This small box fits the space between the acoustic guitar and the PA system, providing additional controls and, most important, an XLR output. The thick brown plastic body and the heavy metallic base give a sense of solidity; the on/off button may seem brittle, but this device is not supposed to be repeatedly engaged and disengaged while playing!
The tone (three bands, plus middle frequency) and volume knobs are integrated by two cursors for ground lift and -20dB level reduction. A "blend" knob is also present, which is actually a volume control for a simulated microphone in front of the guitar's soundhole. The device can be powered by either 9V battery (lasting about four hours) or adapter: because of the internal pre-amplifier, powering via XLR is impossible.
When disengaged, the device works as a passive DI box. Engaging it will activate the internal pre-amplifier, and this might reduce the sound level, as the volume knob is thought to both decrease and increase the volume; as the blend knob also increases the volume of the unit, some careful soundcheck may be required. In either case, the sound is absolutely convincing: however, the device must always be powered, even in passive mode. Some users reported feedback problems when blending with the microphone simulator: but I never had this issue.
Overall, a good tool at a low price, which will rest in the guitar case's pocket, ready to spring into action.
