®
True to the Music
USER GUIDE
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
®
Radial® XAMP
™
REAMP
User Guide
Table of Contents Page
Overview ......................................................................... 1
Input Panel ...................................................................... 2
Output Panel ................................................................... 3
Getting Ready To Remap ................................................5
Connecting And Using The X-Amp ................................. 6
Adjusting Levels And Adding A Second Amp .................. 7
Using With Keyboards And Voice ...................................8
Grounding Options .......................................................... 9
Specifi cations .................................................................. 9
Warranty ........................................................ Back Cover
INTRODUCTION
The Radial X-Amp is an active Reamper that has been
developed with one goal in mind: To explore new musical
sounds and spur on the creative process.
Like all Radial products, this ‘creative tool’ is made using
the very fi nest components and care to ensure the very
highest quality sound possible. And like any tool, the
best way to get the most out of it is by understanding
the functions, the intent behind the design and of course
some of the safety features and instructions that have
been provided. To this end, we recommend reading this
manual before operating your X-Amp.
We are confi dent you will fi nd the Radial X-Amp to be
fun to use, musical and that it will open new doors to
creativity. If you have question after you have read the
user guide please visit the X-Amp FAQ page on our web
site. If you still can not fi nd what you are looking for, feel
free to send us an email at info@radialeng.com and we
will do our very best to reply to you in short order. We love
to hear from you!
Please read the caution statement on the last page
before connecting your Radial X-Amp
®
True to the Music
OVERVIEW
Designed as a creative tool, the Radial X-Amp is an active device that
allows pre-recorded instrument tracks to be sent through guitar amplifi ers
and effect devices. Since guitar amps and recording devices work at
different signal levels, they are not directly compatible. In essence, the
X-Amp allows these devices to ‘speak’ to each other. The Radial X-Amp
is an active ‘impedance and level-matching device’ that converts line level
signals from a mixing console or tape recorder to guitar level signals to
drive one or two guitar amplifi ers without introducing ground-loops or noise.
To start Reamping, one would generally record a dry guitar or bass track
using a direct box such as the Radial JDI, Radial J48 or Radial JDV.
Radial J48
Active DI
Record a
Dry Track
Afterwards, the pre-recorded dry track is routed through the X-Amp, which
in turn is connected to a guitar amplifi er. The ‘Reamped’ sound is recorded
to new tracks.
Recorder
(dry track)
Radial
X-Amp
Reamp Track
Reamp Track
Guitar
Amps
Mic
Mic
The advantages of recording a track this way are many: Once the
original track has been recorded, the engineer and producer can try
different amplifi ers and sounds without tiring out the player with relentless
repetition. For the player-engineer, the track can be recorded, then the
player can then sit in the control room and listen to a variety of guitar effects
or amplifi ers before committing a fi nal sound to the track.
The X-Amp can also be used on other instruments. Keyboard tracks can
be given extra life by warming up their sound by sometimes driving them
through distortion pedals or tube guitar amps. Vocal tracks can also be
twisted into new sounds by introducing these fun effects.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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FEATURE SET: INPUT PANEL
True to the Music
2 3 41 5
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1. LINE LEVEL XLR INPUT: The input to the Radial X-Amp is a
balanced line level female XLR. This is typically fed from the output
of a recording device or mixing console. The XLR connector is wired
with pin-2 hot following the AES standard.
2. GROUND: A ground lift switch disconnects pin-1 ground at the XLR
input. Depressing this switch assumes you will be providing a ground
path via the OUT-1 to your amplifi er. Lifting the ground often helps
reduce hum or buzz caused by so-called ground loops.
3. CABLE CLAMP: Used to secure the power supply cable and prevent
accidental power disconnection.
4. POWER: The 15VDC power supply is connected here. Plug in to
activate the X-Amp.
5. FULL-BOTTOM NO-SLIP PAD: Provides mechanical isolation to
reduce slipping and electrical isolation from amplifi er frames and
handles.
6. BOOKEND DESIGN: 14 gauge steel outer shell creates a protective
zone around connectors and switches. Internal welded I beam
construction for maximum durability.
7. POWER LED INDICATOR: The power LED will immediately
illuminate when the 15VDC supply is connected.
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FEATURE SET: OUTPUT PANEL
8
9
7
10 11 12
13
8. LEVEL CONTROL: The output LEVEL control sets the volume level
going to the guitar amplifi ers. This potentiometer is recessed to
prevent accidental change and is adjusted using a guitar pick or fl at-
head screwdriver.
9. CLIP LED INDICATOR: To ensure the signal from the mixer or
recorder does not overload the X-Amp, a clip indicator on the front
panel provides clear viewing. If this LED illuminates, reduce the signal
level.
10. DIRECT OUT-1: This ¼” output connects to guitar amp-1. This is a
transformerless, direct-coupled output and is used to connect to your
primary guitar amplifi er. This provides the primary ground path for the
X-Amp. This output must always be connected to a properly grounded
amplifi er.
11. POLARITY 180º: The polarity reverse works with the transformercoupled OUT-2 ¼” output jack. This fl ips the polarity of the output to
allow two amplifi ers to play ‘in-phase’.
12. ISOLATED OUT-2: This ¼” transformer isolated output connects to
your second amplifi er. Transformer isolation allows use of two amps
without introducing hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
13. GROUND LIFT OUT-2 (located on side): This recessed switch gives
you the option to bypass the transformer isolation and convert the
OUT-2 into a direct and grounded output. It is factory set to LIFTED
(inward position) to provide a safe and noise free connection to
amplifi ers. See page 9 for more information about using this feature.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
STEP-1: RECORD A DRY TRACK WITH A DIRECT BOX
As most Reamping is performed with an electric guitar, we have chosen
to discuss the process using this example. The same process applies
with bass, voice, keyboard, violin or any other instrument.
Start by recording a dry track using a high quality direct box (DI) such
as the Radial JDI, Radial J48 or Radial JDV. Keep in mind that cheap DI
boxes sound less realistic, have limited dynamic range and tend to have
less warmth. When Reamping a track, it is important that the source track
be as clean and natural sounding as possible.
The usual connection when Reamping is to connect the guitar to the DI
box and have the thru connection go to your guitar amplifi er. The DI’s
balanced output is then connected to the mixer and recording device.
Recorder
Amp
Recording a clean, dry track with a Radial direct box.
(dry track)
By recording this way, you are able to listen to your guitar amplifi er’s
sound while recording a ‘clean’ signal. The clean guitar track retains all
of the infl ections and sustaining effects that you would normally hear
and ‘feel’ when you perform. Note that when playing with a loud, heavily
distorted sound, the guitar interacts with the amplifi er. The amplifi er’s
sonic vibrations excite the guitar strings which in turn can produce sustain
and harmonic complexities.
The recorded ‘clean’ guitar tone will contain all the sustain and infl ections
of the original performance. When Reamping, the clean guitar track will
drive the guitar amp in the same way as when the player was standing
next to it. Reamping recreates the same complex tones between guitar,
amp, and loudspeaker as when it was recorded. This allows you to replay
the performance back through various amplifi ers and effects devices to
create new sounds.
It is a good idea to record the wet track (effects pedals and amplifi er) at
the same time with a traditional microphone set-up. This way, you can
mix the original track with Reamped tracks to create new textures.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
STEP-2: CONNECTING THE X-AMP TO YOUR AMP
Start by ensuring all amp and mixer levels are turned down. Place the
X-Amp near your amplifi ers in the studio. As soon as you connect the
15v/400mA power supply, the power LED on the front panel illuminates
indicating the X-Amp is active and ready to use.
NOTICE: Before connecting the X-Amp to your guitar amplifi er, make
sure that it is equipped with a grounded 3-prong AC power cable.
This important safety ground will ensure safe performance of your
amplifi er and the X-Amp. For safety, only use equipment that has
passed electrical safety tests such as UL in the United States, CSA in
Canada or the equivalent safety standards recognized in your country.
Use a balanced XLR cable to connect the output of your recorder or mixer
to the input on the X-Amp. Next, use a high-Z ¼” guitar cable to connect
the DIRECT OUT-1 to your amplifi er’s input.
Dry Track
Recorder
Reamp Track-1
Reamping the dry track and recording new tracks.
Mic-1
Amp
NOTICE: If you plan on connecting an amplifi er to the second isolated
OUT-2 jack it is very important your fi rst grounded amplifi er stay
connected to direct OUT-1 at all times, even if not in use or powered
on. The amp serves as an important safety ground.
Before connecting a second amplifi er or effect pedals you should proceed
to step-3 and fi nish setting up your fi rst amp. This will help test the overall
system and reduce troubleshooting.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
STEP-3: ADJUSTING THE LEVEL
Start by setting the X-Amp’s input LEVEL
control to the 12 o’clock position. Play
the dry track and turn up your recorder/
mixer output until the CLIP LED on the
X-Amp blinks occasionally with peaks in
the recording. Now reduce the recorder/
mixer level a bit so the clip light does not
blink at all. This will ensure the X-Amp‘s
output signal is clean.
Next test the connection to your amp. It’s
a good idea to set up a clean sound on
your amp at fi rst. This way you can hear
if there is any distortion or ground loop
hum. Turn your amp up to a comfortable
listening volume. If you encounter hum or
buzz, try depressing the X-Amp’s input
side GROUND LIFT switch.
Play the dry track while adjusting the X-Amp’s LEVEL control. This control
is used to ensure the signal coming from the dry track matches the level
from your guitar. Because guitar amplifi ers do not have input level meters
this is done by plugging your guitar directly into your amp and taking note
of the level and tone. Afterwards, connect the X-Amp to your amp and
adjust the LEVEL control so that the level and tone is the same as when
the guitar is connected directly.
STEP-4: ADD A SECOND AMP
At this point you can also connect a second amplifi er to the ISOLATED
OUT-2 ¼” jack. This output is transformer isolated to eliminate hum and
buzz caused by ground loops, a common problem when using two amps.
Dry Track
Recorder
Reamp Track-1
Reamp Track-2
Recording two Reamped tracks at the same time.
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Mic-1 Mic-2
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Amp-2Amp-1
X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
STEP-5 TESTING PHASE
The OUT-2 ¼” jack also features a 180°
POLARITY reverse switch that is used to
ensure both amplifi ers are in-phase. To
test for phase alignment place the amps
side by side and turn up the volume on
each amp equally. The POLARITY switch
allows you to quickly invert the phase of
your second amp. Try the switch in both
the 0° and 180° positions and use the one that sounds the fullest. If you
change amps or add effect pedals you may re-introduce a phase issue.
After re-confi guring your Reamping setup it’s a good idea to quickly test
for phase alignment by pressing the POLARITY switch and comparing
the sound.
You are now set to go! The real magic begins when you start combining
these tracks and adding effects. Have fun! Experiment!
USING THE X-AMP WITH KEYBOARDS
Keyboards may also enjoy the benefi ts of Reamping with the X-Amp
by following the same procedures. There’s no better way to turn a solo
synthesizer track into a ‘barn burner’ than to pass it through a distorted
tube guitar amplifi er or Radial Tonebone tube distortion pedal. Players
like the legendary Jan Hammer used this trick to create those amazing
‘guitar’ solo sounds. This is also a great way to get more ‘growl’ from
those ‘clean’ B3 sounds. Half the magic of a traditional Hammond comes
from the tube amp and Leslie being pushed to the limits. This is why
Keith Emerson also used distorted guitar amps to record and perform. Try
mixing sounds between clean and distorted ones and have fun!
USING THE X-AMP WITH EFFECT PEDALS
You can also use the X-Amp with guitar effect pedals. This is
accomplished either by driving the pedal through a guitar amplifi er or by
sending the output of the effect pedal to a direct box like the Radial JDI
and then to the mixer. We recommend the JDI for this application as the
isolation transformer in the JDI will help eliminate potential noise caused
by ground loops.
Recorder
(dry track)
Reamp Track-1 (Reamp Effect Pedals)
Reamping through a Tonebone distortion pedal and using a direct box instead of a mic.
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Radial
X-Amp
Tonebone
Distortion
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Radial JDI
Direct Box
X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
USING THE X-AMP WITH VOICE
Often times voices can be too clean and lack that ‘seasoned’ rough edge.
By driving a voice track through the X-Amp into a distortion pedal like
the Radial Tonebone Classic or through an overdriven amplifi er, one can
introduce some great vocal effects. Double the clean track with distorted
track and then mix them to suit. A subtle extra edge is often all that is
needed to warm up a stale track.
Recorder
(vocal track)
Reamp Track-1 (Distorted Vocals)
Radial
X-Amp
Reamping a vocal track through a Tonebone distortion pedal.
Tonebone
Distortion
Mic
Guitar
Amp
OUT-2 GROUNDING OPTIONS
A second ground lift is provided for ISOLATED OUT-2. This switch is
located inside the X-Amp and is accessed using a small screwdriver
through a hole on the side panel. By factory default it is set to ‘lifted’ (inward
position) allowing the transformer to isolate the signal ground between your
recording system and your second amp. Setting the switch to ‘grounded’
(outward position) will bypass the transformer isolation.
In some situations it could be advantageous to connect the ground to your
second amplifi er. If you encounter noise and have tried lifting the input
ground, try toggling the OUT-2 LIFT switch and use the setting that works
best.
GROUND LIFT OUT-2: Use a small screwdriver to access
the ground lift switch for OUT-2. Set inward to lift the
ground (factory default) or outward to connect ground.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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True to the Music
BLOCK DIAGRAM
SPECIFICATIONS*
Audio circuit type: ...................................................................100% discrete class-A
Frequency response: ...........................................................20Hz ~ 15kHz (± 1.0dB)
Signal to noise ratio: ...................................... 88dB below instrument level (-20dBu)
Dynamic range: ...............................................................................................119dB
Noise fl oor: ..............................................................OUT-1 -110dB; OUT-2 -108dBu
Maximum input: .............................................................................................+22dBu
Total harmonic distortion:................................................................0.02% @ -15dBu
Inter-modulation distortion: .............................................................0.02% @ -20dBu
Input impedance: .............................................................................................. 600Ω
XLR input: .......................................... Balanced line-level, AES standard (pin-2 hot)
Ground lift (input): ...............................................Disconnects pin-1 at the XLR input
Output level: ............................................................................................. Adjustable
Output type: ......... High-Z instrument-level, Out-1 direct, Out-2 transformer isolated
Polarity:...................................................................... 180º polarity reverse on Out-2
Power: ..................................................................+15VDC/400mA adapter included
Construction: .................... 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell, powder-coat fi nish
Size:.....................................................................3.3” x 5.0” x 2” (84 x 127 x 48mm)
Weight: .................................................................................................1.55lb (720g)
Shipping Size:......................................................5”x2.75”x10.75” (127x70x273mm)
Shipping Weight: .................................................................................2.6lb (1.18kg)
Conditions:...............................For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C
Warranty: .........................................................................Radial 3-year, transferable
*Specifi cations are subject to change without notice.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
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X-AMP Reamper™
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 a 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.
CAUTION: Only use the Radial X-Amp Reamp with amplifi ers that are equipped
with a properly grounded AC power cable and display electrical safety certifi cations
such as the UL in the United States and CSA in Canada or the equivalent standards
as approved in your country. If you are not sure about your amp please consult
a qualifi ed technician for advice before using this device or connecting any
equipment to it.
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.
®
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 X-Amp User Guide - Part #: R870 1040 10
Specifi cations and appearance are subject to change without notice.
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