Radial Engineering X-Amp Users Manual

Radial™ Smart Sheet

Order No. R800 1028

Patent No.

6,005,950

X-AMP™ ACTIVE RE- AMPER

The Radial X-Amp is an active re-amper that allows a track from a multi-track recorder to be
played through a guitar amplifi er(s) and re-recorded. Players and engineers can experiment with
different combinations of amps and effect pedals long after the original performance has been
recorded to build the thickest and chunkiest guitar tracks.

The X-Amp handles level and impedance conversion with an active Class-A circuit which
reproduces all the tones and infl ections of the original performance. X-Amp drives guitar amps
as if the player was still plugged into it! X-Amp accepts a balanced +4dB line-level signal and
outputs two unbalanced instrument level signals that can connect to effect pedals and amps. To
prevent ground loops between the recorder and the amps, the input features a ground lift.
X-Amp allows simultaneous use of two amps. The second amp output is buffered to prevent
signal loss, transformer-isolated to eliminate hum caused by ground loops and features a polarity
reverse to align out-of-phase amps. The output level control and clip LED aid in setting levels
quickly and saves you many trips back and forth between the mixer and amps. Finally, the
X-Amp is packaged in an innovative and tough 14 gauge steel welded I-beam enclosure that
makes it impossible to torque the PC board.

Re-amping with X-Amp is fun and allows engineers to perfect guitar tracks with options not
possible during a typical fast ’n furious tracking session. The X-Amp makes the re-amping
process easy and its ultra-high audio quality yields excellent results.

Features

• 100% Class-A circuit yields amazing clarity

• Overload LED helps monitor input levels

• Dual outputs drive two amps or pedal chains

• Polarity reverse corrects phase between amps

• Out-2 is transformer-isolated to eliminate ground loops

• Active level control to set perfect levels for your amp

Applications

• Line-level to instrument level conversion

• Interfaces recording gear with amps & pedals

• Re-amp your way to fat sounding tracks

• Use during basic tracks, over-dubs and mixing

Cool Factors

• Active design reproduces original performance

• Tweak amp and pedal sound AFTER recording

• Reduces player fatigue and repetition

• Amplify acoustic instrument without feedback

• Run 2 amps without hum or buzz

The X-Amp Process

Guitar, bass and keyboard tracks are recorded direct
with a high-quality DI box like the Radial J48. After, the
track from the recorder is sent to the XLR input on the
X-Amp. The signal is converted to an instrument level
signal and output to one or two amplifi ers. Effect pedals
may also be inserted between the X-Amp outputs and the
amplifi er inputs for even more tonal possibilities. Finally,
the amplifi ers are mic’ed and the new tones are recorded.

XLR INPUT balanced 600
accepts +4dB line-level signals.

GROUND LIFT disconnects pin-1 of
the XLR to break ground path back
to mixer.

PSU CONNECTION 15VDC supply
powers the Class-A circuit.

FULL BOTTOM PAD improves elec­trical isolation and keeps the X-Amp
in one place.

LEVEL CONTROL WITH CLIP LED

for quick and easy setting of output level.

DIRECT OUT-1 unbalanced
instrument level output connects to
your main amplifi er.

ISO OUT-2 is transformer-isolated to
eliminate hum when using two amps.

POLARITY reverse solves phase
problems when using two amps.

BOOK-END DESIGNED enclosure
creates a protective zone around the
switches & connectors.

CLIP LED indicates input overload for
setting optimum level before distortion.

HEAVY-DUTY WELDED I-BEAM
enclosure of 14 gauge steel makes
it impossible to torque the PC board.
Eliminates cold solder joints.

BAKED ENAMEL fi nish for excellent
durability and great looks for years!

MILITARY-GRADE PC BOARD is
protected inside a welded I-beam
enclosure eliminating cold solder
joints, the No.1 cause of system
failure.

Radial Engineering Ltd. • DI & Interface Series Smart Sheet © Copyright 2012 all rights reserved · www.radialeng.com · email [e-mail] • Subject to change without notice • Made in Canada