Firefly Tube Direct Box
- Class-A front end drives 12AX7 tube stage
- Two inputs with separate gain & remote switching
- Drag Control load correction for optimal tone
- Variable high-pass filter to eliminate resonance
The Radial Firefly™ is a high output tube direct box designed for
stage and studio. It combines Radial's award winning zero negative
feedback class-A front end with the warmth and character of a 12AX7
tube drive circuit and Radial's legendary transformer coupled output.
The Firefly features A and B instrument inputs with easy access level
controls to accelerate instrument changes on stage. This enables the
artist to switch between two different instruments and deliver a
consistent signal to the PA system and on-stage amp. Switching can be
done via the front panel or with the optional JR2 remote control. This
connects to the Firefly using a balanced cable and adds a mute function
for quiet on-stage adjustments.
To optimize performance with electric bass, the Firefly is equipped
with Drag Control™ load correction that lets you adjust the load on a
magnetic pickup so that it 'feels' as if connected to a tube amplifier.
For 'fussy' piezo transducers, Drag can be bypassed to increase the
input impedance to 4 meg-ohms to eliminate the squawk and peaks that
plague these types of pickups. A fully variable high-pass filter may be
dialed in to eliminate low frequency resonance that can cause feedback
on stage or muddy sound when recording.
The rear panel sports two stacked ¼" instrument A & B-INPUTS and a
THRU output for the on-stage amp. The THRU offers a choice of pre or
post tube configuration. Additionally a TRS insert jack enables external
effects to be shared between both inputs. A buffered 'always on'
tuner output can be used to split the instrument signal in the studio
or it can be dedicated to an electronic tuner. The tuner output can be
used for silent tuning when the optional JR2 remote is connected. The
balanced XLR output is equipped with a ground lift switch to help
eliminate buzz and hum caused by ground loops and a 180° polarity
reverse to tame feedback hot spots on stage or help phase align the PA
system with the on-stage amp. The Firefly may also be rack mounted
alone or in pairs by ordering the optional 19" rackmount kit.
The Firefly combines the warmth, character and feel of a vintage tube
device with the low noise and performance of today's most advance audio
technology.