L. R. Baggs DS120 Dual Source Acoustic Guitar Pickup System (with .120 Ribbon Transducer)
The Dual Source System is a miniature onboard microphone/pickup mixing system that features all-discrete class A circuitry. It seamlessly combines high-tech Ribbon Transducer™ with a high quality FET condenser capsule for an affordable, simple-to-use, one- cord mix. By using clever and efficient design, L.R. Baggs added these features without raising the price or compromising the quality.
The Pickup: The Ribbon Transducer is a thin, flexible undersaddle microphone for acoustic instruments. The high-tech Ribbon Transducer, manufactured to ISO 9001 specs, is comprised of a layer of micro thin PVDF polymer sensor material laminated between layers of Kapton and then laser trimmed. The key characteristic that sets this transducer apart from the pack is that the sensor material is configured to be responsive to vibration but not to pressure. Consequently, there are no limits to its dynamic range and it effortlessly tracks the vibrations of the guitar top. And, because it does not respond to pressure, the dry, stringy sound characteristic of pressure sensitive pickups is eliminated. When you experience it you will have a hard time believing it's really a pickup.
The Microphone: The Dual Source mic is a high quality omni-directional FET condenser capsule encased in a small block of acoustically transparent foam. It mounts easily on the back of the inside of the guitar with Velcro. It is designed to use the entire back surface as a "pressure zone." This minimizes the effect of standing waves and hot spots inside of the guitar. Consequently, the sound is closer to that of an outside microphone than with other internal mic placements. This location also gives increased protection against feedback.
The Electronics: The entire Dual Source signal path contains only six transistors and a few film caps. It also uses all discrete Class A circuitry, with no negative feedback, for the lowest noise and most sweet, transparent sound possible.
