Introduction
A DI box is the least glamorous thing in the signal chain, and the easiest place to lose tone without noticing. A passive bass pickup that drives a typical 100 kΩ DI already sounds a little duller before the preamp has done anything. sE's answer is a pair of boxes built around what goes wrong most often: loading, level and noise.
The FCA1 is the active one. Its 10 MΩ input puts almost no load on passive pickups and piezos, a LOAD switch lets you drop to 100 kΩ or 10 kΩ when you want that feel, and the built-in DYNAMITE stage adds +15 or +30 dB of clean gain right at the source.
The FCP1 is the passive one. No power, a custom transformer with serious headroom, and a SUM L+R switch that folds two jacks or a 3.5 mm stereo source into one XLR line. That makes it the box for keys, laptops and backing tracks.
Both share a new three-position ground lift: off, on, and on+, which goes after high-frequency noise and RFI as well as ground-loop hum. And both share one 100 × 39 × 127 mm chassis that sits on a desk, sticks to a pedalboard or mounts four across in a single rack unit.
Watch It in Action
sE Electronics' official FluxCore launch video:
Key Features & Benefits
- Keep passive pickups alive (FCA1): a 10 MΩ input preserves the top end and dynamics of basses, guitars and piezo-equipped acoustics.
- Choose the load (FCA1): 10 MΩ, 100 kΩ or 10 kΩ, so you can match a classic DI or line-input feel when it suits the instrument.
- Gain where it matters (FCA1): DYNAMITE adds +15 or +30 dB of low-noise gain at the source, which helps on long cable runs and in RF-heavy venues.
- Two sources, one channel (FCP1): SUM L+R mixes IN/L and THRU/R, or the 3.5 mm stereo jack, to a mono XLR feed and saves a stagebox input.
- Quieter rigs on both: the on+ ground-lift mode tackles RFI and high-frequency noise, not only ground-loop hum.
- Mount it your way: a non-slip mat, a full-size hook-and-loop pad and four rack screws come in every box; four units fit in 1U.
- Isolated, balanced output: both use a custom-designed transformer on the XLR out, with pad (0 / −15 / −30 dB) and polarity switches on board.
Gallery
Every angle in one place. Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- Bass players and acoustic players with passive or piezo pickups: the FCA1
- Keyboard players, DJs and anyone running playback from a laptop or phone: the FCP1
- Studios and venues that want one matching DI format for every job, stacked or racked
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone who needs a battery-powered active DI. The FCA1 runs on 48 V phantom only; the Warm Audio WA-DI-A (€175) also takes a battery.
- Players who want the smallest possible active DI. sE's inline DM3 (€129) plugs straight into the cable, without the extra switches.
Quick Specs
FCA1 (active)
- Input impedance: 10 MΩ / 100 kΩ / 10 kΩ
- Gain: 0 / +15 / +30 dB; pad: 0 / −15 / −30 dB
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (−0.3 dB)
- Power: 48 V phantom, 7.2 mA
- Connections: 6.3 mm TS in and thru, XLR out
FCP1 (passive)
- Input impedance: 650 kΩ; pad: 0 / −15 / −30 dB
- Max input level: up to 60 dBV with the −30 dB pad
- Frequency range: 18 Hz – 30 kHz (−0.3 dB)
- Power: none required
- Connections: 6.3 mm TS IN/L and THRU/R, 3.5 mm TRS stereo in, XLR out
Both: 100 × 39 × 127 mm, 795 g, three-position ground lift (off / on / on+), polarity switch.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- FCA1's 10 MΩ input and switchable load give real tonal control
- Up to +30 dB of clean gain at the source on the FCA1
- FCP1 sums stereo to mono and takes a 3.5 mm source directly
- on+ ground lift goes after RFI, not only hum
- Same chassis for both, with desk, pedalboard and 1U mounting included
⚠️ Cons:
- FCA1 needs phantom power; no battery option
- Single XLR output on both, so stereo sources end up in mono
Where to Buy
Both FluxCore boxes are open for pre-order at Soundium: the FCA1 at €219 and the FCP1 at €169. The first shipment is due in November 2026.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the sE Electronics FluxCore FCA1 from Soundium
Pre-order the sE Electronics FluxCore FCP1 from Soundium
Final Thoughts
FluxCore splits the DI job the sensible way. If your problem is a passive pickup that loses its life on the way to the desk, the FCA1 is the box. If your problem is too many stereo sources and not enough channels, the FCP1 is. Plenty of rigs will end up with one of each, stacked, and that is exactly what the shared chassis is built for.
Still Unsure?
Not sure which FluxCore fits your rig? Reach out to our team and we'll help you find the right match.
