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Radial Engineering

collapse expand iconDescription

The Radial Engineering J48 Active Direct Box, a pioneering solution for capturing pristine instrument signals. Designed for 48V phantom power, the J48 employs a unique switching power supply to produce 9V peak transients without distortion. The result is a DI with extremely low noise, half the intermodulation distortion and significantly improved dynamics compared to other units.

Ultra-Clean Signal With Maximum Headroom

The J48 has been optimized to work within the current limits of standard phantom power while still delivering maximum headroom. Its custom circuitry achieves exceptionally low distortion and a frequency response wider than most other DIs for transferring the full detail of your instrument's tone.

Reduce Noise and Hum

In addition to its low inherent noise, the J48 provides a ground lift switch to eliminate hum from ground loops. It also features an 80Hz high-pass filter to remove unwanted low-end rumble. For extra gain before feedback, engauge the -15dB pad.

Enhance Functionality

The J48 includes additional features to enhance its capabilities. A polarity reverse switch corrects for reversed pin 2 and 3 wiring. The merge function mixes two inputs to mono for combining signals from active and passive pickups.

Road-Ready and Built to Last

Like all Radial products, the J48 is constructed for the demands of live touring. Its 14-gauge steel I-beam frame and welded construction provide exceptional durability. The J48 delivers audiophile sound quality and rugged reliability—perfect for both studio and stage. Experience the difference a great DI can make to your tone.

Radial Engineering J48 Phantom Powered Active Direct Box
Radial Engineering J48 Phantom Powered Active Direct Box
Radial Engineering J48 Phantom Powered Active Direct Box

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Active 48-Volt phantom powered direct box
  • -15dB pad
  • 180 degree polarity reverse
  • Merge function to mix 2 signals to mono
  • 80Hz high-pass rumble filter
  • Ground lift
  • Welded I-beam construction
  • Minimal power draw with high rail voltage
  • Will not choke when driven hard
  • Low intermodulation distortion
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconWarranty

90 day warranty on footswitch and tubes. One year warranty on all other products.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

6 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio2
  2. Outdoor Events / Games1
  3. Performances1
  4. Professional Recording1
Cons
  1. Limited Functions1
  2. none1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
  2. Novice1
Pros
  1. Easy To Use2
  2. Good Audio1
  3. Professional Functions1
  4. Versatile1
  5. Good Instructions / Manual1

Reviewed by 6 customers

  • 50% ok

    3

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byLeo

    fromSan Diego

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    50% ok

  • The Radial Engineering J48 is a winner all the way.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted10 years ago

    byChuck the bassman

    fromSpokane, WA

    I have owned other DI boxes but none so good as this one. Yes, there are cheaper DI boxes in the marketplace. You also get what you pay for. I like this Radial Engineering JDI box so well, that I purchased a passive DI box, the Radial Engineering JDI the next day. I will never need to replace either one of these.

  • Awesome for the recording studio

    5

    submitted14 years ago

    byJoel Izquierdo

    fromLaredo, TX

    I have used this direct box for bass, acoustic guitar,and mandolin directly to my LA-610 and have improved the signal path to about 50%. It adds a great amount of head-room on bass and gives out a deep warm sound on both acoustic and mandolin instruments. It's indeed a professional sounding DI. I highly recommented to any size studio and believe me, it will be used often.

  • lots of features

    5

    submitted15 years ago

    byTim

    fromIndiana

    I had never purchased a direct box before and wasn't for sure what to buy,Radial made it an easy choice.They offered so many different options and price points,not to mention rugged,quality,construction,and great technical support.I am very happy with my purchase.

  • Great for studio and stage

    5

    submitted19 years ago

    byGrizzly

    fromDetroit

    I picked up one of these last year for the studio and found it equally useful on stage. It has excellent clean/low noise sound characteristics necessary for recording and live performance. In the studio it's handy to be able to connect it to a mic preamp which doesn't have it's own DI input. Just switch on the +48V phantom power on your mic pre and you're ready to go. The direct thru is another convenient feature in the studio for connecting a tuner or amp when recording electric guitar or bass. On stage, it's nice to have a noise eliminating DI box which can plug into any of the phantom powered mic inputs on the house PA system.

  • Every Studio Needs One

    5

    submitted19 years ago

    byStudio 139

    fromKalamazoo, MI

    Direct boxes may not be flashy, but they make a huge difference to signal quality in any studio at any level. This active direct box has a plenty of head room for bass guitars or analog synthesizers. The sound is clean, quiet and rich. It is instant improve in your signal chain well worth every cent.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byAndres

    fromRENTON WA.

    Does my J48 Radial DI comes with an AC adapter ???

    Does my J48 Radial DI comes with an AC adapter ???

    Open Reply - Beau
    This direct box does come with a power supply.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byZeph

    fromNY

    Does this work with a distorted guitar from amp?

    Does this work with a distorted guitar from amp?

    Open Reply - Charles
    You can use this from your amp to the mixing board with whatever effected signal.