500TDI Tube Direct Box (DI)
500TDI TUBE DIRECT BOX (DI)
Description
The LaChapell 500TDI is a 500 series tube direct box (tube DI) that ranges from pristine clean to loads of character. It can be focused and articulate with crisp distinguished notes, or meaty with growl and harmonic overtones. Using the tube-drive and level knobs, dial in the perfect tone for your bass or other instrument.
The 500TDI Tube DI features LaChapell Audio’s TrueTube™ technology which provides proper operating voltage to the 12DW7 tube. Most tube modules for the 500 series use a starved plate design which does not give the tube the full voltage it needs to get the tube sound recognized as “classic tube tone.” A Cinemag transformer adds some weight and warmth to the output.
The front panel of the 500TDI tube direct box has two inputs. The top input is a high impedance input while the bottom input can be used as a through OR a lower impedance input for more tone options.
Features
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FIRST 500 SERIES TUBE DIThe 500TDI is the first properly powered vacuum tube DI for the 500 series format. Incredibly versatile, it ranges from clean to gritty, perfect for bass, keys, or other line level sources.
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TRUETUBE™ 250V POWERAs with all LaChapell Audio 500 series modules with tubes, the 500TDI fully powers the vacuum tube with TrueTube™ technology. Providing a full 250V without stressing or straining the power supply, the 12DW7 vacuum tube in the 500TDI operates as a tube should — Great headroom and rich harmonics with a pleasant overdrive when necessary.
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TWO FRONT PANEL INPUT OPTIONSThe front panel 1/4″ jacks provide even more versatility. The bottom jack is a through output, but ALSO can be used as an input. Each jack offers a slightly different sound.
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DUAL DRIVE KNOBSSeparate input and output drive knobs provide you with a wide range of sonic options. Go heavy on the output knob for clean tones or lean on the input to get rich tube harmonics.
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HIGH PASS FILTERThe built-in high pass filter on the 500TDI is… well.. A high pass filter.
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BOUTIQUE QUALITY TRANSFORMERThe 500TDI is boutique throughout. A Cinemag output transformer has been carefully selected to perfectly complement the signal path.
Specs
INTERNAL GAIN | 24dB |
THD+N | 0.10% – 25% (@ +2dBV) |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 8Hz to 28KHz |
EIN: | – 100dBu |
INPUT INPEDANCE | ~1.5MΩ |
TUBE COMPLEMENT | 1x 12DW7 (ECC832) |
CURRENT DRAW | 150mA |
TRANSFORMER | Cinemag CMOQ output transformer |
Reviews & Quotes
“I’m in total shock. I don’t know what the hell you did to get these tubes to pop like this, but it’s other Worldly. So much percussion from the note, and air around it. I can’t stop listening to it. Insane.” – Craig Young – Nashville Session Bass Player (Michael McDonald, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Martina McBride)