Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-S Stereo Active Transformer Direct Interface

Stereo Active Direct Box with Custom Transformers, Discrete Class-A FET Amplifier Circuit, Rugged Steel Chassis, Ground Lift, 3.5mm Stereo Input Jack, and LED Current Consumption Meter

An expanded two-channel version of our wildly popular RNDI, providing massive tone & headroom for all of your instruments & stereo sources.

The RNDI-S contains custom Rupert Neve-designed output transformers and class-A, discrete FET input stages. This carefully designed combination is the key to the unparalleled performance of the RNDI-S, delivering a powerful and vibrant direct sound that captures the full harmonic depth of basses, guitars, acoustic instruments, pre-recorded material and even consumer devices via the 3.5mm stereo input jack.

With portable, powerful, larger-than-life tone, the RNDI-S is ready to make your stereo or mono direct sources shine.

The Development of the RNDI

After coming into existence during an experimentation with new transformer designs, the RNDI was fine-tuned over a series of listening tests against 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."

Signature Sound

The signature sound of the RNDI-S is the result of new Rupert Neve-designed output transformers and class-A, discrete FET input stages. The carefully orchestrated union of these elements is key to the accuracy, tone and response of the RNDI-S.

THE TRANSFORMERS

The custom output transformers provide exceptional isolation while introducing musical harmonics and dimension to the sound. The low impedance, transformer-balanced outputs excel 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 audio signal may travel over 100ft before hitting an amplifier.

THE CLASS-A, DISCRETE FET AMPLIFIERS

The class-A, discrete FET input stage in the RNDI-S is powered by 48V phantom, providing a high impedance input of 2.2M Ohms that ensures consistent performance with a wide variety of instruments. The class-A design introduces no crossover distortion to the signal, which can add upper-order odd harmonics that are musically dissonant in nature. With the RNDI-S, the majority of harmonic content is a pleasing combination of 2nd order (octave) and 3rd order (fifth above octave). These musically relevant harmonics, present in subtle amounts, enhance the richness of the original signal and provide a distinctly musical response. And the discrete nature of the RNDI-S design means there are no ICs or digital components that can have negative effects on the tone.

CONTROLS & I/O

• 2x 1/4" INPUTS
  Hi-Z unbalanced inputs with 2.2M Ohms input impedance.
• 2x 1/4" THRU JACKS
  Parallel 1/4" jacks used to send signal to an amp or speaker.
• 3.5MM INPUT
  Stereo unbalanced input with 95 kOhm input impedance. Ch 1 = Tip, Ch 2 = Ring.
• INPUT SELECT
  Selects 1/4" Input or 3.5mm Input.
• 48V POWER LEDS
  Indicates that +48V phantom power is present for each channel from the connected mic preamp(s). Power must be supplied independently to both channels.
• GROUND LIFT
  Isolates the XLR Pin 1 from the circuit ground for each channel.
• OUTPUT
  Transformer-balanced XLR output. Impedance <40 Ohms. Phantom power to the RNDI-S is supplied through these connections.

FEATURES

• Custom Rupert Neve Designs transformers for rich, powerful tone
• Exceptional performance with any instrument
• Unrivaled clarity from discrete FET amplifiers
• Drives long lines with minimal loss
• Rugged steel frame built for life on the road
• Powered by dual 48V phantom power
• Excellent phase coherence at all frequencies

SPECIFICATIONS

• NOISE (22 Hz - 22 kHz, Un-weighted): Better than -110 dBV
• INPUT IMPEDANCE: 
  Instrument Input: 2.2 Megohm
  3.5mm Input: 95 Kilohm
• OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: Less than 40 Ohm
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 
  +/- 0.25 dB from 28 Hz - 60 kHz
  +/- 1 dB from 14 Hz - 90 kHz
  -3 dBu below 5 Hz
• MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL: Instrument Input: +20.5 dBu (8.2 Volts RMS) Typical
• MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL: +11.5 dBu Typical
• TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION + NOISE: 
  @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu input level: 0.25% Typical (2nd and 3rd Harmonic)
  @ 1 kHz, -20 dBu input level: 0.015% Typical (2nd and 3rd Harmonic)
  @ 20 Hz, -20 dBu input level: 0.75% Typical (2nd and 3rd Harmonic)
• POWER REQUIREMENTS: 4.5mA Per Channel @ +48VDC
• MOUNTING OPTIONS: 
  19" Rack Shelf Mounting Option
  4 hole pattern (bottom of unit) for 6-32 machine screws
• UNIT DIMENSIONS: 5" W x 7" D x 1.75" H (12.7 cm W x 17.8 cm D x 4.5 cm H)
• UNIT WEIGHT: 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg)
• SHIPPING DIMENSIONS: 10" W x 8" D x 3" H (25.4 cm W x 20.3 cm D x 7.6 cm H)
• SHIPPING WEIGHT: 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg)