Sonic Nuance Electronics MDI Manual

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase and welcome to the Sonic Nuance Electronics family - people like you who crave to hear every
nuance of a performance! The Sonic Nuance TDI (Tuner & Passive Direct Injection) and MDI (Mutable Direct Injection) units
are single channel, transformer coupled passive musical instrument direct boxes. Both units have quiet mute features as
well as 48V XLR or dc-jack powered, super bright light emitting diode (LED) indicators. Both units use audiophile quality
Jensen JT-DB direct box transformers for the signal path to provide uncompromising sound quality over a wide dynamic
range. Both units are designed with uncompromising sound quality and ruggedness as primary importance.
The TDI contains a simple and precise 48V-powered chromatic instrument tuner with high visibility LED indicators. The
TDI contains proprietary , patented circuits.
The MDI preserves the mute function with LED indicator function of the TDI but does not include the chromatic tuner
function.
While the TDI and MDI are simple to use, reading this manual will help you get the most out of them and help answer
common questions.

Front Panel Description

Figure 1 shows the common inputs and outputs (I/O) for the TDI and MDI. Below is a description of the numbered pointers
shown in the figure.
Figure 1: Common I/O
to an amplifier, mixer, etc. The muting function controlled by the foot switch (7) applies to this output which can be used
to drive the input of an amp or the return jack of an amp's effects loop. This output is not get by the transformer in the
TDI. The output is essentially a direct connection to the input with a switch in series to break the connection.
5) XLR Output: Provides a transformer isolated, balanced and low-impedance microphone level signal for connecting to a
mic input of an audio interface. This jack has the muting feature in "mute" mode controlled by foot switch (7). It is
important to use a high quality XLR connector which locks in place to keep the current draw to the TDI stable. Loose
connectors can cause intermitted noise on the XLR's signal especially when phantom powered!
6) INPUT: Connect an instrument or other signal source into this jack. Connection is for standard unbalanced tip/sleeve
instrument type 1/4" plugs NOT stereo 1/4" plugs. Signal level is standard "instrument level".
7) Foot switch: The foot switch toggles the XLR (5) and AMP (4) outputs between "play" and "mute" modes. This analog
and passive function will work even if 48V power or DC power is not provided. Muting will physically disconnect the input
signal path from the AMP and XLR outputs.
Copyright 2016 Sonic Nuance Electronics
Both TDI & MDI:
1) DC Power Jack (most models): 2.1mm center negative. Voltage should be
regulated and in the range of 9 to 24V with minimum 100mA capability (
120S or equivalent). If 48V is available via jack 4, the dc supply is automatically
bypassed. This allows the unit to be either powered via the DC jack or the XLR jack.
2) XLR Ground Lift: Disconnects the ground connection between the ring of the
input jack (6) and Pin1 of XLR out (5). This can be useful for reducing or eliminating
ground loop hum and buzz that can occur when two pieces of electronic gear are
connected together. When the switch in is in the "up" position, the ground is
disconnected or "lifted". When the ground is lifted, there is no dc path between
Pin1 of the XLR connector and the ground of the unit (a "true" ground lift).
3) Power: To turn the unit on, put the switch in the down position after the XLR
jack is connected and power is applied to the unit. The proprietary circuit will then
allow for hot plugging the unit. See the Usage Details section for more
information
4) AMP Output: An unbalanced, tip/sleeve 1/4" output jack for making connections
Boss PSA-
1