Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-M

The RNDI-M offers the renowned sound of the RNDI, RNDI-S, and RNDI-8 in an even more compact, pedalboard-friendly format. It features the same custom-designed transformers from Rupert Neve Designs and discrete FET input stage, and reduces unnecessary features to a minimum. The more compact and rugged enclosure fits perfectly into any environment, giving more musicians and sound engineers the full power and sonic richness of a Rupert Neve Designs DI.

Overview

The RNDI-M produces a balanced signal for electric guitars and basses, synthesizers, keyboards, piezo pickups, or any other instrument-level source. The discrete Class-A circuitry built around Rupert Neve's custom transformers guarantees exceptional sound quality and an exceptionally natural sound. The frequency response ranges from below 5 Hz to well over 90 kHz. It can handle input levels up to +20.5 dBu, while the low-impedance transformer-coupled output allows for long cable runs with minimal loss. The rugged steel housing is designed for intensive use on stage and in the studio.

Signature sound

The characteristic sound of the RNDI-M is primarily due to the custom-made Rupert Neve Designs transformer and the discrete Class A FET input stage. The perfect combination of these two elements is the key to the unique precision, tone, and response of the RNDI-M.

Custom-made transformer

The RNDI-M's custom-made transformer provides excellent passive isolation and adds musical overtones and depth to the sound. The balanced, low-impedance output is ideal for long cable runs and delivers consistent performance regardless of the connected equipment. This is crucial in live environments as well as in the studio, where the audio signal can travel nearly 30 meters before reaching an amplifier.

Discrete Class A FET amplifier stage

The RNDI-M's discrete Class A FET input stage is powered by +48 V phantom power and has an input impedance of 2.2 megohms. It guarantees consistent performance with a wide range of instruments and sources. The Class A design prevents crossover distortion that can lead to dissonant odd harmonics. Instead, the RNDI-M produces a harmonic combination consisting mainly of the 2nd order (octave) and 3rd order (fifth above the octave), enriching the original signal with a distinctive musical character. Furthermore, thanks to its discrete design, there are no integrated circuits (ICs) or digital components that could negatively affect the sound.

Wide bandwidth, large headroom

The RNDI-M has a flat frequency response within 0.25 dB from 28 Hz to 60 kHz, with a deviation of +/-1 dB up to 90 kHz and a frequency response that extends below 5 Hz. However, the numbers only tell part of the story: the wide bandwidth combined with the harmonic effect of the output transformer creates an extension in the low frequency range that sounds like an octave lower without compromising the richness of the mids or the brilliance of the highs.

The high input headroom of +20.5 dBu allows the RNDI-M to handle not only instruments, but also synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, and even pre-recorded material, giving a wide variety of sources the renowned Rupert Neve Designs sound.