GEAR REVIEW
[ A DESIGNS REDDI V2 | Stefan Konstantopoulos ]
KEY FEATURES Two Channels Harmonic Bloom Solid Construction
Inspired by the sound of the Ampeg B15 , A Designs released the original REDDI ( Red DI ) tube direct box in 2002 . The expanded REDDI v2 emerged in 2016 .
The REDDI v2 runs the same 6N1P ( dual triode ) gain stage and custom-wound Cinemag output transformer as the original REDDI . However , the v2 offers two channels and a more substantial power supply , in a 2U rack enclosure .
REDDI v2 weighs in at 13 pounds , comparable in construction to the best vintage and custom gear I know . On the front panel , v2 has Neutrik Combo inputs , XLR outputs , 1 / 4 ” “ thru ” ( dry feed to your amp ) ouputs and “ level ” knobs for each channel . The toggle switch for power is impressively solid . The rear panel has a small toggle switch to lift the audio ground . The ( IEC ) power jack includes a fuse compartment , offering user-selectable ( 115 / 230VAC ) voltage option .
Be advised : Tube gain ( 16dB ) is fixed and the “ level ” knobs determine output level only .. So , you will have the same tone at any output level . ( A wide-open level knob results in roughly unitygain at the corresponding output . Even so , for best results , attenuate the “ level ” knob and send the output signal to a preamp .)
In testing REDDI v2 , I used my Daking mic preamp . The Daking DI section and Aguilar Tone Hammer DI were also compared with the v2 . I evaluated tone via a Dangerous Music and Focal monitor setup .
I started testing with my Salas bass . REDDI v2 delivered a very solid foundation and an abundance of harmonic bloom , without obscuring fundamentals . Call it a “ round ” sound with good definition . I achieved similar results playing an Epiphone acoustic guitar . In fact , the guitar sounded much nicer than it is .
I tested with my Moog synth next . While REDDI v2 softened some of the finest detail , the sonic presentation was engaging and more visceral . I then ran an old , cheap digital keyboard through the gracious v2 . Indeed , the result was a richer , more commercially-viable sound .
REDDI v2 is matchless in its ability to enhance the tone of any direct instrument feed in the studio or on stage . Being dual-mono , v2 can simultaneously serve two musicians . ( Stereo operation requires only proper level-matching .) Plug-ins have their place , but REDDI v2 brings real analog vibe and a unique presence that helps instruments sit well in a mix . Hear and feel the difference .
$ 1,195 Street www . ADesignsAudio . com
Nov � Dec 2016 ChristianMusician . com
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