Radial Engineering has shipped its new Radial HDI direct box and preamp intended for studio recording or live touring applications.
The HDI offers a variety of features, primary among them being its Color control, which allows blending of the signal from ultra-clean operation on one side to amp-like distortion and warm transformer saturation on the other. Also onboard are Level and Presence controls, each featuring extra-large chrome knobs for precise adjustment. The Level control allows the HDI to accommodate a variety of input sources, while also providing the means to drive the internal circuitry harder for more exaggerated colouration. The Presence control provides an emphasis on the high and high-mid frequencies, useful, for instance, if needing a signal to cut through a mix.
Aside from the three main controls, the Radial HDI also includes a Hi-Z switch that approximates the Hi and Lo inputs on a vintage amplifier and a single-control Opto compressor which allows for peak reduction of the input signal. A 3-position high-pass filter can be used to roll off low end created when pushing the HDI into distortion, and a ground lift switch helps eliminate hum and buzz.
Inputs for the HDI are provided on front and rear panel ¼” jacks along with a Thru connection for an amplifier. A 3.5 mm mono Synth Input is included for connection to modular synthesizers. Transformer-isolated mic and line-level XLR outputs are provided for direct connection to mic preamps and recording interfaces, along with a ¼-inch Processed Output for feeding the affected signal to a guitar amp or instrument effects units.
The HDI features a ¼” milled gunmetal-anodized faceplate, ships with an included rack mounting kit for installation in a 2RU rack space, and can be mounted side-by-side with a second HDI for stereo applications.
https://www.radialeng.com
Australian Distributor: Amber Technology www.ambertech.com.au
