsized package. This combination adds even more to the powerful and versatile CompIQ Stella and may be helpful in many professional usage scenarios, on stage or in the studio. The DITOS DI is really complementary to the superbly transparent CompIQ Stella main output. It features an audio-grade transformer driven by one of the most pristine sounding, low noise & low distortion balanced analog line drivers out there. The transformer voicing is filled with a warm richness that is excellent for instrument recording, direct mixing, or for tone-conditioning of any electric instrument — bass, guitars, electro-acoustic guitars, violins, synths, keyboards, and even vocals, or anything else, with an appropriate preamp.

The DITOS transformer-coupled balanced output can also be used as an unbalanced transformer-isolated floating output to send the signal to another pedal and bring a new voicing to Stella’s audio dynamic processing. Internally, the DITOS circuit takes its input signal from Stella’s main output directly and it works exquisitely well in complementing the Burr-Brown® signal conditioning in the main circuit. The tone is filled with natural warmth, rendering tight and punchy lows, enhanced low-mids, and warm-ringing highs. The audio transformer was intensively tested and selected for minimal distortion, almost flat frequency response, and it will only slightly saturate the very Lows at high signal levels. The DITOS is truly a studio-grade DI and in combination with the Stella Pro Compressor, it offers a very powerful analog dynamic sound processing option in a very small box.

The DITOS board comes prepared for simple interconnection with CompIQ Stella mainboards manufactured after September 2021. However, the DITOS is also backward compatible with older versions, except you will need to solder the interconnection wires to the board by following this tutorial.

When installed, the DITOS board removes the functionality of powering the CompIQ Stella with a 9V battery by taking up its space. Ground-lift jumpers are available internally for dealing with potential ground loop noise issues and a short but detailed operation manual helps to understand the correct audio interconnection and grounding. The DITOS board comes pre-installed when it is ordered along with the CompIQ Stella. If ordered separately, the user must drill the enclosure for the 1/4″ TRS output connector.

Tech Specs

• Input impedance: 1MΩ
• Transformer output impedance: 10KΩ
• Output connector: 1/4″ TRS (equivalence to XLR: Tip = Pin 2, Ring = Pin 3, Sleeve = Pin 1)
• Output signal: Balanced or Floating Unbalanced
• Signal phase: Tip = Cold ( – ); Ring = Hot ( + ); Sleeve = Chassis/GND
• THD (Stella + DITOS): < 0.2% @ 1kHz, 0dBu in/out, 600Ω load, 24KHz BW, 12VDC power, measured through 6th harmonic
• Max Input Level: +10dBu
• Max Output Level: +12dBu
• Frequency response: -1dB @ 40Hz; 0dB in between 300Hz and 22KHz
• Power voltage range: 9-18VDC (do not exceed max. voltage!)
• Current consumption: < 10mAh @ 9-18VDC
• Product weight: 0.022Kg
• Shipping weight: 0.2Kg

The DITOS Transformer-Coupled Balanced Output DI Board for CompIQ Stella Compressor Pedal has a street price of $119.00 and can be purchased directly from the BECOSFX online store at becosfx.com or from select retailers.

DITOS sound demos