Raven Labs PMB-II vs D-Tar

mchildree · #1 05-25-2005, 06:17 AM

Has anyone had the chance to directly compare the Raven Labs PMB-II with the new D-Tar units? I have a PMB-II that's been just about perfect for a variety of my needs, until now. Looking for a unit with an XLR input for a mic, as well as 1/4" for pickup blending. Love to do away with the XLR adapter things when using my mic. I'm a doubler and have found the PMB-II to be great for electric bass, EUB and upright...would the D-Tar units compare tonally, construction-wise, etc?

JonB · #2 05-25-2005, 07:09 AM

Yes, I have both.
I don't double anymore - UB only. I'm using a piezo and a mic.
PMB II is a great blender. Reliable... much better sound and headroom than the little battery-powered boxes I was using before.
Much as I love my PMB, the Solstice is better. 4 inputs vs. 2; xlr outputs for each channel; As you mention, xlr inputs with their own pots and pad switches; To me, a more natural sound - less "electric-y." It has the same phase switch arrangement as the PMB. One really good thing is that the channels have indentical input impedence, so if you're using 2 seperate piezos, they'll react the same. As far as I can tell, build quality is fine.
The only minus might be that the Solstice is not battery-powered. Wall wart only.
I'll keep the PMB as a good backup. Hope this helps.

mchildree · #3 05-25-2005, 02:08 PM

It did help indeed, Jon....Thanks! Got a Solstice on the way.

JonB · #4 05-26-2005, 07:50 AM

You're quite welcome, sir.
Let us know what you think of it.

**Adrian Cho** · #5 05-26-2005, 02:40 PM

I got my Solstice yesterday and tried it last night. Really, really nice sound. Didn't have a chance to try the Equinox but will do that tonight. What I would really like to see on the Solstice apart from detents for the EQ pots is mute switches for each of the inputs instead of the single mute switch.