Why the A-Designs REDDI Is One of the Most Popular Tube DIs Ever Made
The REDDI and REDDI V2: Your Secret Weapon for Bass, Guitars, Synths & More
Artists Who Use the REDDI
- Stanley Clarke (Jazz Fusion Legend)
- Reggie Hamilton (Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston)
- Carlitos del Puerto (Chick Corea, Beyoncé)
- Ted Perlman (Bob Dylan, Chicago, Elton John)
- Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Bassist with Beck)
- Lee Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor)
- Rick Minor (Prince, Janet Jackson)
- Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones)
- Eric Jackson (Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige)
- Jimmy Johnson (Weather Report, Allan Holdsworth)
- Chris Wolstenholme (Muse)
- Pino Palladino (The Who, D'Angelo)
- Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson)
Born from the legendary front-end of the Ampeg B-15 amplifier—the tube-driven tone that powered classic Motown and rock recordings—the A-Designs REDDI and REDDI V2 are far more than just DI boxes. The V2 is a dual-mono tube powerhouse delivering warmth, clarity, and unmatched flexibility for bassists, guitarists, synth players, and engineers. Let’s go over why it’s become a studio and stage staple.
Specs at a Glance
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–60kHz (±0.5dB)
- Tubes: (2) 6N1P (dual-mono design)
- Inputs: 2x ¼" TS (instrument) | Outputs: 2x XLR (balanced), 2x Thru (¼" TS)
- THD: <0.1% @ 1kHz | S/N Ratio: >100dB
Why Bassists Swear By the REDDI V2
The REDDI V2 solves a critical problem for bass players: signal splitting without tone loss. Here’s how pros use it:
1. Capture a DI and Amplifier Simultaneously
One of the most common professional bass recording techniques is capturing both a direct signal and a miked amplifier at the same time. The REDDI provides a rich, tube-driven DI track while the amplifier contributes speaker character and room ambience.
During mixing, engineers can blend the clarity and low-frequency definition of the REDDI with the personality of the amplifier, creating a larger and more flexible bass sound.
2. FOH + Stage Amp Split
Channel 1’s XLR output feeds the front-of-house mixer (pure tube tone), while the Thru sends to your stage amp. No more weak DI signals!
3. Stereo Effects Blending
For studio magic, chain the channels: Bass → Channel 1 Input → Channel 1 XLR Out (clean to FOH) → Channel 1 Thru → Channel 2 Input (with effects) → Channel 2 XLR Out (effected to FOH). This creates a wide stereo image—perfect for rock ballads or synth-bass tracks.
Beyond Bass: Unexpected Uses for the REDDI V2
1. Warming Up Synths & Keyboards
With a 20Hz–60kHz range, the REDDI V2 adds tube harmonics to sterile digital synths.
2. Upright Bass Brilliance
The high impedance input preserves the natural resonance of upright basses. Jazz players love its ability to handle piezo pickups without harshness.
3. Electric & Acoustic Guitars
While most DIs suck tone from guitars, the REDDI’s 6N1P tubes add richness. Try it:
- Acoustic: XLR to FOH, Thru to stage amp
- Electric: Run parallel with your pedalboard for a clean/dirty blend
4. Vocal Texture (Yes, Really!)
Engineers at Sunset Sound have used the REDDI as a vocal tube preamp for lo-fi grit. Mic → Preamp → REDDI → DAW.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your REDDI V2
Gain Staging Secrets
Set input levels so the tube just kisses the signal (LED flickering at peaks). Too hot, and you’ll lose clarity.
Cable Matters
Use high-quality TS cables for inputs and balanced XLRs for outputs to prevent noise.
Pairing Ideas
- With a SansAmp: Blend the REDDI’s warmth with SansAmp’s bite
- Into a LA-2A: Tube DI → Tube compressor = vintage heaven
REDDI vs Typical DI Boxes
- Tube-driven analog circuitry
- Custom Cinemag transformer
- 20Hz–60kHz bandwidth
- Inspired by the legendary Ampeg B-15 front end
- Rich harmonic content and low-end weight
Why the REDDI V2 Belongs in Your Rack
Whether you’re a bassist needing split-signal flexibility, a producer craving tube warmth on synths, or an engineer tired of lifeless DI tones, the REDDI V2 delivers.
Ready to transform your tone?
→ REDDI V2 (Full specs & videos)
→ REDDI for a more portable one-channel REDDI
