The Franklin Audio DI-80 is available today, offering eight channels of passive, transformer-coupled direct input in a compact 1RU rackmount enclosure. Designed for studios, live rooms, and production spaces that need clean cable management and flexible access, the DI-80 keeps everyday connections on the rear panel while giving temporary sources a convenient place up front.
The concept is simple: keep your regular instruments and devices connected at the back, then plug guest sources into the front when needed. Each front-panel input automatically overrides its matching rear connection, making it easy to connect a borrowed synth, bass, keyboard, drum machine, guitar, or other source without reaching behind the rack.
Each channel includes a balanced XLR DI output for sending signal to a recording interface, mic preamp, or mixing desk. The transformer-balanced design provides isolation and high headroom while keeping the signal path straightforward and reliable.
For setups that need parallel routing, the DI-80 also includes eight through outputs. These provide untouched copies of the original input signals, useful for sending to amplifiers, pedals, processors, or other destinations alongside the balanced DI feed.
The 1RU format helps keep studio racks organized, while rear-panel everyday I/O reduces front-of-rack clutter. Each channel also includes label-friendly space above the front panel input, making it easy to mark sources with masking tape or console tape during sessions.
Key features include front-panel inputs that override rear connections, rear-mounted everyday I/O for cleaner rack wiring, eight balanced XLR DI outputs, eight through outputs, and a passive transformer-coupled design built for long-term studio use.