Klark Teknik DN200 V2

Updated Version of the Proven 2-Channel Active DI Box

The Klark Teknik DN200 V2 is the updated version of the proven 2-channel active DI box that has become a favorite among engineers and musicians alike. With its high headroom, dynamic range, and sonic clarity, the active DI box faithfully reproduces the character of electric and acoustic instruments, allowing you to capture far more detail from musical performances. The DN200 V2 is designed for professional applications where +48 V phantom power is standard on all mixing consoles. Its innovative design results in a much higher clipping point than many other active DI boxes, and provides an output of +10 dBu at a 2-KΩ load. This increased headroom means that much higher level input signals can be accommodated without the need for an attenuation pad. Combined with very low-noise input circuitry, the DN200 V2 offers a very wide dynamic range and only requires the -20 dB pad when connected directly to instrument amplifier outputs or other very high-level signal sources.

The DN200 V2 impresses with its compact and robust design, which predestines the active DI box for tough use on tour. A thick aluminium profile protects the electronics, which in turn are protected by robust silicone rubber corners.

Balanced, transformer-isolated output

To select the components for the DN200 V2, Klark Teknik conducted extensive listening tests with a variety of active and passive bass guitars, electro-acoustic guitars, and electronic musical instruments to achieve the best musical sound. Not only was the choice of audio transformer particularly important in achieving this goal, but the impedances of the surrounding components were also very critical in getting the best possible performance out of the audio transformer. The line characteristics of the transformer output were carefully optimized to achieve the best frequency and phase responses for short and long cables and widely varying line and termination impedances.

In designing the updated version of the familiar model, care was taken to avoid saturating the core of the audio transformer, and a fixed high-pass filter was incorporated into the signal path to cut frequencies below those of musical importance. The lowest note of a 5- or 6-string bass guitar is B0 with a frequency of 30.87 Hz, and the lowest note of an 88-key piano keyboard is A0 with a frequency of 27.50 Hz. The DN200 V2 still maintains a frequency response of ±0.5 dB at these lowest musical notes.

In addition to the transformers in the signal path, the DN200 V2 also features a transformer to isolate the power rails to the input circuitry from the phantom power coming from the XLR output connector. In conjunction with the Earth-Lift switch, this complete galvanic isolation of the input and output interfaces ensures that any risk of ground loops is avoided when using a direct feed from stage backline equipment.

Dual impedance stereo inputs

A dedicated instrument-quality balanced input circuit has been designed for the new DN200 V2. Advanced analogue design techniques were used to produce the very high input impedance required for passive guitar and bass pickups, while keeping the actual component values low to minimise noise. This innovative approach to circuit design produces a very low noise floor which, combined with the high clipping point, produces an unrivalled dynamic range in a +48V phantom powered DI box.

The DN200 V2 features two combo XLR / ¼" TRS inputs connected in parallel. When connected to the combo XLR input, the input impedance is 20 kΩ, which is ideal for line-level equipment and offers even lower noise performance. This input impedance is far too low for guitar and bass pickups and is removed from the circuit when a jack plug is inserted into the combo ¼" TRS input, resulting in a nominal input impedance of 1 MΩ, ideal for passive electric pickups. It is also equipped with a stereo input mini jack, ideal for connecting MP3 players or mobile phones, etc.

Illuminated 20dB Pad and Ground Lift Switches

The DN200 V2 features illuminated -20dB pad and ground-lift switches. The Ground-Lift switch separates the input and output grounds, which is useful for avoiding ground loops between devices on different power supplies.

Illuminated Sum and Split Switches

For added convenience, the DN200 V2 features illuminated summing and split switches, which, along with the LEDs indicating +48V phantom power, provide at-a-glance status indication even from greater distances and viewing angles. The Sum switch allows a stereo input signal to be combined into a mono signal that appears on both the L and R XLR outputs. The split switch takes the L input signal and sends it to both the L and R output XLRs. The ¼" TRS Link Thru jacks can be used for a parallel input connection to a guitar or bass amp.