TDI Overview
The TDI works by using an ultra-low-noise JFET to buffer the high impedance of your instrument-level signal. The JFET then drives a super-clean step-down transformer which balances the signal. There is a THRU jack paralleled to the input jack. The TDI allows for out-standing sonic performance while minimizing distortion, noise interference, and signal degradation from long cable runs. The TDI can handle extremely high input levels without clipping. Its durable steel chassis can withstand the toughest live or studio environments. The Phantom-Powered TDI pairs great with passive instruments like guitars, basses, piezo pickups, etc. Its 20dB pad can also flawlessly handle speaker level signals or active instruments such as synths. As with all AEA electronics, this circuit was designed by Fred Forssell.
Application
The straight-forward design of the TDI makes set-up and usage simple. Power for the TDI is supplied with standard 48V to the XLR output. Simply plug the 1/4″ cable from your instrument into the INPUT jack of the TDI, and connect the OUTPUT via XLR to the next device ni your signal chain (preamp, PA, audio interface, etc.), then engage phantom power. Optionally, you can also use the THRU-put to send your instrument signal to other instrument-level sources (such as an amplifiers). The through-put feature is also useful for simultaneous wet/dry signal tracking.
AEA TDI