Rupert Neve Designs RNDI 48V Powered DI DIRECT BOX - NEW - PERFECT CIRCUIT

Description

DESCRIPTION
Frustrated with a lack of performance from available DIs, Mr. Rupert Neve set out to design a new direct interface that conveys the undiminished tone and vitality of the source instrument while balancing and isolating the original signal. The resulting RNDI delivers on that promise with a powerful and vibrant direct sound capable of reproducing the full harmonic depth of basses, guitars, acoustic instruments, and professional line level sources. With portable, powerful, larger-than-life tone for your instrument signals and amplifier signals, the RNDI is truly the first standalone DI worthy of the Rupert Neve name.
The Development
After coming into existence during an experimentation with new transformer designs, the RNDI was fine-tuned over a series of listening tests against the the most popular high-end DIs available. It was in these tests where the RNDI always seemed to add another dimension to the sound and bring the instruments to life. The lows felt richer, deeper and fuller, and the highs had outstanding clarity without any added harshness. Most importantly, the design team noted: “As musicians, the RNDI consistently stood out as the DI we wanted to play through.”
The Elements of Direct Tone
The RNDI’s signature sound is the product both of new custom Rupert Neve-designed transformers and class-A biased, discrete FET amplifiers. The carefully orchestrated union of these two elements is key to the RNDI’s unique response.
The transformers provide superior passive isolation while adding musical harmonics and dimension to the sound. The low impedance, transformer balanced output excels at driving long cable runs, and performance is immensely consistent regardless of the connected equipment. This is very important for both live and studio environments where the unamplified signal may travel almost 100ft before hitting an amplifier. In other designs, these high capacitance lines cause major reductions in high frequencies, however the output stage of the RNDI unrivaled at handling long runs with minimal losses.
The class-A and discrete FET amplifier in the RNDI is powered by industry-standard 48V phantom power on the XLR connection, and creates a very high impedance input of 2M Ohms that ensures consistent performance with a wide variety of instruments. The significance of the RNDI’s class-A design is that there is no crossover distortion added to the signal, which can add upper order odd harmonics to the sound that are musically dissonant in nature. With the RNDI, the overwhelming majority of harmonic content is 2nd order (ocatve) with some 3rd order present (fifth above octave). These musically relevant harmonics – present in subtle amounts – actually add to the richness of the original signal. The discrete aspect of the RNDI design means there are no ICs or digital components that can have negative effects on the tone.
These efforts to harmonize the performance of the transformer and the FET amplifier have resulted in the RNDI’s extremely well balanced response. The low end tonality is thick and powerful, with frequency response several octaves below audibility. The high end is clear, present, and smooth, with a frequency response extending beyond 100kHz. The phase coherence is unrivaled at all frequencies, which keeps the sound as natural as possible – especially vital when blending the direct signal with a microphone capture of the same source. Simply put, there is no DI ever made that performs like the RNDI.
Game-Changing Headroom
In instrument mode, the RNDI’s high input headroom of +21.5dBU is capable of handling not only instruments, but professional, line level sources like interfaces, CD players and drum machines without a pad. This allows the RNDI to serve as a way to “Re-Preamp” any previously recorded track using your interface and a desired pre-amp. To do this, simply connect a channel output of the interface to the input of the RNDI and connect the RNDI’s output to the preamp and engage 48V. By “Re-Preamping” you can apply the tone of another preamp to the source and more accurately automate or control the drive level on the preamp.
In speaker mode, the RNDI can handle the screaming output of a 1000-watt power amplifier (92 Vrms or 266Vp-p) to capture the full tone of the instrument, preamplifier, EQ, inserts, and the amplifier’s output stages before it hits the speakers. This technique allows the engineer to avoid any bleed in a live environment and any unwanted tone added by the speaker cabinet or microphone. When used with modern speaker emulation plug-ins, this technique allows the engineer to take advantage of the flexibility of digital modeling, and the superior non-linear response of an actual analogue amplifier.
Speaker and Instrument Mode User Notes
In a speaker feed configuration, the DI is used post-power amplifier to capture the tone of the preamp and power amp. Be sure to switch the RNDI input level to speaker and connect the amplifier and speaker BEFORE turning the amplifier on.
Note: with tube power amps, THE SPEAKER MUST BE CONNECTED to the THRU connection to provide a load for the amplifier. Please read your amplifier’s manual to discern its range of acceptable loads. Solid state amps can generally be run without a speaker connected, although you should always consult your amplifier’s manual to be sure. The RNDI can handle the full amplified output of a 1000W amp, so you can confidently drive the output stages of any amp less than 1000W to get your desired tone.
In an instrument configuration, the DI converts the impedance of the instrument signal, balances the signal (if unbalanced), provides a buffered output stage to send to a separate mic preamp, and optionally sends the THRU connection to the amp input. To get the best performance out of your RNDI, we recommend you use the best available cables and mic preamps, and output the maximum level from your instrument. The instrument connects to the IN jack, and if you want to feed an amplifier, connect the THRU output to your amplifier’s input. The output of the RNDI in both instrument and speaker mode feeds a separate preamp for final gain.
Features
Groundbreaking Direct Tone: When class-A, discrete amplifiers meet Rupert's custom transformers, good things happen to your tone. The RNDI is imbued with the unique components and design knowledge that makes it worthy of the Rupert Neve name
Huge Headroom: The high input headroom of +21.5dBU is capable of handling professional, line level sources without a pad - and in speaker mode, the RNDI can handle the full output of a 1000-watt power amplifier (92 Vrms or 266Vp-p).
Rugged Solid-Steel Frame: The rugged steel chassis features an industrial-grade powder coating, and is built to withstand the severe stresses of life on the road
Takes All Kinds: The RNDI has immensely consistent performance across a wide variety of sources due to its 2M Ohm discrete FET input and high headroom. You can confidently use the RNDI with basses, guitars, acoustic instruments, keyboards, and even professional line level devices. In instrument mode, you can even connect a professional line level
interface output to 'Re-Preamp' a previously recorded source
Drive Longer Lines: The low impedance transformer coupled output - below 50 ohms - is capable of driving long lines with unrivaled high frequency performance
1/4' THRU Output: In instrument mode the THRU output can feed the amplifier input for reinforcement. In speaker mode, the THRU is used to feed the amplified signal to the speaker
Best in Class Phase Coherence: Phase coherence is excellent at all frequencies, which keeps the sound well-balanced and natural, and is especially vital when blending the direct signal with a microphone capture of the same source
Ground Lift: A ground lift switch is provided on the back to help fix any problematic grounding.
Phantom Powered: The RNDI is powered by standard 48V phantom power. Power is indicated by a blue LED on the front panel
GUARANTEE
New Gear
We are authorized dealers for a number of great companies that back their products with standard warranties.
We extend this warranty period for 1 year beyond the manufacturer's as a token of our gratitude for shopping with us  :)
We want to make sure that you don't get stuck with a lemon and will either replace or have the unit repaired by an authorized service center on our dime.
We offer a 30 day return policy 'no questions asked'.
Unless the item is defective, you will be subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Used Gear
All gear is tested prior to listing for sale. Any known issues will be mentioned in the item description.
We work extremely hard to make sure that you have peace of mind when buying pre-owned gear.
You will have 14 days from receipt of the item to test and make sure that everything meets your expectations.
If the item is found to be defective, we will cover return shipping. You must contact us first to set up the RMA.
Any used items returned for reasons other than functionality (within this 14 days) will be subject to a 20% restocking fee.
We will bend over backwards to make sure that you are happy with your purchase.
If you have any issues or questions at all please email or call us.  We are happy to assist!
SHIPPING
Orders will be processed and handled within 1 business day in most cases.
Orders placed before 1pm PST during our business hours generally are shipped the same day.
We also offer expedited shipping. If you have any special requests please contact us first, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Domestic Buyers
We offer
Free
shipping on every item big or small to the lower 48 US States
Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto Rico residents are subject to a handling fee, so please contact for quotes.
We ship to APO & FPO addresses, but please contact for a quote.
We insure every package for the full amount
Any purchase over 0 will require a signature.
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!
International Buyers
We ship via FedEx or USPS to most countries around the world
Buyer is 100% responsible for ALL Duties & Taxes (VAT,etc.) imposed by your local government/ customs officials.
These
are not
included in our Shipping & Handling fees so please be aware before purchasing.
International orders are usually delivered in
3-5 business days
if there are no delays caused by customs or weather conditions.
POLICIES
Return Policy
You must contact us for a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) within 30 days for new gear and 14 days for used gear.
Items are subject to either a 15% (new gear) or 20% (used gear) restocking fee, unless found to be defective.
Customer is required to cover shipping using a trackable service with signature confirmation.
We will cover return shipping for defective items and submit a return label via email.
All
new
items must return in 'new' condition with all original packaging, warranty cards, and cables.
All
used
items must be returned in the same condition as picture & represented online.
If
new
items arrive damaged and/or without original materials the RMA may be revoked or you may be subject to a 25% restocking fee.
If
used
items arrive damaged the RMA may be revoked or you may be subject to a 30% restocking fee.
Please allow up to 5 business days for us to process returns. Refunds, store credit or replacements will be handled within that time frame
If you experience a problem with a unit:
do not
attempt to open or repair the unit yourself.
Any attempt to do so will void any warranty or guarantee.
Please send us a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing and we will have a team member contact you as soon as possible.
International Buyers
We are not responsible for unit damaged due to use of improper voltage.
Please make sure to double check voltage compatibility and use a proper voltage converter when necessary.
CONTACT US
Our customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 10AM to 7PM Pacific Time.
Feel free to contact us
We are here to help, so if you don't get ahold of us leave a message and we'll be back with you as soon as possible.
Thanks!
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