Radial Engineering JDX-48 Reactor Guitar Amp Direct Box

JDX-48 Reactor Guitar Amp Direct Box. "The Radial Engineering JDX-48 is a direct box for the contemorary professional. The prevailing complaint about direct boxes for electric guitar is that they do not capture the guitar's details properly. By designing the JDX-48 to be comfortable deriving its signal from a powered signal from the head, it is far superior to DIs built into guitar heads, which typically tap the preamp output. That approach entirely misses the characteristics that power tubes and solid state power stages lend to a guitar sound.

Apart from taking the complete guitar amp signal as its sound source, the Radial JDX-48 features 100% discrete class-A circuitry and a transformer-coupled 'reactive load' that captures both the sound from the amp head along with the back electromagnetic impulse from the loudspeaker. This produces a more realistic rendering than the usual resistive pad offered by other manufacturers.

The signal is then processed via a carefully designed multi-stage filter to emulate the tone of a 4x12 half stack cabinet. In use, the JDX-48 delivers greater consistency over a typical microphone as irregularities such as mic placement and varying acoustics no longer play the dominant role on stage. This is most appreciated when using in-ear monitors as the tone remains consistent from one show to the next, resulting in shorter setup times and a more comfortable audio feed for the artist.

Although originally designed for guitar, the JDX has also become a favorite on bass. The clarity and punch in the lower midrange delivers a tone that is reminiscent of an Ampeg SVT connected to an 8x10 cabinet. On guitar it sounds as if you have a Shure SM57 in front of a Marshall half-stack. This new version also offers greater power handling for 300 watt amps and extended low end for deep bass frequencies."

The Radial Engineering JDX-48 Reactor Guitar Amp Direct Box is a professional-grade tool designed for guitarists and engineers who want to capture the authentic sound of a guitar amplifier with the added benefit of cabinet emulation. Known for its robustness and excellent audio fidelity, this direct box is a favorite for live performances and recording situations. Here’s a detailed overview of its features, design, and technology.

The JDX-48 Reactor is equipped with a reactive load circuit that captures the interaction between the amplifier and speaker cabinet, accurately recreating the natural feel and response of a guitar amp. This feature ensures that the sound produced is not flat or sterile, which is often a challenge with traditional direct boxes. The reactive load helps to maintain the warmth, dynamics, and harmonic content of the amp.

Authentic 4x12 Speaker Cabinet Emulation: One of the standout features of the JDX-48 is its accurate 4x12 cabinet emulation. This is particularly beneficial for guitarists who want to replicate the sound of a traditional 4x12 speaker setup without the hassle of mic'ing a cabinet. The emulation provides a rich, full sound, making it perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Whether you're using it on stage or in the studio, the JDX-48 delivers a consistent tone.

The JDX-48 operates using 48V phantom power, eliminating the need for external power supplies or batteries. This makes it highly convenient for use in professional settings where phantom power is readily available through mixing consoles. Simply plug it into your console, and you're ready to go.

Built to handle the high output of guitar amps, the JDX-48 features a high headroom design that can accommodate amplifiers up to 300 watts. This makes it suitable for use with a wide range of guitar amps, from small combo amps to large stacks. Whether you’re using a clean or high-gain amp, the JDX-48 can handle the signal without distortion or clipping.

The direct box incorporates a low-pass filter that helps to smooth out the harshness often associated with direct signals from guitar amps. This results in a more natural and balanced tone, especially when used with high-gain amps. The low-pass filter eliminates the "fizz" that can occur with some digital or direct signals, ensuring a more musical and pleasing sound.

The JDX-48 can accept both speaker-level and line-level inputs, making it incredibly versatile. When used with a speaker-level signal, it captures the true character of the amplifier, while with line-level inputs, it can be used as a standard DI box for sending your guitar’s signal directly to the mixer or interface.

To eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, the JDX-48 is equipped with a ground lift switch. This feature ensures that you can achieve a clean, noise-free signal in any environment, especially in venues with problematic electrical systems.

Like all Radial Engineering products, the JDX-48 is built to last. Housed in a solid 14-gauge steel enclosure, it’s designed to withstand the rigors of touring and live performance. The durable build ensures that it can handle the bumps and knocks of stage life without compromising its performance.

The JDX-48's small footprint makes it easy to incorporate into any rig, whether it’s for live performances or in the studio. Its compact design ensures that it can be mounted discreetly on stage or in the studio without taking up much space.

Features

• Authentic replication of your sound without the inconsistencies of miking Effective 412 cabinet emulation Consistent output show after show I-beam super-rugged construction
• Effective 412 cabinet emulation
• Consistent output show after show
• I-beam super-rugged construction
• That approach entirely misses the characteristics that power tubes and solid state power stages lend to a guitar sound

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz
• Cabinet Emulation: 4x12 speaker cabinet simulation
• Power: 48V phantom power
• Input Impedance: 15 kΩ (speaker), 10 MΩ (direct)
• Maximum Input Level: +21 dBu
• THD+N: <0.005% at 1 kHz
• Connectors: 1/4" input, 1/4" thru, balanced XLR output
• Dimensions: 3.25" x 5.0" x 1.75" (82 mm x 127 mm x 44 mm)
• Weight: 1.85 lbs (0.84 kg)