Radial PZ DI Active

A DI Designed for Piezo Pickups and Acoustic Instruments in the Radial Range

The Radial PZ-DI stands out from conventional direct boxes by focusing on acoustic and orchestral instruments, whose behavior varies greatly depending on the pickup type and load impedance. Within the Radial range, it is positioned as a dedicated solution for "sensitive" sources (notably piezo pickups) that can become harsh, thin, or unbalanced when not matched with the appropriate input. The goal is simple: preserve the instrument's character, avoid harshness, and achieve a more musical signal even before any equalization.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses? A Direct Box Tailored for Acoustic, Orchestral, and Recording Applications

The PZ-DI is aimed at acoustic guitarists, instrumentalists equipped with piezo pickups, amplified orchestral musicians (violin, viola, cello, double bass, etc.), and any setup where a clean and controlled signal needs to be sent to a console or sound system. It is particularly relevant when switching between multiple instruments on stage, when combating body resonances, or when seeking a more natural playing feel in the monitor mix.

In both studio and live settings, it facilitates gain and dynamic management while offering controls that act directly on the "source" (impedance and filtering) rather than compensating later with more drastic equalization.

Key Settings and Design: A More Musical Signal, Easier to Place in the Mix

3-position Impedance Selector: The Heart of the PZ-DI

The 3-position impedance selector is the hallmark of the Radial PZ-DI. By adjusting the input impedance, you adapt the load seen by the pickup to optimize frequency response, dynamics, and playing feel. The 1M Ohm mode corresponds to the "classic" impedance commonly found on active direct boxes. The 220K Ohm setting is designed to add warmth and a rounder feel, particularly useful with magnetic pickups, offering an approach similar to what one might experience on certain amplifier inputs. Finally, the 10M Ohm mode aims to compensate for the sometimes overly bright or "harsh" character frequently associated with piezo systems, restoring a softer and more natural sound.

Variable High-Pass Filter: Controlling the Lows Without Altering the Tone

The variable high-pass filter allows gradual attenuation of low frequencies to reduce resonances and rumble that often complicate amplification of acoustic instruments. It is a very musical tool: you can maintain the foundation of a low instrument (for example, a cello) while tightening the low end, or filter more aggressively for a higher-pitched instrument (for example, a violin) to gain precision and stability. On active instruments, such as some acoustic guitars with onboard preamps, activating this filter can also contribute to a smoother sound better integrated into the mix.

Optimized Internal Power Supply: More Headroom, Less Distortion

To improve transient handling and limit distortion, the PZ-DI incorporates a DC power supply that converts phantom power to provide increased headroom. The result: a comfortable dynamic range rated at 105dB, particularly appreciated on acoustic instruments where attacks (bowing, pizzicato, pick) can be very fast and highly contrasted.

Pad, Polarity, Ground Lift: Smart Features for Real-World Situations

For high-level sources, such as some active basses or digital keyboards, the -15dB pad helps prevent clipping and maintain a clean gain structure. The 180-degree polarity reverse assists in solving phase issues, especially when combining multiple sources (mic + pickup, stage monitors, bleed). Finally, the ground lift remains essential for reducing hum caused by ground loops in complex stage environments.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	THD	0,02%
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Inputs	jack
Category	Direct box	Analog outputs	jack, XLR
Number of channels	1	Power supply	Phantom power
Digital conversion	No	Display	LED
Max input level (dBu)	10	Weight	544 kg
Settings	-15 dB attenuator, low pass filter, high pass filter, impedance selector	Dimensions (mm)	84 x 127 x 48

Circuit	Analog FET	Input Impedances	10M / 1M / 220K Ohms
Frequency Response	20Hz to 20kHz	Impedance with PAD	50K Ohms
Dynamic Range	105dB	Output Impedance	200 Ohms
EIN	-98dBu	Warranty	3 years
Max Gain	+4.6dB