Radial JDX Direct-Drive

The Radial JDX Direct-Drive is designed to simulate the sound of a guitar amplifier while doubling up as a direct box.

In other words, with the JDX Direct-Drive on a pedalboard, you can do a gig without carrying an amp to the club. The Radial JDX Direct-Drive begins with a traditional 1⁄4” guitar input and passive thru-put to feed a stage amp. This is then followed by a dedicated tuner output that is buffered in order to eliminate loading on the pickup or noise from the quartz clock. The guitar signal is then passed through a series of filters to create Radial’s signature JDX tone. This is modelled after the sound of a Shure SM57 in front of a Marshall 4-12 cabinet. The JDX Direct-Drive offers two more settings; the first adds a typical Marshall tube head character to the signal path while the second brings in something similar to a Fender Twin combo. Note these companies are not related to Radial and are only indicated in order to give the reader a reference. The two amp tones can be further tailored using a presence switch to add extra sparkle. The amp tone signal exits the JDX Direct-Drive via either a 1⁄4” guitar level output or via a balanced XLR to feed the PA. The direct box output is outfitted with a 180-degree polarity reverse switch to help phase-align monitors with the stage amp along with a ground lift switch to help eliminate the nasty hum and buzz caused by ground loops. The JDX Direct- Drive may be powered using a standard 9V power supply or typical pedalboard power brick.

As with all Radial products, the JDX Direct-Drive is made to handle the rigors of professional touring with 14-gauge steel throughout. This not only helps prevent damage to the internal PCB, it also reduces susceptibility to noise from external magnetic fields. MAP is $199.99. radialeng.com