Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $500

High-end/Boutique

$119

$300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your musical performances with the Radial Firefly, a Class A tube direct box that brings warmth and clarity to both studio and live settings. This premium DI box is engineered for the discerning musician who demands both precision and versatility. The Firefly's dual input configuration allows you to seamlessly switch between instruments, while the highpass filter ensures you can tailor the bass-cut to complement any audio source. With its Drag Control, you can adjust the input load to achieve the most authentic sound representation, making it perfect for everything from electric guitars to acoustic instruments with piezo pickups.

Housed in a rugged, road-ready casing, the Firefly is designed to withstand the rigors of constant use, ensuring it remains a reliable component in your gear arsenal. Its portability is enhanced by a convenient carrying handle, although it can also be rackmounted for a more permanent studio setup. The Firefly’s 12AX7 tube circuit delivers a rich, articulate tone that captures the essence of your instrument, making it an indispensable tool for musicians aiming for the highest quality sound.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Radial Firefly ensures your music is always delivered with the depth and fidelity it deserves.

Key Features:

  • Class A tube design for superior warmth and detail
  • Dual input configuration for versatile instrument switching
  • Highpass filter for customizable bass-cut
  • Drag Control for precise input load adjustment
  • 12AX7 tube for rich, articulate sound
  • Rugged construction for durability and reliability
  • Portable design with carrying handle and rackmount option

Product specs

Brand Radial
Model Firefly Tube Direct Box
Finish Yellow
Year 2010s
Categories DI Boxes

FAQs

What makes the Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box different from other DI boxes?

The Radial Firefly features a tube preamp that adds warmth and character to the sound, making it ideal for studio and live applications where tonal enhancement is desired. It also offers features like a variable input impedance and high-pass filter, which provide greater control over the signal.

Is the Radial Firefly suitable for both live and studio use?

Yes, the Radial Firefly is designed for both live and studio environments. Its robust construction and tube-driven circuitry make it versatile for enhancing instrument signals in various settings.

Can the Radial Firefly handle both active and passive instruments?

The Radial Firefly is equipped to handle both active and passive instruments, thanks to its variable input impedance control. This feature allows users to optimize the DI box for different types of pickups and instruments.

What power supply does the Radial Firefly require?

The Radial Firefly requires a standard AC power supply, which is included with the unit. This ensures consistent performance and reliability during use.

How does the Radial Firefly enhance the sound of my instrument?

The Radial Firefly uses a tube preamp to add warmth and depth to your instrument's sound, enhancing its natural tone and making it more suitable for professional recording and live performance.

Production Expert

Production Expert

Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box Review

Video thumbnail for Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box Review by Production Expert

Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box Review

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Radial Engineering Firefly Tube Direct Box Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Radial Engineering Firefly Tube Direct Box Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Musikmesse '12 - Radial Engineering Firefly Demo by Premier Guitar

Musikmesse '12 - Radial Engineering Firefly Demo

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Sky City Gear - Acoustic Pedal Board - radial firefly d.i. by 3 Minute Genius

Sky City Gear - Acoustic Pedal Board - radial firefly d.i.

3 Minute Genius

3 Minute Genius

Video thumbnail for Radial Engineering Firefly Tube Direct Box Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Radial Engineering Firefly Tube Direct Box Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Radial Engineering: Firefly tube direct box | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Radial's Firefly tube DI box impresses with its robust design and versatile features, making it a standout in studio gear. It offers a pleasing harmonic distortion thanks to its 12AX7 tube-driven output, making bass and guitar tracks sound rich and less "spiky." Despite its hefty size and price tag, its myriad of controls, including dual inputs and a subtle Drag control, provide ample flexibility for musicians. The low-cut knob is a practical addition for managing low-frequency resonance. Though it may not match the JDV's clean sound, its distinct character is a welcome addition to any studio.

positive

Radial Engineering Firefly

soundonsound.com

The Radial Firefly is a standout DI box, praised for its robust design and versatility, featuring multiple inputs and Radial's unique Drag Control for impedance matching. Its elegant aesthetics are a pleasant departure from Radial's usual utilitarian design. The Firefly excels at delivering clean sound with a touch of tube warmth, and its ability to drive active PA systems is a plus. However, the lack of scale legending on controls can hinder repeatability. Despite its high price, its professional-grade performance makes it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

Radial Firefly Tube Direct Box review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Radial Firefly is a professional-grade tube DI box that excels in delivering warm tones for guitar and bass, making it a versatile asset for both stage and studio. Its robust design features practical elements like a protective handle and rack mounting options, highlighting its durability. The Firefly's Drag control effectively enhances sound quality, especially for instruments with weaker pickups, adding a subtle warmth and depth noticeable during high-volume performances and recordings. However, its steep price tag is justified only for those who require its wide range of functionalities. Overall, for serious musicians seeking a high-quality DI solution, the Firefly is a sound investment.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Victor Wooten uses Radial Firefly

Victor Wooten

Bassist

Chick Corea Elektric Band

...
Verified via Radialeng

Victor Wooten uses the Radial Firefly for both studio recording and live performances, as highlighted on the Radial Artists - Bassists page.

See how Bootsy Collins uses Radial Firefly

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo
See how José González uses Radial Firefly

José González

Singer, Guitarist

Junip

...
Verified via Reverb

"And I usually use a Radial Firefly, which is a tube preamp DI. To make an acoustic guitar sound good live, it’s about taking away certain frequencies and making the sound loud, but warm. So using tubes and removing the high end helps. It’s the same for Junip and when I play solo." - Gonzalez in an interview with Reverb

See how Antonio Greger uses Radial Firefly

Antonio Greger

Guitarist

Milky Chance

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17:07 he shows the Firefly.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Radial Firefly, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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