Telefunken Elektroakustik are best known for their well-regarded microphones but at the AES show, they have debuted a new line of DI boxes. The range comprises four models, including mono and stereo/2-channel versions of both active FET and passive designs.
The Telefunken TDA-1 (mono) and TDA-2 (dual) are active FET direct boxes that employ discrete Class-A FET circuitry coupled with a transformer. According to Telefunken this provides “the perfect balance between clean, high-headroom performance and warm, saturated tone.” Meanwhile, the Telefunken TD-1 (mono) and TD-2 (dual) are the new passive transformer direct box designs.
At the heart of each new Telefunken direct box design are custom-wound output transformers by OEP/Carnhill, made in the UK. The circuit boards are hand-assembled and all components are through-hole rather than surface-mount.
The circuits are housed in a durable, extruded aluminium enclosure with recessed heavy-duty metal toggle switches to engage a -15 dB pad and ground lift. Telefunken claim that the new DI designs are virtually indestructible, and their engineers put this assertion to the test in the below video.
Prices range from $199 to $349 and the new DIs will be shipping in December of this year.
