Radial : J48 Radial

1-Channel Active 48-volt Phantom-powered Direct Box

The Radial J48 has been designed from the ground up to deliver the most natural tone. As a direct box manufacturer, we do not believe it is our task to alter the sound of your prized '1962 Fender Jazz Bass', but retain and transfer the true character of the instrument to the mixing console without adding distortion or introducing artifact. This design philosophy has gained a tremendous following from many of the world's most demanding musicians.

Using only 48V phantom power, the Radial J48 is an active direct box that produces an exceptionally linear response that extends from 20Hz up to well above 40kHz. Low distortion of all types is achieved via a unique digital switching power supply that raises the internal operating rail voltage for added headroom and improved signal handling. The results are truly amazing. The J48 delivers an ideal even-order harmonic cascade and a sonic performance that outperforms DIs costing several hundreds more.

And like all Radial products, the J48 is both feature-rich for studio and made tough to handle the road. This includes a -15dB input pad to tame extra loud signals, 180º polarity reverse for feedback control on stage and a ground lift to help reduce hum & buzz caused by ground loops. Special features include a merge function that elegantly mixes left-right signals to mono without phase cancellation. To minimize resonant feedback with acoustic instruments, the J48 is also equipped with an 80Hz high-pass filter (low-cut). When engaged, this also increases headroom by eliminating unneeded bass frequencies.

Radial's innovative book-end design protects switches and connectors from abuse while the internal I-beam construction eliminates stress on the PC board. This serves to reduce solder joints from going 'cold' and delivers trouble-free performance for years. A full-bottom no-slip pad provides mechanical and electrical isolation while providing plenty of 'stay-put' for rockin' stages!

The Radial J48 is used by artists as diverse as acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel; super-star engineer Joe Chiccarelli; and one of the most successful bands of all time Fleetwood Mac. The Radial J48… the world's finest 48V phantom powered active direct box.

Features

• Welded I-beam construction makes it impossible to torque the PC board. This virtually eliminates cold solder joints - the No.1 cause of system failure in the field.
• An innovative 'slide-in-place' XLR trace makes it possible to use I-Beam girder construction.
• A digital switching power supply steps-up the internal rail voltage to 9-Volts. The J48 will not choke like other DI's when hit with large transients.
• A military-grade PC board is employed for maximum wear and tear in abusive environments. Welded steel standoffs ensure the PC board will not shift.
• A -15dB pad allows super hot inputs such as that from a CD player to be connected and balanced for long runs.
• Momentary 48V Check LED will flash once when the 80Hz filter is depressed to tell you phantom power is present.
• The Merge function turns the input & thru into 'left & right' inputs to mono mix at the XLR output. This handy function saves valuable inputs on the mixer!
• The input is connected to the instrument.
• The thru-put is connected to the instrument amplifier. The J48 has a high input impedance to reduce loading.
• Our book-end design creates a protective zone around the switches & connectors for best protection!
• A heavy-duty baked enamel finish for excellent durability and great looks for years! 100% 14-gauge steel construction.
• The 600 Ohm balanced XLR out is mic level to properly match concert splitters - will drive 1000 feet without appreciable noise.
• A polarity reverse switch flips the polarity from the AES standard Pin-2 to Pin-3 on the XLR and is used when combining sounds that may be out of phase.
• An 80Hz low-cut (highpass) filter gently reduces excessive bass for more headroom and clarity. Eliminates run-away resonant feedback from acoustics!
• The ground-lift disconnects the ground path to the transformer at the XLR output. This is used when a ground path is made at the input side such as with a keyboard.
• A no-slip full bottom pad reduces mechanical vibration, improves electrical isolation and keeps the J48 from moving around on busy stages!