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What is the difference between the Radial ProDI and a JDI?

The ProDI is a bare-bones version of the JDI, designed to provide the essentials needed to handle 99% of the needs when using a DI for professional touring. The JDI employs the world’s finest Jensen transformer for wider frequency response and greater signal handling. The ProDI is more affordable yet still produces a very high quality signal.

What is the difference between a ProDI and a ProAV1?

These are both single channel direct boxes and they employ the same Eclipse transformer. The ProAV1 has extra connectors for AV type installations such as a 3.5mm (1/8″) and RCAs that are set up to capture a stereo signal and sum it to a mono output. The ProDI is more of a traditional DI for instruments.

I notice that many top artists use the ProD8. Will the ProDI sound the same?

Yes. The ProD8 and the ProDI employ the same transformer and audio signal path. The ProD8 has become an industry standard for rack keyboard setups due to the convenience of the design.

Why do some people feel active direct boxes are better than passive DIs?

This misconception likely comes from years ago before high quality direct box transformers were available. Back then, transformers would excessively load the pickup and cause low output basses to lose punch. Today, many basses are active, acoustic guitars have built-in pickups and keyboards are buffered. This negates most of the concerns regarding the loading that was once a problem. And given the fact that the Eclipse transformer has a 140k impedance, the load is now minimal compared to what it once was.

What causes the hum and buzz known as ground loops?

When manufacturers build their products, the internal circuit and outer shells are teaming with electrical currents traveling all over the place and returning to the safety ground. This ground reference voltage varies between manufacturers and when two devices are connected together, these ‘stray’ voltages can often combine to create 60 cycle hum commonly known as a ground loop. A good transformer provides an effective solution in reducing this ‘common mode’ noise and is the reason why passive direct boxes are often preferred for live concert touring.

Can I rack-mount the ProDI using the J-Rak?

The ProDI is not rack-mountable while the ProD2 is. In fact, with the J-Rak, you can jam in 16 separate channels (8 x ProD2) in two rack spaces, making it ideal for large keyboard rigs on tour.

Can I use a ProDI backwards for re-amping?

Yes. But keep in mind that the ProDIs input sensitivity is quite high, therefore you will need to keep the level low coming from your recorder. You will also need turn-around jacks for the XLR. A better solution is to get one of our Reamps. These are designed to do the task.

Will phantom-power hurt the ProDI?

No, phantom-power is DC and very low current. The ProDI will ignore it.

Can I run a guitar into effects pedals and then into the ProDI for direct recording?

Yes! The ProDI will eliminate noise caused by stray voltages and provide a smooth, natural response.

Can I plug a balanced ¼” TRS connector into the unbalanced ¼” input of a Radial DI box?

The DI will simply derive the signal and treat it as if unbalanced by taking the + signal only. This will decrease the input level slightly which is easily compensated by increasing the output level from source.

Can I plug a balanced ¼” TRS connector into the unbalanced ¼” input of a Radial DI box?

The DI will simply derive the signal and treat it as if unbalanced by taking the + signal only. This will decrease the input level slightly which is easily compensated by increasing the output level from source.

When I engage the PAD on the ProDI, does this also affect the thru-put jack?

No. The PAD is used to keep super hot signal from overloading the transformer in the ProDI audio circuit. It will not affect the thru output signal.

The layout of my pedalboard prevents me from accessing the INPUT jack on the ProDI, is it possible to use the THRU jack as an input instead?

Absolutely. The INPUT and THRU jacks on the ProDI are simply a paralleled connection so you can use either one at a time.

Can I use the INPUT and the THRU jacks on the ProDI to merge two signals together to mono?

Maybe. The INPUT and THRU jacks on the ProDI are wired in parallel so some device pairing may work fine while others won’t. We recommend using a DI box like the Radial JDI or J48 which employ a proper merge function switch, creating a passive resistor mixer circuit to properly merge your stereo source to mono.