AEA TDI

High-quality active DI box with Lehle transformers

• Professional active DI box with a circuit designed by Fred Forssell
• High-performance Lehle transformer for maximum sonic transparency
• +48V phantom power
• Ultra-high-impedance 10 MΩ input
• -20 dB attenuator pad for high-level sources
• Passive THRU connection for simultaneous signal routing
• Extremely low noise and wide frequency response
• Ideal for guitars, basses, piezo pickups, synths, and reamping
• Rugged construction for studio and live use

The AEA TDI is an active DI box designed to offer maximum sonic transparency and fully preserve the character of the connected instrument. Born from the experience gained in developing the RPQ3 preamp, the TDI incorporates the renowned input circuit designed by Fred Forssell and pairs it with a high-quality Lehle transformer to deliver a clean, dynamic signal free of unwanted coloration.

The result is a professional direct box capable of minimizing noise, distortion, and signal loss even with very long cables, ensuring extremely faithful recordings.

Absolute transparency for every source

AEA TDI’s proprietary circuit was developed to preserve the instrument’s dynamics without introducing compression or tonal alterations. The high input impedance of 10 MΩ allows you to get the most out of passive pickups on electric guitars, basses, and piezoelectric systems, preserving all the brilliance and dynamic response.

Thanks to its extremely wide frequency response—exceeding 50 kHz within ±0.5 dB—the TDI delivers a natural, detailed, and perfectly balanced sound.

Minimal noise and ample headroom

The ultra-low background noise, below -114 dBu, and extremely low distortion allow you to capture even the most subtle nuances without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio.

Maximum versatility in the studio and on stage

The AEA TDI is powered by 48-volt phantom power and features a passive THRU output connected in parallel to the input. This design allows you to simultaneously route the original signal to amplifiers, pedalboards, or other devices while maintaining a perfectly clean direct recording in parallel.

The THRU function is also ideal for reamping workflows, allowing you to simultaneously record a dry signal and a processed signal.

Compatible with passive and active instruments

In addition to being an ideal solution for passive guitars and basses, the TDI can easily handle active instruments, synthesizers, and even signals from speaker outputs thanks to its built-in -20 dB attenuator.

Professional-grade build quality

Built with carefully selected components and an extremely rugged construction, the AEA TDI is designed to withstand both heavy-duty use in the recording studio and the most demanding live applications.

Its compact size and high-quality internal components make it a reliable solution for musicians, producers, and sound engineers seeking a no-compromise DI box.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Professional active DI box
• Circuit designed by Fred Forssell
• High-performance Lehle audio transformer
• Power supply: +48 V phantom power
• Current consumption: less than 8 mA
• Instrument input: 10 MΩ
• Impedance with PAD engaged: 55 kΩ
• Attenuator Pad: -20 dB
• Balanced XLR output
• Output impedance: less than 50 Ω
• Output level: input -20 dB (PAD off)
• Output level with PAD: -40 dB input
• Frequency response: <10 Hz – 50 kHz (±0.5 dB)
• Frequency response: <10 Hz – 120 kHz (-3 dB)
• THD+N: 0.002% at 1 kHz (0 dBu)
• Noise floor: better than -114 dBu
• XLR polarity: Pin 2 positive
• Passive THRU connection parallel to the input
• Dimensions: 129 × 76 × 51 mm
• Weight: approximately 539 g