LITTLE LABS Red Eye

Aug 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Myles Boisen

           
 

At first glance, the Little Labs Red Eye ($250) looks enticing — much like an ordinary stage DI, but smarter. In addition to functioning as an instrument direct-injection (DI) box, the Red Eye also serves as a reamping tool, allowing you to route already recorded tracks to an instrument amplifier. The unit is a bit larger than your average direct box, and its all-metal case looks like it will stand up to the abuses of a rock concert stage.

Eyes Wide Red

Little Labs' Red Eye is a great-sounding, well-featured, and very versatile recording tool providing DI, reamp, and splitter functions.

The unit has all the features you would expect on an instrument DI. The front panel provides a balanced ¼-inch Instrument input on the left and a balanced ¼-inch Re-amp output on the right. To the left of the Re-amp output is a continuously variable Re-amp Level knob for adjusting the guitar level/impedance output (for feeding guitar amps and/or effects). Between the two jacks are four button switches: Re-amp/DI (selects function), Local/Exp In (selects whether the reamp source is rear-panel female XLR or Expansion In TRS jack), Phase Invert (polarity reverse), and Earth Lift (ground lift). There is also a tiny internal-push switch (reachable with a thin pointed tool such as a jeweler's screwdriver) labeled Pad. The Pad out setting is for use with low-level devices (for example, an active DI without gain); the Pad in setting is for use with +4 dB line-level input.

The Red Eye's rear panel provides a second balanced ¼-inch Instrument input (parallel with the front-panel input); a balanced XLR Line Level input (source jack for the reamp when the front-panel Local/Exp In jack is selected); a balanced, transformer-isolated XLR Mic Level output (for the passive DI); and an Expansion output and Expansion input on balanced ¼-inch TRS jacks. The Expansion I/O allows you to daisy-chain multiple Red Eyes to create a multiple-out reamp, or to use the unit in conjunction with an active DI or multiple-out guitar splitter (such as the remarkable Little Labs PCP Instrument Distro).

The Red Eye is an entirely passive device utilizing a custom transformer to do its DI and reamp duties. After analysis and testing of the top UTC and Jensen transformers, designer Jonathan Little decided to wind his own transformers so as to obtain improved tone and higher input impedance. So where's the red eye, you ask? There is none. According to Little, “Red Eye stands for ‘reamp/DI.’ And because you can use the unit in all phases of production, it will work overtime, hence the red eye!”

Fuel Injected

To test the Red Eye as a DI, I used a Grace Designs Model 101 as both a mic-level preamp and a comparison DI. On electric guitar, the Red Eye yielded comparable output levels, thicker low mids, and more bass punch, though with a shade less transparency. A Stewart ADB-1 active DI, again running into the Grace 101, delivered higher output, but the Red Eye's DI tone was more balanced and pleasing overall, with improved midrange clarity.

The Little Labs Red Eye was a winner on fretless bass, providing significantly more warmth and authority than the comparison DIs. In fact, I liked the tone so much that I neglected my writing duties for a while so I could just sit and play. On my bass I use flat-wound strings coated with nylon tape, which often add a faintly artificial buzz to the treble response when run direct. I noticed instantly that, in contrast to the brighter Grace 101, the Red Eye smoothed out this high-end problem without diminishing the airiness of the highs (as the Stewart active DI did).

Unlike other Little Labs products, which ship in a standard foam-rubber-lined plastic carrying case, the Red Eye comes in a less roadworthy cardboard box. However, the sturdier plastic case is available separately for $45. The manual for the Red Eye was in revision during the review period, but based on Little Labs' other product manuals, I expect that very helpful documentation will accompany the product.

Passive Aggressive

The Little Labs Red Eye is a cut above most DI boxes, in terms of both sound quality and features; in addition, it doubles as a reamp and splitter. Of course, given all the extras, it's no surprise that the Red Eye's price is also a notch up from the competition's. But for those who appreciate quality, durability, and versatility, Little Labs' Red Eye is certainly worth the extra bucks.

Overall EM Rating (1 through 5): 4.5

Little Labs; tel. (323) 851-6860; e-mail littlelabs@littlelabs.com; Web www.littlelabs.com