A bold statement, yes, but one of many just like it said of The A-Design’s Audio REDDI all-tube DI by an ever increasing number of professional bassists and recording professionals (see below). Designed and built by former career studio bassists, the REDDI has been hailed by engineer and bassist alike as the best-sounding DI around. Inspired by the glorious sound of the Ampeg B-15 tube bass amp, its 6N1-P tube-driven amplifier feeds signal directly into a hefty custom output transformer, which is key to providing a harmonically rich tone. Its wide-bandwidth design from 20Hz to 60kHz reduces in-band phase shift, which results in greater detail and realism in the audible spectrum. Another big plus of its wide-bandwidth design is the prevention of LF phase shifts by maintaining a linear response extending below the audible bass range, which is the secret to achieving a big, full sound.
Complementing its distinctive bright red steel chassis, the A-Designs Audio REDDI has a front-panel Neutrik XLR/1/4″ combo input jack, balanced XLR output, and a 1/4″ thru-put, for those who desire the reassurance of sending signal to a bass amp (before they wind up discarding the miked track and go with the REDDI track alone). There is also a 0-16dB-gain control on the front panel as well. Take note, the REDDI is not a high-gain device. Gain has been carefully designed and controlled in order to avoid the slightest compromise to sound quality. Finishing up the front panel is an extremely bright blue LED power indicator. The exceptional brightness of the LED was intentionally provided for easy visual confirmation that the REDDI is powered on, and also to temporarily blind annoying A&R reps lingering in the control room. On the back panel are toggle switches for power and ground lift, along with the REDDI’s IEC power connector.
Not just for bass, the REDDI’s all-tube circuitry can enhance the character of any instrument run through it; with an airy top end to go with the full, rich mids and bass it also imparts. That’s why Grammy-winning producer Ted Perlman (Chicago, Bob Dylan, Burt Bacharach, Elton John) runs all his guitars through the REDDI. And as long as we’re on the subject, the ever-increasing list of world-class bassists and engineers who rely on the REDDI includes notable bass players, such as Reggie Hamilton, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Viktor Krauss, Jamiroquai’s Paul Turner, Steve Bailey, Don Boyette, Carlitos del Puerto, and Millard Powers of Counting Crows; along with producer-engineers such as Tony Sheppard, Dylan Dresdow, Ross Hogarth, Billy Bush, Ronan Chris Murphy, and Russ Long.
REDDI Features:
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All-tube direct box with custom output transformer
- Ultra wide frequency range (20Hz-60kHz)
- Neutrik input connector, balanced XLR out, and 1/4″ thru jack
- Inspired by the Ampeg B-15
- Clean and airy high end, warmth, transparency, and ultra high-quality sound
- Level control
- Ground lift
- Ultra bright blue LED on/off lamp
- Zero-feedback loop design
- Massive, custom-wound transformers
- 6NI-P tube
- Low-Z, transformer-balanced output
REDDI Specifications:
- Frequency Response 20Hz – 60kHz
- Input impedance: 1M ohm
- Gain range: 16dB
- Noise (EIN): -126dB
- Output impedance: 600 ohm
- Maximum level: +22dBu
- Distortion THD: > .08 @ 1kHz
- Power Requirements: 100/120/230VAC – 42W
- Dimensions (W x H x D) 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ x 14-1/2″
- Weight 10 lb. (4.54 kg.)
