Radial Engineering J48 Active Direct Box

Many typical active direct boxes can't handle the load of a battery-powered guitar or bass, which can get as hot as 7 volts. However, the Radial Engineering J48 is not only a great sounding active direct box, it's been optimized to produce maximum headroom while working within the limited current available from standard 48V phantom power. By employing a unique switching power supply, the J48 is capable of peak transients to 9 volts without choking. The result is lower harmonic distortion, half the inter-modulation distortion and significantly improved dynamics over other DIs.

Several switches are available to help clean your sound and make the direct box more versatile. A ground lift eliminates buzz from ground loops, while the low cut switch removes unwanted boomy bass response. A merge option allows you to transform your thruput into a second input for summing stereo signals, and the polarity switch helps for when there are phasing issues. Finally, the 15dB pad helps cool off signals that would otherwise be too hot to handle!

The compact J48 is built road-ready with 14 gauge steel in their unique book-end design that provides protective zones around the switches and connectors. The internal welded I-beam construction assures outside stress will not torque the PC board thus assuring longer product life.

Features

• Exceptional headroom & dynamic range
• Retains the natural sound of the source instrument
• Merge switch sums stereo instruments to mono
• Powered by 48V phantom power, no batteries required
• 15dB pad

Specifications

• Audio Circuit Type: Proprietary analog circuit with low-noise op-amp
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 109 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.002% @ -5 dBu
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.003% @ -3 dBu
• Phase Deviation: +10° at 20 Hz / 0° at 1 kHz / -1° at 20 kHz
• Input Connectors: 1/4"
  • Input Impedance: 220 kΩ
  • Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): -103 dBu
  • Noise: -99 dB below 0 dBu
  • Max. Input Level: +10 dBu
• Output Connectors: Balanced XLR, 1/4" Thru
  • Output Impedance: 200 Ω (XLR)
• Features: Input Pad, Mono Sum, 180° Polarity Reverse, Ground Lift, HPF
• Construction: 14-gauge steel chassis and outer shell
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 2" x 3.3" x 5.0"
• Weight: 1.55 lbs (720 g)