Royer Labs dBooster2: Two-Channel Signal Booster & DI box

05 Jan 2022 by Lyubomir Dobrev |

5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

· Source: Royer Labs

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Royer Labs is a household name in microphones, especially ribbons. Its latest product is not a mic, but it has something to do with those. Royer presented its second gen in-line signal booster – the dBooster2. The box offers a phantom-powered signal booster and impedance buffer for ribbon and dynamic microphones, independent 2-channel functionality, and DI features meant for electric guitar, bass, and other unbalanced instrument-level sources. Both channels can work independently as in-line signal boosters or DI. That’s plenty of flexibility right there!

Royer Labs dBooster2

The dBooster2 can be a studio and live tool, making it possible to boost mic signals, mic up low volume sound sources, record direct to DAW, and connect with long cable runs.

When used as a signal booster, both channels of the dBooster2 increase the level of passive low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones with minimum distortion or coloration. The dBooster2’s input stages are designed like the front end of a high-end microphone preamplifier. What’s more, each dBooster2 channel offers two levels of clean gain boost: 12dB or 20dB in Mic Mode, selectable by a front panel switch. The dBooster2’s Class A input also presents a high source impedance to microphones, which minimizes loading (damping) and improves headroom. By utilizing the 12/20dB gain switch, optimum balance between gain and headroom can be achieved.

When used as a DI for unbalanced guitar level sources, the dBooster2 provides either 0dB or 8dB of gain, selectable from the front panel switch. The DI input is single-ended, high-impedance (230K-Ohm) to maintain headroom and clean gain regardless of load. The unit uses balanced, low-impedance outputs to connect to digital interfaces, mic splitters, and mic preamps alike.

: Royer dBooster2 front

: Royer dBooster2 rear

Royer points out that the dBooster2 is safe for use with all ribbon microphones, featuring protection from phantom power hits, providing increased headroom at the preamp stage, and true electrical isolation while minimizing mic loading. All things considered, the dBooster 2 is clearly a professional product with rich problem-solving potential. I’d always trust Royer to build something like that.