Product: Acoustech Dynafield IV
Price Paid: US $$135
Submitted
04/13/1998
at
07:43pm
by
Dave Wendler
Email: wendler<at>ms dot tds dot net
Features
:
Pickup features: Moving magnet/hum cancelling/passive/lo-z
Impedence or other specs: 150 ohms
Instrument
:
Model of guitar or bass: have installed in just about everything
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: have replaced literally everything
Other pickups on guitar: the common dual system combines with saddle transducer
Artists using this pickup: too many to list here
You musical style(s): everything but 110dB+
Reason for pickup change: Most were dissastified with saddle transducers or needed mic tone with much greater gain/feedback ratio
Sound
:
No Opinion
Perceived output level: relatively low; needs a good pre-amp or mixing board for maximum potential
Tone: easlily balanced with the provided bass rolloff
Sonic evaluation: The best combination is a decent preamp or mixer with input gain in the 60dB range. Parametric EQ is very helpful for high gain situations.
My personal rig is an Ashly preamp with an ancient Crown D-60 power amp. Outboard FX are Alesis: Microverb and MicroEQ. Don't care much for the Alsesis stuff; the Crown is wonderful and the Ashly is OK.
Currently using PV studio monitors at home and a pair of front loaded 10" w/horn PA cabs for performance situations. The PV monitors sound absolutely accurate to the guitar while the PA cabs provide the efficiency and projection for the occasional country gig.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I have sold these things to artists of every style. Recommended for small acoustic acts(singles, duos, etc). Because the top of the guitar acts as its own mic diaphragm, loud low frequencies can be reproduced. In otherwords, keep it away from the kick drum and loud ELECTRIC bass.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
Comments: I need feedback from folks that have used the Dynafield to see if it warrants starting up manufacture again. I have made more than 2000 of these things and still believe it to be the most accurate acoustic guitar pickup ever designed. As the designer, I do realize that any device has its foibles and limitations but I will be more than happy to share my thoughts on design goals with anyone who cares to discuss them.
