Zvex unveils cool vintage style DB-1 always-on totally transparent ultra-high impedance Analog Pedal Output / Signal Chain Meter

So this is a cool and unusual utility - where Dr. Scientist did something similar a while back - with their BoostBot - which has a real-time level display . output on a micro-pedal.

Zvex go full-size with their DB-1 - a proper compact enclosure, and yes it needs a power supply - 9V DC [-] requirement, while the mA current draw is not specified.

Essentially this meter is Ultra-high Impedance - which means super transparent - with no audible impact in the slightest for the signal chain - for always-on action!

Controls - Meter / Input Sensitivity Knob

Zachary Vex gives and interesting case for one of his DB-1’s - saying it would be essential for touring musicians doing a quick silent operational check on their board when there is no time for a proper sound-check - where they could quickly stomp on and off each of their pedals - and watch the pointer shoot up to the appropriate value on the meter - to verify and validate than indeed everything was in order.

So the principal audience for this pedal seems to be a low-tier, supporting act touring musician that typically won’t get the ability to perform a proper amplified sound-check.

I feel it looks great, and functions well - but I would need to sacrifice a slot on the board for it - which is never going to happen - also what about all your stereo pedals - don’t you need to be able to monitor them also?

I’m pretty sure we will eventually get an AI-powered utility that you plug into the end of your board - that automatically does a quick ’systems check’ for you! Future versions of TheGigRig G3S / GXS system - will probably have such a utility built in. Which makes sense - since for those kind of MIDI controllers - all the pedals are already on and can be easily sampled and checked automatically!

In the meantime you can do your mono pedals - one at a time - with the Zvex DB-1 - which goes for $229 on the ZVEX Webstore.

It’s a really cool looking utility for sure - while I’m not sure how much I would get out of it in my own rig, and I don’t really wish to sacrifice a slot on my board for monitoring purposes. Besides, I really don’t need it - as I play live and loud all the time - and my ears will let me know instantly whenever there might be something amiss.

A useful utility for some touring musicians for sure - but not really needed for the typical home player I would imagine!