From Radial Engineering
- Ultra low distortion of all types
- Exceptional headroom & dynamic range
- Retains instrument's natural sound
- Powered by 48V phantom
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.
The Radial J48 has gained a tremendous following through the professional audio community. With significantly more headroom, lower distortion and unmatched durability, it is no wonder that the J48 has become the most specified direct box on stages around the world. As you will note with the specifications below, the J48 is exceptionally linear when tested both under laboratory conditions and when placed under the extra stress of 100 meters (300 feet) of cable. In the lab, the high frequency response actually exceeds 40kHz! This makes the J48 a perfect candidate for the most demanding studio recording while being the obvious choice for the artist on stage.
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Specifications |
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Audio circuit type: |
Proprietary analog circuit with low-noise op-amp |
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Frequency response: |
20Hz ~ 20kHz (± 1.5dB) |
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Signal to noise ratio: |
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Dynamic range: |
109dB |
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Noise floor: |
-99dB below 0dBu |
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Equivalent input noise: |
-103dBu |
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Maximum input: |
+10dBu |
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Phase deviation: |
+10º at 20Hz | 0º at 1kHz | -1º at 20kHz |
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Total harmonic distortion: |
0.002% @ -5dBu |
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Inter-modulation distortion: |
0.003% @ -3dBu |
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Input impedance: |
220kΩ - ¼" input |
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Output impedance: |
600Ω - XLR output |
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Features |
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Merge function: |
IN and THRU jacks are summed to mono |
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Input pad: |
-15dB |
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Polarity: |
180º signal polarity reverse switch |
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Low-cut filter: |
-3 dB @ 80Hz |
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Ground lift: |
Disconnects pin-1 at XLR output |
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XLR configuration: |
AES standard (pin-2 hot) |
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General |
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Power: |
48V phantom - proprietary digital switching |
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Construction: |
14 gauge steel chassis and outer shell, baked enamel finish |
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Size: |
3.3" x 5.0" x 2" (84 x 127 x 48mm) |
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Weight: |
1.55 lb (720 g) |
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FCC approval: |
Complies with section 15 of the FCC Rules |
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Warranty: |
Radial 3-year, transferable |
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Free 3-Year Warranty
Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →
Returns
This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.
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