Radial Engineering JDI Duplex

Radial DI-boxes aren't cheap but they are really sturdy pieces of equipment that gave me very good results in the studio. They are probably one of the most expensive DI-boxes out there and I am sure that a decent percent of a price is just the fact that you are getting a product of Radial Engineering.

JDI Duplex is based on JDI Stereo DI-box. It is equipped with Jensen transformers and unlike Radial JDI it offers multiple input connection possibilities: XLR, RCA, 1/4", and 3,5mm stereo input. I needed a DI box in the studio for two stereo devices that I do not use simultaneously and one of them has XLR connectors and JDI Duplex serves this purpose very well.

Plenty of people would think that you could plug many instruments into JDI Duplex and use it as one DI-box for more than one instrument. I have thought the same thing but there is something to be aware of. First, if you cannot use other input connections while using XLR input connection. There is a switch that activates XLR connection and deactivates 1/4", RCA and 3,5mm stereo connection. Second, you can use all other inputs except XLR simultaneously but keep in mind that JDI Duplex isn't a mixer. It might happen that the signals coming from different sources into two different inputs will not be equally present.

What a brilliant fully featured DI Box. I had a few low noise problems I couldn't seem to get rid of. A bit of ground hum and a bit of level mismatching I think. Anyway, I got this passive DI box and wow! Not only did it clear up the small ground hum that was present and removed other 'artefacts', it also gave me a much weightier and full sound. I know it sounds like magic or voodoo - but it really has turned my sound from 'ok' to spectacular. The primary use of this DI is with my modular system, which I'm operating in stereo, so this is perfect. I also will be trying it on bass and guitar in the near future. I have read various forum articles that say a DI is not a requirement for modular synths, due to the high output level, but after hearing the results, I have to disagree. Both noise and tone are improved. A premium product but worth it for all the features provided - it is indeed a swiss army knife of a DI box.

I have been using the single channel JDI for years, primarily for use with my active acoustic guitars. It is a superb sounding, totally reliable quality product. I have recently purchased a Duplex for the added connectivity options and stereo capabilities. Possibly the most flexible quality passive DI box currently being manufactured. Can't think of any cons apart from the premium price you have to pay for such a quality product.