Pueblo Audio OLLA Hybrid Direct Injection Box
OLLA is a D.I. box featuring 3 modes of operation: PASSIVE, ACTIVE & SPEAKER. This hybrid approach makes OLLA a "swiss army knife" - ready to handle any source impedance or signal level. Stainless steel construction and over-designed protection circuitry make OLLA a dependable road-warrior. As the following specifications will confirm, Pueblo Audio brings performance levels unprecedented in a DI product.
As with all Pueblo designs, OLLA features a zero compromise approach to preserve every ounce of tone. At the heart of OLLA is a hefty Jensen transformer, custom specified for ultra-low distortion, massive headroom & laser-flat frequency response. Instruments are rendered beautifully with size and depth while holding a tight focus which sits easily in a mix. Rest assured knowing OLLA will handle any source you throw at it.
In addition to outstanding audio performance, Pueblo Audio also strives to make products that are easy to operate. OLLA is designed with a single, large rotary control which defines all operations of the unit. While many DI boxes are laden with tiny switches and ambiguous features, our elegant approach allows users to dial in the appropriate setting quickly, without fuss or confusion. The six modes are explained in detail below:
PASSIVE MODE: This traditional configuration offers pure Transformer action. Both Unbalanced *and* Balanced signals are accepted with vast headroom and fidelity. Recommended for Active Bass pick-ups, Keyboards, DJ-rigs, Computer outputs or other Pro-level and A/V sources. Re-Amping duties are also covered in this mode with the use of a simple adapter cable.
PASSIVE MODE-LIFT: Same as above but with the XLR's pin-1 "lifted". This can help break up hum and buzz caused by ground loops. Experiment with the grounded and lifted mode positions for lowest noise.
ACTIVE MODE - 2MΩ: A discrete, active Class-A stage is engaged ahead of the transformer. This presents a solid 2 mega-ohm load to the input. OLLA's active circuitry is energized with phantom power; no wall-warts or dying batteries to struggle with. On-board regulation maintains performance & headroom at all times. The LED indicates phantom is being received via the XLR. Good match for Guitar, Bass, Fender Rhoads or other Passive Pick-ups, pedal boards, etc..
ACTIVE MODE - 45MΩ: As above but now with the input impedance boosted to a towering 45 mega-ohms; an industry first! Ideal loading for Piezo, carbon and crystal pick-ups commonly found in Acoustic Instruments.
SPEAKER MODE: Here OLLA is intended to go between a head amplifier and its speaker cabinet. In this way an amp's tone can be tapped and recorded directly, without a microphone. Silent amp recording can also be facilitated in conjunction with an appropriate passive loading device.
*Caution: always connect a proper speaker load via the THRU jack to prevent potential amplifier damage.
SPEAKER MODE-LIFT: Same as above but with the XLR's pin-1 "lifted". This can help break up hum and buzz caused by ground loops. Experiment with the grounded and lifted mode positions for lowest noise.