Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5
tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010
email: info@radialeng.com
www.radialeng.com
IMPORTANT SAFETY & USER NOTICE
!!
It is your responsibility to confi rm the Headload is connected properly before
operating your amplifi er. If you are unsure about connecting or operating the
Headload consult a qualifi ed technician or see your dealer. Damage caused by
improper operation is not covered under the warranty. See the back cover for
warranty details.
ALWAYS USE THE HEADLOAD WITH A SPEAKER CABINET
A speaker cabinet must be connected to the Headload at all times. It is pos-
sible to use the Headload as a dedicated load box without a speaker connect-
ed but this is not a recommended practice as you may damage the Headload
or your amp if the LOAD SWITCH is not in the propper setting. Damage due
CAUTION - USE OF THE HEADLOAD WITH AMPLIFIERS WITH BRIDGED
OR BALANCED SPEAKER OUTPUTS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Although these types of circuits are rarely employed on instrument amps, using the Headload with them can cause an electrical shock. Please consult the
amplifi er manufacturer to ensure the power output section of your amp is not
bridged or balanced. As we have no control over the use of these amps, for legal
liability reasons, Radial Engineering Ltd. strictly prohibits use of the Headload
with such amplifi ers.
CONNECTING YOUR RADIAL HEADLOAD
BEFORE CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING
to misuse is not covered under the Radial 3-year warranty.
PLEASE READ BEFORE
ALWAYS TURN YOUR AMPLIFIER OFF
It is normal for your Headload to get warm during operation. The Headload fan
draws cool air in through the front, top and sides and exhaust hot air out through
the rear. Do not block the air vents and always provide a minimum of 2.5cm (1”)
of open air space around the Headload when in use.
As with all products capable of producing high sound pressure levels (SPL), users
must be very careful to avoid hearing damage that may occur from prolonged
exposure. This is particularly important as it applies to headphones. Prolonged
listening at high SPLs will eventually cause Tinnitus and can lead to partial or
complete loss of hearing. Please be aware of the recommended exposure limits
within your legal jurisdiction and follow them very closely. The user agrees that
Radial Engineering Ltd. remains harmless from any health effects resulting from
the use of this product and the user clearly understands that he or she is entirely
responsible for the safe and proper use of this product. Please consult the Radial
Limited Warranty for further details.
DO NOT BLOCK THE AIR VENTS
HEADPHONE SAFETY WARNING
®
™
Radial Headload
Guitar Amp Load Box
User Guide
Table of Contents .....................................................Page
Radial Limited Warranty ....................................................... Back Cover
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Radial Headload, an
innovative speaker power attenuator, loadbox and guitar amp direct box.
The Headload is a unique tool that lets you drive your amp hard for great
tone while keeping speaker volume low. This lets you optimize the tone
from your guitar amplifi er without having to perform at ear-blistering levels.
The Headload features a built-in JDX amp DI that captures the natural
tone of your amplifi er/speaker and interfaces it with professional PA and
recording systems. The Headload has also been equipped with a Radial
Phazer. This phase adjustment tool lets you time-align the JDX direct
output with a microphone to deliver incredibly natural tones, or when
pushed to extreme, create over the top effects.
The Headload is easy to use, however it differs signifi cantly from standard
attenuators. We recommend you take a few minutes to read this manual
before operating your Headload. Should you have any questions, check
the Headload FAQ page at www.radialeng.com. This is where we post
questions from users and informational updates. If you would like to
share your experience with Radial products we invite you to contact us
at info@radialeng.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/radialeng.
®
True to the Music
OVERVIEW
The Headload is a combination load box and attenuator that is capable of handling up to
120 watts RMS of continuous power and peaks of 180 watts. Inserted between the head and
cabinet, it allows the guitar amp to be driven hard while reducing the output level to reduce
the sound pressure on stage or provide the means for quiet recording in the studio. This
enables the artist to optimize the tone from the guitar amplifi er without having to perform at
ear-blistering levels.
HEADPHONES
FROM AMP
AMP
TO SPK
SPK CAB
JDX Section
In order to ensure greater consistency from gig to gig, the Headload is equipped with a Radial
JDX Reactor direct box. This captures both the signal from the head plus the reactive load
from the speaker cabinet for a more natural feel. The JDX has two balanced line outputs.
This fi rst is Pre-EQ and intended to feed the standard JDX tone to the FOH mixing console.
The Post-EQ output is intended to feed the monitor system allowing the player to modify the
tone using the JDX EQ and cabinet emulation fi lters.
HEADPHONES
AMP
F.O.H
Radial Engineering Ltd.
MONITORS
FROM AMP
TO SPK
SPK CAB
1
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
Phazer Section
For engineers that prefer to combine a direct feed with a microphone, the Headload has also
been equipped with a Radial Phazer. This phase adjustment tool lets you time-align the JDX
direct outputs with the microphone to deliver incredibly natural tones, or when pushed to
extreme, create over the top effects.
®
AMP
TO SPK
MIC
SPK CAB
F.O.H
HEADPHONES
FROM AMP
MONITORS
Its purpose is to shape the sound by shifting the phase of the JDX signal from the Headload in relation to a microphone signal allowing you to tune the overall phase-response of
the combined signals. The diagrams below show the phase offset created by the JDX and
microphone signals. The Phazer is used to shift the JDX signal and align the fundamental
waveforms.
JDX Signal
Mic Signal
JDX Signal
Mic Signal
Time
Phase Shift
Time
Phase Shift
The Radial Phazer is capable of shifting the phase continuously over the complete 360°
range. You simply dial in the amount of phase shift that sounds best to your ears.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
2
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
®
FRONT PANEL FEATURE SET
True to the Music
12
1. RESONANCE: Increases the high
and low frequency resonance. Used to
compensate for weak bass and/or treble
response when listening at low volume
levels.
2. RANGE: Works with the 20% LOAD
setting to attenuate the speaker power
to 1%.
3. LOAD: Six position rotary switch adjusts
the amount of speaker attenuation. The
OFF setting mutes the speaker for silent
listening or recording.
4. HIGH LOW EQ: Two band equalizer
lets you fi ne tune the Post-EQ JDX
output.
5. PWR LED: Indicator illuminates when
the external power supply is connected.
6. SPEAKER CAB VOICING: Six position
rotary switch offers six speaker voicing
choices.
765
912348
1011
7. PHAZER ON: This switch is used
to turn the Phazer on/off. An LED
illuminates when Phazer is active.
8. 180°: Sets the range of the SHIFT
control; from 0°-180° with switch out;
from 181°-360° with switch pushed
in. A total of 360° of phase rotation is
available between the two settings.
9. SHIFT: Controls the amount of phase
shift applied to all the JDX outputs.
10. HEADPHONE: Output for ¼” standard
headphones or earbuds. Level control
adjusts the headphone volume.
11. CONSTRUCTION: ‘Road ready’
14-gauge steel enclosure for durability
and improved shielding against stray
magnetic fi elds.
12. HANDLE: Makes transporting the
Headload more convenient. Can be
mounted on the top or side.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
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Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
REAR PANEL FEATURE SET
®
2120
13141915
13. JDX PRE-EQ: Outputs the JDX signal
before the two band EQ and speaker
voicing. Used to feed the FOH system.
Balanced output for driving long cables.
Transformer isolated to eliminate noise
caused by ground loops. Equipped with
ground lift and polarity 180° reverse.
14. JDX POST-EQ: Outputs the JDX signal
after the EQ and voicing controls. Used
to feed the on-stage monitor system.
Balanced output for driving long cables.
Equipped with ground lift.
15. FAN: Cooling fan is powered by your
amp. The harder you drive your amp,
the faster the fan moves.
16: POST-JDX (POST-EQ): Outputs an
unbalanced (¼” line) JDX signal. Used
for feeding additional effects, monitors
or amps.
181716
17. PRE-JDX (DIRECT): Outputs the
direct amp signal before the JDX signal
processing.
18. LEVEL: Ganged control sets the output
level for both unbalanced ¼” outputs.
19. POWER SUPPLY: The external
power supply uses a locking 4-pin
XLR connector to prevent accidental
disconnection.
20. FROM AMP: Connects your amplifi er
speaker output. Depending on which
Headload you have, one of the jacks
will be plugged.
21. TO SPEAKERS: Connects to your
speaker cabinet. Total speaker
impedance (Ohms) must match your
amp and the Headload.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
4
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
®
True to the Music
UNPACKING THE HEADLOAD
We recommend that you save all packaging for storage and safe transport. Inside you will
fi nd the power supply, power cable suitable for your region and a handle. The handle may be
attached to the top or side using the two included screws as shown below.
RACK MOUNT KIT
An optional 19” rackmount kit is available (order no. R800 9424 00) for the Headload. The
Headload uses two rack spaces (2RU). The rackmount kit is constructed with the same
powder-coated 14 gauge steel for durability and attaches using eight screws as shown below.
FAN COOLING
The Headload is cooled by a fan that draws cool air
in through the front, top and sides and pushes hot air
out the back. Do not block the vents when in use and
always allow a minimum of 2.5cm (1”) of open air space
around the Headload. When rackmounting, provide an
open rack space above the Headload for fresh air.
The fan speed is controlled by the power output of your
amplifi er and the amount of attenuation you apply. With a
small amount of attenuation (60-80%) the fan may move
slowly or not at all. Appling a lot of attenuation, especialy
to a high wattage amp (100W), will cause the fan to turn
faster and provide more cooling.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
5
<OPEN RACK SPACE>
2RU
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
GETTING STARTED
Before making any connections, always
ensure levels are turned down and your
amp is turned off. This will help avoid loud
turn-on transients (‘pops’) from harming the
loudspeakers and alarming your audience. It
is also a good practice to test your system
at a low volume at fi rst before turning up the
power.
The Headload uses a universal power supply
that comes with a detachable AC cable for
your region. The Headload can be used in
another region simply by changing the AC
cable.
The power supply connects to the Headload using a locking 4-pin XLR. This provides a
secure connection that helps prevent accidental disconnection. There is no power switch,
as soon as you plug in the power supply the Headload will turn on. The power LED indicator
on the front panel will illuminate when the power supply is connected and the Headload is
ready to use.
STARTING POSITION
Set the front panel controls as shown below. This will start you off with a neutral setting from
which to explore the functions and features.
®
AMP/SPEAKER LOAD SECTION
• LO and HI Resonance switches set to off
• Range rotated fully clockwise
• LOAD switch set to 100% (no attenuation)
JDX SECTION
• LOW and HIGH EQ set to center position (12 o’clock)
• VOICING switch set to position A
PHAZER SECTION
• ON switch set to the outward position (off or bypass)
• 360/180° switch set to the outward position
• SHIFT control rotated fully counter-clockwise
Radial Engineering Ltd.
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Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
®
CAB A
CAB B
True to the Music
CONNECTING THE AMPLIFIER AND SPEAKER
You can connect amplifi ers up to 120 Watts RMS (180W peak) to the Headload and drive
them at full power. We recommend using speaker cables eight feet or less in length with a
minimum gauge of 1.5mm
2
(14 awg). Longer speaker cables should use heavier gauges to
maintain the best power transfer. Use the chart below as a guide when selecting speaker
cables to use with your Headload.
It is important to match the impedance of the amplifi er and speaker cabinet with the Headload’s
impedance. The Headload is available in 4, 8 and 16 Ohm versions. Depending on which one
you purchased, one of the FROM AMP jacks will be plugged.
8 OHM HEADLOAD4 OHM HEADLOAD
8 OHM AMP
8 OHM SPK CAB
4 OHM AMP
4 OHM SPK CAB
CONNECTING TWO CABINETS
The Headload is equipped with two ¼”
TO parallel SPEAKER jacks that make
connecting more than one cabinet easy.
However it is important that the combined
impedance of both cabinets match the
impedance of the Headload. For instance,
two 8 Ohm cabinets equal a 4 Ohm load.
Therefore you would need the 4 Ohm version
of the Headload to connect two 8 Ohm cabs.
4 OHM AMP
CAB A
Cab ACab BTotal
16 Ohms16 Ohms8 Ohms
8 Ohms8 Ohms4 Ohms
4 Ohms4 Ohms2 Ohms (do not use)
Radial Engineering Ltd.
CAB B
8 OHM
SPK CABS
7
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
USING THE AMP/SPEAKER LOAD
After confi rming your connections, power on your
amp and slowly bring up the volume until you are at a
comfortable level. Try attenuating the speaker volume
by adjusting the LOAD control counter-clockwise from
100% (no attenuation) to 80% or 60%.
Increase the output level on your amp and toggle back and forth between the LOAD setting
and your amp’s volume control until you get comfortable with the way the Headload attenuator
works. You can apply a little attenuation to take the edge off a screaming double stack or a lot
of attenuation to signifi cantly reduce overall stage volume.
Range 20-1%
When the LOAD is set to 20%, you can use the RANGE control to continuously adjust the
output from 20% down to 1% of full power. The RANGE control is particularly benefi cial in the
studio or on very quiet stages as it lets you dial in the ideal amount of attenuation.
Loadbox
You can mute the Headload’s speaker outputs by selecting the OFF position. This enables
silent performance, recording, or practicing via the built-in headphone amp. The safest way
to use the Headload is to always have a speaker cab connected. However, it is possible to
use the Headload without a speaker when the LOAD switch is set to OFF. Please observe the
following user warning before operating the Headload without a speaker cabinet:
®
The danger is the LOAD switch could be bumped or moved and potentially put the Headload
and/or amplifi er at risk of damage. For this reason we recommend the Headload be connected
to a speaker at all times. If you choose to ignore this warning, you should check the position
of the LOAD switch before each use to minimize the risk.
Resonance EQ
After you have adjusted the attenuation, try testing the
RESONANCE switches to hear their effect on the tone.
These are used to boost low or high frequencies to your
speaker cabinet and compensate for the way the human
ear responds to music when listening at low volume levels.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
8
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
®
True to the Music
CONNECTING THE JDX OUTPUTS
The Headload is equipped with a built-in Radial JDX direct box. The JDX is designed to
capture the sound of your amp/speaker and feed a balanced line to a mixing console or
recorder without having to necessarily use a microphone. The benefi ts of using the JDX are
lower sound pressure levels on stage, a consistent guitar tone night after night and of course,
quiet recording for those late night sessions.
The JDX features two balanced XLR outputs. The Pre-EQ output produces the classic JDX
signal based on our proprietary reactive loading and active band-pass circuit that captures
the sound of the amp and outputs a signal emulating a 4x12 speaker cab mic’d with a popular
dynamic microphone. The original JDX has gained tremendous popularity with users as
diverse as Megadeth, Aerosmith, Rascal Flatts, Sting and Radiohead. The Pre-EQ output is
intended to feed a clean stable signal to the FOH PA system.
JDX
AMP
F.O.HMONITORS
LOW / HIGH
EQ
SPEAKER CAB
VOICING
HEADPHONES
The Post-EQ output offers more control over the tone by adding a two-band EQ and fi ve
additional speaker emulation voicings to the JDX. The POST-EQ output is intended to feed
the monitor system. Connected this way, you are able to hear the effects of the JDX equalizer
and VOICING switch in your monitors or in-ear system and fi ne tune to your liking.
For the purpose of becoming familiar with the Headload features, you can connect both
JDX outputs to the fi rst and second channels of your mixing console. This will help you
understand the differences between the Pre and Post-EQ outputs.
NOTE: You can also audition the JDX equalizer by connecting a set of headphones to the
Headload. This way, you can mute the speakers by setting the LOAD switch to OFF and
quietly go about testing the JDX EQ and VOICING controls.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
9
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
®
USING THE JDX
Keep in mind that the JDX output level will follow changes to the amplifi er’s volume so it’s
best to set your amp up the way you like it before setting levels at the mixing console.
Understand also that changing the LOAD switch setting or using the RESONANCE controls
will not affect the sound of the JDX outputs. When your amp is setup and working to your
liking, adjust the gain at the mixing console.
Low/High EQ and Speaker Voicing
The JDX features a two-band EQ and six speaker emulation fi lters. While listening to the
Post-EQ output (or headphones), test the SPEAKER CAB VOICING switch. Setting-A is
the classic JDX sound and the other fi ve settings emulate the character of different types of
speaker cabinets. Choose a setting that works best with your system.
The two-band EQ boosts or cuts the low and high frequencies and is used to make fi ne
adjustments to the tone. You can use the HIGH EQ to add presence to a dull sounding amp
or tame an overtly bright one. The LOW EQ can boost a weak bass response or clean up a
muddy sounding amp by rolling off bass.
Ground Lift and Polarity reverse
The Pre-EQ output is transformer isolated to block hum and buzz caused by ground loops
and equipped with a ground LIFT switch to further help eliminate noise. The Post-EQ output
is active balanced or direct and also features a ground LIFT switch to help eliminate noise.
If you notice hum or buzz caused by ground loops, try pushing the LIFT switch inward. This
will fl oat the pin-1 at the XLR output and isolate the signal ground between your amp and the
mixing console to help eliminate the noise.
The polarity of the Pre-EQ output can be inverted with the 180° switch. Depressing the switch
will reverse pins-2 and 3 at the XLR output. The polarity reverse may be used to interface
older ‘pin-3 hot’ equipment that does not follow the AES standard for XLR pin-out, or to
correct a polarity reversal upstream in the signal chain.
Using The Unbalanced Outputs
The Headload is equipped with two ¼” unbalanced
outputs with a dedicated level control. The fi rst
output is an unbalanced version of the Post-EQ
JDX signal that can be patched to any line-level
device like a backstage amp or effects. The
second output is labelled direct and reproduces
the dry, original signal from the amp at line level.
This unfi ltered signal can be used to patch in
addition speaker emulation devices for even
more creative opportunities.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
10
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
®
True to the Music
USING THE PHAZER
In order to get the most natural tone from a guitar or bass amp, many engineers will opt
to combine the sound of the direct JDX feed with a mic’d speaker cabinet. Because the
microphone is distanced away from the loudspeaker, a slight time delay is introduced when
compared to the direct JDX signal. To compensate, the Headload is equipped with a Radial
Phazer that essentially delays the JDX output. However, the Phazer is not a digital delay that
can create echo. The Phazer is completely analog and is capable of shifting the signal up
to 360° so that a fundamental frequency from the JDX signal can be phase aligned with the
microphone.
Place a mic in front of your speaker cabinet and patch it into the third channel of your mixer
next to the JDX channels. Turn up the mic channel to make sure it is working. Set both the
JDX and the mic channels to the same volume level and panned to the center.
AMP
FROM AMP
TO SPK
JDX PRE-EQ
JDX POST-EQ
MIXING CONSOLE
MIC
SPK CAB
Activate the Phazer by pressing the ON switch, the LED indicator will illuminate. Slowly rotate
the SHIFT control clockwise while listening to the result through the mixing console. The
signal will be shifted from 1° to 180°. Now depress the 180/360° switch to continue shifting
the signal phase from 181° to 360°.
The Phazer can reinforce the fundamental frequency making the combination of the JDX
and mic sound thicker and richer than either do on their own. You can also experiment with
the Phazer and create special effects. Use your ear while adjusting the SHIFT control and
choose the setting that sounds best.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
11
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
True to the Music
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Circuit Type: ...........................................Reactive attenuation circuit with active equalization
Frequency Response: ......................................90Hz at -3dB to 4KHz at -6dB
Specifi cations are subject to change without notice.
®
BLOCK DIAGRAM
AMP
ATTENUATIONPHAZERJDX
SPK CAB
Radial Engineering Ltd.
LOW / HIGH EQSPEAKER
VOICING
12
UNBAL. OUT
DIRECT
JDX BAL. OUT
PRE-EQ
JDX BAL. OUT
POST-EQ
JDX UNBAL. OUT
POST-EQ
HEADPHONE
AMP
HEADPHONES
POST-EQ
Headload Guitar Amp Load Box
THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY
RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from
defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free
of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace
(at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding fi nish
and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3)
years from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular product
is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the product with a
similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely event that a defect
is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email service@radialeng.com to
obtain an RA number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The product must be returned prepaid in the original
shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair
center and you must assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original
invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any
request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable warranty.
This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse,
misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modifi cation by
any other than an authorized Radial repair center.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE
ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES
WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE
WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL
SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY
VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT
WAS PURCHASED.
To meet the requirements of California Proposition 65, it is our responsibility to inform you of the following:
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please take proper care when handling and consult local government regulations before discarding.
True to the Music
www.radialeng.com
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010
info@radialeng.com • www.radialeng.com
Radial® Headload™ User Guide - Part #: R870 1211 00
Appearance and specifi cations subject to change without notice.