RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS RNDI-M | Active Transformer Direct Interface

RNDI-M

Active Transformer Direct Interface

Add the stunning tone and clarity of Rupert Neve's analog mojo to your instruments with the Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-M, a compact, active transformer Direct Interface (DI) that features the same circuitry as the award-winning RNDI, RNDI-S and RNDI-8, but in a compact and pedalboard-friendly format. By streamlining its feature set and housing the electronics in a rugged and more compact chassis, the RNDI-M fits neatly into any space and will allow even more musicians and engineers to tap into the uncompromised sonic power and vibrancy of a Rupert Neve Designs DI.

The RNDI-M provides instrument direct injection for electric guitars and basses, synthesizers, keyboards, piezo pickups, or any other instrument-level source. The discrete, Class-A circuit topology is built around Mr. Rupert Neve’s custom transformers, resulting in outstanding sonic performance and strikingly natural sound from below 5 Hz all the way up to well beyond 90 kHz. It can handle input levels up to +20.5 dBu, the low impedance, transformer-coupled output stage drives long lines with minimal loss, and the rugged steel chassis is designed for a lifetime of stage and studio use.

• Groundbreaking Direct Tone
  • When class-A, discrete amplifiers meet Rupert’s custom transformers, amazing things happen. The RNDI-M contains the unique components and design knowledge that make it worthy of the Rupert Neve name
• Huge Headroom
  • Maximum input level is a massive +20.5 dBu, making the RNDI-M capable of handling not only instruments, but also keyboards, drum machines, and even pre-recorded material
• Rugged Solid Steel Frame
  • The rugged steel chassis is built to withstand the severe stresses of life on the road
• Use on a Variety of Sources
  • The RNDI-M has immensely consistent performance across a wide variety of sources due to its 2.2-Megohm discrete FET input stage and high headroom. The RNDI-M can be used with confidence on guitars, synths, basses, acoustic instruments, keyboards, and drum machines
• Drive Longer Lines
  • The low-impedance transformer coupled output—below 40 ohms—is capable of driving long lines while maintaining exceptional high-frequency performance
• 1/4" THRU Output
  • The THRU output can be used to maintain optimal input level to an amplifier with no signal degradation
• Ground Lift
  • A ground-lift switch is provided on the rear panel to isolate pin 1 on the XLR balanced output from the circuit ground to help fix any potential grounding issues
• Phantom Powered
  • The RNDI-M is powered by standard 48V phantom power. Power is indicated by a blue LED on the front panel

Signature Sound

The RNDI-M's signature sound is primarily the product of a custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer and a class-A, discrete FET input stage. The carefully orchestrated union of these two elements is key to the RNDI-M's unique accuracy, tone, and response. 

Custom Transformer

The RNDI-M's custom-wound output transformer provides exceptional passive isolation while adding musical harmonics and dimension to the sound. The low-impedance, transformer-balanced output excels at driving long cable runs, and its performance is consistent regardless of the connected equipment. This is equally important for both live and studio environments where the audio signal may travel almost 100' before hitting an amplifier.

Class-A Discrete FET Amplifier 

• The class-A, discrete FET input stage in the RNDI-M is powered by external +48V phantom with a high-impedance input of 2.2 Megohms that ensures consistent performance with a wide variety of instruments and other sources
• The class-A design ensures that zero crossover distortion is added to the signal, which can add upper-order odd harmonics that are musically dissonant in nature
• With the RNDI-M, 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
• The discrete aspect of the RNDI-M’s design means there are no ICs or digital components that may cause negative effects on the tone

Wide Bandwidth, Giant Headroom

• The RNDI-M is flat within a quarter dB from 28 Hz to 60 kHz, ±1 dB up to 90 kHz, with low-frequency response all the way down below 5 Hz. However, measurements are only part of the equation: combine this extended bandwidth with the output transformer’s harmonic enhancement, and a thunderous low-end emerges that feels an octave deeper than anything else without losing any midrange richness or top-end sparkle
• The RNDI-M’s uniquely high input headroom of +20.5 dBu is capable of handling not only instruments, but a wide variety of sources, such as synths, keyboards, drum machines, and even pre-recorded material. This allows the RNDI-M to inject that coveted Rupert Neve Designs tone into a wide variety of sources

Specifications

• Item Type
  • Standard DI
• Number of Channels
  • Single-Channel
• Active/Passive
  • Active
• Circuitry
  • Solid-State (FET)
• Ground Lift
  • Yes 
• Audio I/O
  • 1x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Input
  • 1x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Thru
  • 1x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Output 
• Frequency Response
  • 28 Hz to 60 kHz ±0.25 dB
  • 14 Hz to 90 kHz ±1 dB
• Maximum Input Level
  • +20.5 dBu
• Input Impedance
  • 2.2 Megohms
• Output Impedance
  • 40 Ohms
• Total Harmonic Distortion/Noise
  • 0.25% (at 1 kHz, +20 dBu Input Level)
  • 0.015% (at 1 kHz, -20 dBu Input Level)
  • 0.75% (at 20 Hz, -20 dBu Input Level)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio
  • -110 dBV
• Operating Voltage
  • 48 V (Phantom Power)
• Dimensions
  • 4.75 x 3.25 x 1.75" / 12.06 x 8.26 x 4.45 cm

In The Box

• Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-M Active Transformer Direct Interface
• Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty