ANAHEIM, CA – Radial Engineering Ltd.’s Firefly tube direct box. featured at Winter NAMM 2012, is a fully discrete class-A unity gain amplifier designed for both studio and live performance. The Firefly has two inputs, each with a separate level control to let artists set each instrument with optimal gain. Switching between inputs can be can be done using the front panel switch or via the optional JR2 remote footswitch. The instrument signal is routed to a tuner output that is always on. When used with the JR2 footswitch, the Firefly may also be muted remotely for quiet on-stage tuning. Both the footswitch and front panel are equipped with LED indicators for status monitoring.
Along with a front end circuit is free of circuit stabilizing negative feedback, the Firefly features Drag Control load correction that lets the artist adjust the load on the magnetic pickup. When bypassed, the load jumps to 4 meg-ohms, allowing the Firefly to be used with piezo pickups. The combination of Radial’s front end with a new12AX7 tube drive circuit promises warmth and detail. Contrasting the input sensitivity with the output drive also lets the artist fine tune the grit or edge. The Firefly also comes shipped with two 12AX7 tubes, a select premium tube for audiophile performance and a low-fi version for added growl. The Firefly also features a fully variable high-pass filter.
The rear panel has two stacked ¼” instrument inputs. A second set of stacked ¼” jacks provides a buffered throughput that delivers either the original instrument’s tone or the output from the tube circuit. An insert jack lets users add in effects in series with the tube drive circuit and apply the effects to the overall sound. A third set of stacked jacks feature a tuner output and a TRS jack for the JR2 remote control. The Radial transformer coupled XLR output is outfitted with a ground lift switch and an 180-degree polarity reverse. Power is supplied via an exterior switching supply for 100V to 240V operation and delivers a variable output that ranges from a typical unity gain DI level to a full +4dB line level for direct recording.
The Firefly is made with 14 gauge steel construction and has a protective zone around the controls and switches. This is augmented with steel cased switches and potentiometers plus a double-sided PCB for added life. The Firefly comes with a carry handle that may be removed, should rack mounting be needed for touring using optional rack-mount kits.
For more information, please visit www.radialeng.com.
