The Radial ProD8 is a high performance 8-channel passive direct box optimized for keyboard rigs in professional touring. The design begins with fully redundant dual 1/4" inputs on all channels. These are summed together to enable the system tech to patch in a backup keyboard and have it on standby should a device go down during a show. This also enables up to 16 keyboards or 8 stereo sets to be connected should the need arise. A (shared) 1/4" TRS effects insert jack on each channel allows two keyboards to share the same effect while adding greater routing options while 1/4" thru-put delivers a direct feed to the artist's playback system.
The engine inside is a custom wound Eclipse ET-DB2 transformer that performs both the impedance matching and balancing. Linear from 20Hz to 20kHz, it is able to withstand the extreme dynamics common with today's digital keyboards. Unlike active circuits that overload and square wave when the rail voltage is exceeded, transformers saturate. This means that as the signal increases, the ProD8 naturally rounds out the tone producing a warm Bessel curve reminiscent of the very best vintage audio gear. The other significant advantage to this passive design is 100% galvanic isolation between the source and destination. This eliminates hum and buzz caused by ground loops, resulting in a quieter stage.
The output panel features isolated XLRs each equipped with ground lift and 180° polarity reverse. Internal switches may be routed to accommodate various schemes such as star grounding. To enhance setup options, the Radial ProD8 is equipped with reversible rack ears. This handy feature allows the system tech to position the inputs on the front of the rack when interfacing with external keyboards or have them inside if the setup is predominantly equipped with rack modules.
The Radial ProD8 delivers unsurpassed audio quality, is able to withstand extreme dynamics, eliminates noise and presents a wide range of setup options. It is no wonder that it has become the world's most popular rack DI for concert touring.
The ProD8 in the Studio
Set the ProD8 rack ears so that the 1/4" inputs are on the front panel to make patching different instruments easy. This give you access to the dual inputs and thru-put jacks for quick connection to amps in the studio.
The ProD8 with Rack Synths
Set the ProD8 up with the XLR outputs facing front to accomodate touring racks of modular synths. With the 1/4" inputs on the inside of the rack your synths stay connected while sound techs patch the XLR outs into the main snake and PA system.
Using the ProD8 for Backing Tracks
The ProD8's dual summed inputs make it convenient for patching two sources into each channel at the same time. This lets you use the ProD8 for backing tracks with two multi-track running in sync or redundant keyboard setups for live performances.