The HLabs DI02S is a high-end Class-A stereo direct box designed to elevate the sound of any instrument in both studio and live environments. Built around a pair of the renowned Carnhill VT24499 transformers, also found in Neve 51-series consoles, it delivers a huge, powerful sound on its balanced outputs while maintaining impressively wide and flat frequency and phase responses.
Inspired by the bold sonic character of vintage Hi-Fi gear from the 1980s, the HLabs DI02S imparts size and richness while preserving the natural timbre of the source instrument.
The HLabs DI02S’s high input impedance ensures wide and dynamic sound, making it perfect for both modern and vintage instruments. The HLabs DI02S also features a buffered Link output to guarantee perfect impedance matching with the following amplifier, ensuring the best possible tone, along with an output PAD that allows you to feed microphone preamps after the direct box for added colour.
The inclusion of a VU meter with a clipping indicator lets you monitor how hard you are driving the output transformers, while earth lift switches provide independence and protection against ground loops.
Internally, the HLabs DI02S uses a Class-A push-pull power stage inspired by vintage Hi-Fi output stages, discrete through-hole component design, and an ultra-low-noise universal power supply, making it a reliable tool for both stage and studio.
Features
- Wide, high-impedance inputs ideal for both modern and vintage instruments
- Buffer on the Link output for optimal impedance matching and sound quality
- Adjustable output PAD (-12/-24/-36 dB) for versatile signal conditioning
- Dual Carnhill VT24499 transformers for rich analogue body and galvanic isolation
- Class-A push-pull output stage inspired by vintage Hi-Fi for smooth transients
- VU meter with clipping indicator for accurate level monitoring
- Mirrored rear instrument input—usable as alternative link output
- Earth lift switch on XLR outputs to eliminate ground loops (independent per channel)
- Ultra-low-noise universal power supply—touring ready
- Made in France, designed for reliability and repairability with through-hole design