The RNDI utilizes a custom Rupert Neve-designed transformer and a class-A biased discrete FET amplifier to elegantly balance an instrument signal – whether straight from a bass guitar or a screaming 1000W amp – with sonics extending beyond 100kHz, superb phase coherence, and the famous Rupert Neve tone heard across 50+ years of classic records.
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 in a portable format.
According to the announcement, “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 RNDI’s signature sound is the product both of new custom Rupert Neve-designed transformers and class-A biased, discrete FET amplifiers. 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.
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. In a speaker feed configuration, the DI is used post-power amplifier to capture the tone of the preamp and power amp. The RNDI can handle the full amplified output of a 1000W amp
The R6 Six Space 500 Series Rack
The R6 is a 6-space 500 series rack with more than 150% the required current and a full complement of XLR, TRS and DB-25 I/O. To help monitor and troubleshoot problematic modules, the R6 is equipped with LED current metering to show how much power is being used. The internal power supply itself has been carefully designed and double shielded to avoid significant magnetic induction in any of the channel positions.
With a plethora of connections available, the R6 backpanel is practically a patchbay on its own. The R6 features 8 channels of balanced I/O options including DB-25, XLR and TRS that may be used interchangeably. The chassis is comprised of solid steel with bumpers to support the unit in both horizontal and vertical configurations, and features a collapsable handle for portability.
To help accommodate modules that are slightly out of the 500 series specifications, the R6 has variable-position screw holes to make the installation process go more smoothly. The 500 series link function can be enabled in pairs on the R6 using the link jumpers on Channels 1-2, 3-4, or 5-6. Matching blank panels are also available to cover any empty slots.
http://rupertneve.com
