Radial - SGI Stereo

The SGI Stereo is the stereo version of the famous SGI system developed by Radial Engineering, designed to solve a problem well known to guitarists and musicians using complex pedalboards: transporting a high-impedance instrument signal over long distances without degrading the sound. Designed for both stage and studio use, the SGI Stereo allows a stereo signal to be transported up to 100 metres (300 ft) while preserving the grain, dynamics and original response of the instrument.

The system consists of two separate units, an SGI Stereo TX (transmitter) and an SGI Stereo RX (receiver), linked by a single Cat5 Ethernet cable. Unlike digital solutions, the SGI Stereo transmits a balanced analogue signal, without conversion or latency. This approach makes it possible to exploit existing Ethernet infrastructures in studios, theatres or equipped buildings, while using lightweight, cost-effective cabling that is easy to deploy.

Each unit incorporates top-of-the-range Jensen transformers, key elements of the Radial design. They provide effective isolation from ground loops, wide bandwidth and extremely low distortion, even over long distances. The result is a clean, quiet and perfectly faithful signal at the output of the pedalboard or instrument.

The TX is usually placed at the end of a pedalboard and accepts two unbalanced left/right instrument signals. It also has stereo Thru outputs, allowing you to feed local amps or a DI without having to disconnect the remote system. If only one Thru output is used, both channels are automatically summed, simplifying mono set-ups.

The RX, which is entirely passive, is positioned close to the amplifiers. It reproduces the stereo signal with the impedance adapted to guitar amp inputs and offers independent ground lifts and a 180° polarity inverter on the left channel, essential tools for correcting phase problems or hum in multi-amp configurations.

The SGI Stereo is particularly popular on large stages, in isolation booths, amp rooms or in the studio, where it allows you to play from the control room while hearing the direct feedback from the monitors. It is a reliable and elegant solution for managing complex routings without the need for a loudspeaker.