Radial Engineering SGI TX/RX Instrument Line Driver System

The Radial Engineering SGI is a high-performance line driver system for guitars that takes an unbalanced instrument signal and allows you to drive it as far as 100 meters (300ft) without noise.

Take your tone further

The SGI sends guitar signals across long distances without signal loss or noise, while retaining the original tone of the instrument. In the studio, it allows the guitarist to sit in the control room and connect to a distant guitar amp. On stage, the SGI can be used to play the guitar amp using off-stage isolation cabinets or it can be used to manage guitar signals to and from wireless systems, pedalboards and amplifiers.

How it works

The SGI consists of two boxes: the SGI-TX transmitter and the SGI-RX receiver. The connection between the TX and RX is made using a standard balanced XLR microphone cable. To use, you simply plug your guitar into the SGI-TX input and connect your amp from the SGI-RX output and you are set to go. The SGI TX uses a discrete buffered circuit to drive your signals over long distances, while the SGI RX captures the signal and converts it to the appropriate impedance to feed your amplifier while retaining the original tone.

Jensen transformer equipped

The SGI system now proudly sports premium Jensen transformers inside: one in the SGI TX and one in the SGI RX. These transformers aren’t just there to help with isolation to prevent hum and buzz from ground loops – they are a key part of the circuit that converts the signal at each end of the system. Using industry-leading Jensen transformers in the SGI helps achieve a wider, flatter frequency response, lower noise and distortion, improved dynamic range and a greater signal to noise ratio. All of this helps deliver audio cleanly across long distances without any alteration to your original signal.

Now pedalboard friendly

The SGI ships with an included 15V power supply to power the TX transmit unit, but it can also be used with standard pedalboard power supplies, making it easier to integrate onto a pedalboard. You can use any power supply from 9V to 15V, and both center-pin positive and center-pin negative polarities are accepted. Note that this is only true for the latest model of the SGI (the one with “Jensen Equipped” labeled on the top of the unit).

SGI Applications:

Using the Radial SGI in the studio

The SGI is the perfect interface for studio recording. Now, you can sit in the control room and play guitar and actually hear what is coming through the monitors while you play. Simply connect the guitar into the SGI-TX, run a balanced cable to the SGI-RX and crank to your hearts content!

Using the Radial SGI on stage

The SGI delivers a ready solution for large stages where high impedance guitar signals are often affected by the capacitance long cables or noise due to lighting systems. The SGI balances the signal and delivers it without noise. Perfect for isolation cabinets, under stage amps or remote ‘quiet’ rooms.

A solution to complex routing systems

The SGI is a wonderful tool that can be used to help manage complex setups on stage. You can route the signal from the wireless receiver to the pedalboard, then use a second unit to drive the signal back to guitar amp and drive signals as far as you need to go without noise.

Product Specifications:

Audio circuit type: Discrete buffered signal path with transformer isolation

Transformer: Jensen JT-11-YPMC

Frequency response: 10Hz – 40kHz (±0.5dB)

Dynamic range: 121.4dB

Total harmonic distortion: 0.0013% @ -20dBV, 22Hz to 22kHz

Intermodulation Distortion: 0.01%, 60Hz/7kHz, 4:1, -20dBV

Input Impedance: Variable from 22k-422kΩ (Drag control dependent)

Output Impedance: 2.2kΩ (¼” unbalanced)

Signal to Noise: 95.7dB

Maximum Input: +8.5dBu, 1% THD+N, unbalanced

Features: Ground lift, Drag Control

Input Connectors:          

TX: 1/4″

RX: XLR

Output Connectors:

TX: XLR

RX: 1/4″

Construction: 14-gauge steel chassis & outer shell

Size (L x W x D): 2.75″ x 4.25″ x 1.75″ (70 x 108 x 44mm)

Weight: 3lbs (1.36kg)

Shipping size (L x W x D): 5″ x 2.75″ x 10.75″ (127 x 70 x 273mm)

Shipping weight: 3.2lbs (1.45kg)

Power: +15VDC/400mA adapter included (Can be powered with 9V-15V supplies)

Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C