Radial PZ-DI Orchestral Instrument DI

Variable Load Active DI with Piezo Optimized Input

The PZ-DI is a high-performance specialized  active direct box designed to accommodate acoustic and orchestral  instruments, with a selectable input impedance that can accommodate  magnetic pickups or piezo transducers, and a variable low-cut filter.

The design begins with a 3-position load adjustment switch: The 1  meg-ohm position delivers the classic impedance found on most active DI  boxes. The 220k-ohm setting warms up the tone of a magnetic pickup to  give you the feel and tone as if connected to a tube amplifier. The  ultra-high 10 meg-ohm impedance is used to compensate for the harsh,  squawky tone that usually plagues piezo-equipped instruments. This is  followed by a fully variable high-pass filter that lets you 'size the  instrument' by gently rolling off bass frequencies to eliminate unwanted  resonance. You could for instance, retain the low frequencies on a  cello or increase the cut-off point to better suit a violin. For active  instruments such as acoustic guitars that incorporate a battery powered  preamp, you can engage a low-pass filter to gently soften the hard edge  for a smoother more natural tone.

To maximize signal handling and reduce distortion, the PZ-DI  incorporates an innovative DC to DC switching supply that converts the  phantom power to deliver extra headroom. This provides ample dynamic  range for acoustic instruments. Should an extra loud source such as an  active bass or digital keyboard be encountered, simply activate the  -15dB pad to satisfy the situation. Other problem solvers include a 180°  polarity reverse switch to tame hot spots on stage that can cause  feedback and a ground lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz caused  by ground loops.

The Radial PZ-DI is a ground breaking direct box that can instantly  adapt to all types of pickups so that you can enjoy the full frequency  response and dynamics of an orchestral string instrument, smooth-out the  peaks of bluegrass fiddle, banjo or mandolin, split off a bass guitar  without excessive loading, or naturally amplify an acoustic guitar  without the usual tone-altering effects.

"With the PZDI, we were able to integrate multiple  piezoelectric devices seamlessly and with glorious results. Radial has  once again proven they are a cut above the rest."

Brad Madix

(Rush, Shakira, Marilyn Manson, Def Leppard)