Radial Engineering JDX User Manual

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True to the Music
JDX
Amplifi er Direct Box
User Guide
CAUTION: Please read safety disclosure statement on the inside cover before connecting your Radial JDX.
Radial Engineering Ltd. 1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5 Tel: 604-942-1001 Fax: 604-942-1010 email: info@radialeng.com
www.radialeng.com
SAFETY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
CAUTION:
Please read before
connecting your Radial JDX
THE JDX IS NOT A LOAD BOX
It is mandatory that your amplifi er be connected to a loudspeaker or load box at all times. The JDX does not provide a signifi cant resistive load for an amplifi er to safely operate. Damage may occur to your amp if the JDX is used without a proper loudspeaker load.
ALWAYS TURN YOUR AMPLIFIER OFF BEFORE CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE JDX.
It is your responsibility to confi rm the JDX is connected properly before operating your amplifi er. If you are unsure about connecting or operating the JDX 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.
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True to the Music
Radial JDX Amplifi er Direct Box
Users Guide
Table of Contents Page
Introduction ...................................................................1
Design Concept ............................................................2
Applications ..................................................................5
Feature Set ...................................................................6
Input Panel ...................................................................7
Output Panel ................................................................7
Making Connections .....................................................8
FAQ ..............................................................................8
Specifi cations ...............................................................9
Warranty ................................................................Back Cover
Congratulations on your purchase of the Radial JDX guitar amp direct box, a unique tool for recording and performing with ampli­ ed electric guitar. The JDX is an active speaker-level DI that taps the natural tone of your amplifi er and interfaces it with professional recording and PA systems.
The Radial JDX is easy to use, however it differs signifi cantly from standard direct boxes. Like any tool, the best way to get the most out of your JDX is by understanding the design, functions and safety features. We recommend you take a few minutes to read this manual before operating your JDX.
Should you have any questions regarding the JDX or it’s functions check our FAQ at www.radialeng.com. If you would like to share your experience with Radial products we invite you to contact us at info@radialeng.com.
The JDX, one small step for mankind, one huge leap for tone fanatics!
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JDX User Guide
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DESIGN CONCEPT
The JDX differs from a standard DI like the Radial J48. A stan­dard DI taps the output of the guitar before it is connected to an amplifi er. The JDX taps the output of your amplifi er yielding a completely different sound.
The JDX is placed between the amplifi er and loudspeaker. A pro- prietary reactive circuit follows the constantly changing interaction between amp and speaker to capture the dynamic response of your amp. Then an active multi-stage fi lter processes the signal to emulate the frequency response of a loudspeaker and fi nally, the JDX uses a Class-A buffering amplifi er to output a signal suitable for pro-recording and and PA systems.
JDX Amplifi er Direct Box vs. Standard Direct Box
JDX Amplifi er DI J48 Standard DI
Bass and acoustic guitars often use a standard DI to capture the clean sound of the instrument. This works because these instru­ments almost always use an unprocessed sound and the PA system merely amplifi es the levels of the direct signal.
Electric guitars generally don’t use standard DIs because the am­plifi er and loudspeaker play an important part in a player’s sound. Typically a microphone is used to capture the amplifi ed guitar sound. This raises several other variables such as bleed, place­ment and acoustics that come along with using microphones.
The Radial JDX offers an easy solution by eliminating the mi­crophone and delivering the sound of a player’s amp directly to the recording or PA console. By removing the variables of a microphone the consistency of the sound from night to night is improved. This is a boon to in-ear monitor users. When listening through in-ear monitors subtle differences in mic placement and room acoustics can translate into huge changes in tone. The JDX provides great sound while eliminating bleed from other instru­ments, like drums, from leaking into the guitar mix.
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Mixing Console
JDX User Guide
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TYPICAL APPLICA TIONS
Replace a Microphone with JDX.
The most basic use of the JDX is to eliminate the need to use an open microphone to capture the sound from the guitarist’s amp. The diagram shows the typical connection of the JDX.
Using the JDX with a Microphone
Mixing the signal from the JDX with a microphone is a great way to create new sounds. The JDX can also be mixed with a clean direct box signal for a cool effect. Try recording the JDX and microphone to separate tracks that are panned hard left and right.
Using the JDX with the Radial Phazer
When the signal from the JDX and a microphone combine there will inevitably be a small time delay between the signals. The Radial Phazer can be used to time-align the JDX signal with the microphone for perfect phase response. The Radial Phazer saves you editing time because it works in real-time while recording.
JDX
Microphone
AMPLITUDE
TIME
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Phase off-set
JDX and Microphone in perfect time-alignment.
AMPLITUDE
TIME
Radial Phazer inserted on JDX channel
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
T o help you understand how the JDX works take a few moments to trace the signal fl ow through the block diagram.
TRANSFORMER
FROM AMP
TO SPEAKER
REACTIVE LOAD
GROUND
LIFT
CAUTION, THE JDX IS NOT A LOAD BOX
Please read the saftey disclosure statement on the inside cover of this manual before connecting or operating the JDX.
ACTIVE
BANDPASS
FILTER
ACTIVE
BALANCED
DRIVER
POLARITY REVERSE
BALANCED XLR OUTPUT
Parallel Amplifi er Input and Speaker Thru-put
The FROM AMP input and TO SPEAKER thru-put jacks are paralleled together and provides the means to patch the JDX in-between the amp output and loudspeaker.
Transformer
The transformer is the front end of the JDX reactive circuit and is used as a reactive load that responds into the various electri­cal phenomena that dictate how a particular amplifi er and loud- speaker sound together.
This is what makes the JDX unique when compared to the “load box” approach. A load box simply burns off the excess energy into heat and completely ignores the amp and loudspeaker in­teraction. By capturing the reactive effect between the amp and loudspeaker the JDX comes closer to the original tone than any other interface system.
The transformer also pulls double duty by electrically isolating the signal passing through it, effectively blocking noise caused by ground loops. This is important because the JDX connects a guitar amplifi er to a recording or PA system that may be powered from a different AC main circuit. Without the transformer a ground loop may form that can cause buzz and hum in sound systems.
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JDX User Guide
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Ground Lift
A ground lift switch is provided to further reduce noise caused by ground loops.
Active Bandpass Filter
The analog fi lter section is the back-end of the reactive circuit and its job is to emulate the typical response curve of a speaker cabinet. The Class-A active fi lter in the JDX produces superior sound over passive fi lter circuits.
Active Balanced Driver
The output driver in the JDX converts the output to a balanced 600 ohm mic-level signal for driving long cables without signal loss or noise. This JDX output can be patched into typical microphone snakes and be processed along with other microphone signals. The active balanced driver uses a discrete Class-A design for excellent headroom and low distortion.
180° Polarity Reverse
The polarity of the JDX output can be inverted with the 180° switch. Depressing the switch will reverse the signal on pin-2 and pin-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.
Balanced XLR Output
The JDX outputs a balanced mic-level signal. The male XLR con­nector pin-out is wired to the AES (Audio Engineering Society) standard with pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot and pin-3 cold.
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JDX User Guide
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
True to the Music
GROUND LIFT switch eliminates hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
POWER LED lights to indi­cate the JDX is connected to its power supply.
XLR OUTPUT mic-level, 600 Ohms balanced XLR output connects to your mixing console.
FROM AMP connection for amplifi er output, max 300 watts.
TO SPEAKER connects your amp to the speaker through the JDX.
Connection to a loudspeaker is mandatory. Please read the safety disclosure statement before con­necting the JDX.
BOOKEND DESIGN
creates a protective zone for the jacks switches.
POLARITY RREVERSE for pin-2 and pin-3 at the XLR output. Used to correct signal polarity problems.
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PSU JACK connection for the included 15 volt DC power supply.
FULL BOTTOM PAD Neoprene keeps it from sliding around and provides isolation from electrified amplifi er frames and handles.
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CONNECTING THE JDX
The JDX will typically be located on or near the guitar amplifi er to facilitate short speaker cables. We recommend speaker cables be 6 feet or less in length with a minimum of 16AWG two conductor cable. Longer cables should use heavier gauges to maintain the best power transfer. The balanced XLR connection from the JDX to the mixing console may be made through several hundred feet of balanced cable without signal loss.
Before you begin, ensure your amplifi er and PA or record- ing system are turned off. Lower all the volume controls to minimum to avoid loud transients.
1. Connect your amplifi er’s speaker output to the FROM AMP ¼” jack on the JDX.
2. Connect the SPEAKER ¼” jack on the JDX to your speaker cabinet.
3. Connect the XLR output to a mic preamp input on your mixing console using a standard XLR microphone cable.
4. Connect the JDX power supply and check the LED power indicator to confi rm power is present.
5. Turn on your amp and bring up the volume to a low level for testing. Always test at low volume before cranking it up.
6. If all is well, set the amp volume to an appropriate level. Keep in mind that the level at the balanced XLR output will follow the amp so it’s best to set the level of the amp before setting levels at the mixing console.
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JDX User Guide
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FREQUENTL Y ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I mount the JDX on the back or inside my amp/speaker cabinet?
A: Yes, the Radial J-Clamp allows you securely mount the JDX to almost anything.
Q: Does the JDX provide a load for the amp to drive.
A: No. The JDX is not a load box. For safe operation a loudspeaker must be connected to the SPEAKER OUT jack.
Q: Can I use the JDX with a load box or power attenuator?
A: Yes. The load box takes the place of a loudspeaker and pro­vides a load for the amp to drive.
Q: Can I leave the JDX connected to my amp when I’m not using it?
A: Yes, as long as a loudspeaker is connected the amps output will fl ow thru the JDX to your speaker even when the JDX power supply is disconnected.
Q: Can I use the JDX with a bass amp?
A: Yes. Keep in mind the JDX has a max power input of 300 watts. Bass amps that exceed this rating can damage the JDX. Try combining the signals from the JDX and a standard direct box to record bass guitar for a new sound.
Q: My combo amp doesn't have amp and speaker jacks on the back. Can I still use the JDX.
A: Yes. Solder a 1/4" plug onto your amps speaker cable to con­nect to the FROM AMPLIFIER jack. Then make a short jumper cable to connect the TO SPEAKER jack to the speaker terminals. Or contact a qualifi ed amp tech to make these changes.
Q: Can I also use the JDX like a standard direct box.
A: No. The JDX is an amp DI exclusively.
Q: What does the speaker emulation sound like?
A: The active analog speaker fi lter circuit is a compromise between a closed-back 4x12 and an open-back 2x12 speaker cabinet.
Q: Will the JDX sound exactly like my amp?
A: Nothing is 100% transparent. We feel the JDX comes closer than anything else and sounds terrifi c.
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JDX User Guide
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JDX Specifi cations
Circuit type: Class-A 100% discreet Speaker emulation Reactive load sensing with
proprietary band pass fi ltering Total harmonic distortion 0.005 % @ 1KHz
Amp input 1/4", 300 watts max Speaker thru-put 1/4", paralleled to amp input Balanced outputs XLR 600, -60dB mic-level XLR pin confi guration AES standard: pin 1 ground
pin 2 hot (+) pin 3 cold (-)
Power supply (included) 15VDC, 400mA current draw Size (W x D x H) 3.25”x 5”x1.75” (83x126x45mm) Weight 1.5 lbs. (.7 kg) Warranty 3 Years, transferable
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JDX User Guide
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RADIAL ENGINEERING
3 YEAR 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. To make a request or claim under this limited warranty, 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 warranty. This limited 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.
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Radial Engineering Ltd. 1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5 Tel: 604-942-1001 Fax: 604-942-1010 email: info@radialeng.com
Radial JDX user guide - Part #: R870 1200 00 - Rev1.1 - Oct. 2009 Apperances and specifi cations subject to change without notice.
Copyright © 2009 Radial Engineering Ltd. all rights reserved.
True to the Music
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