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J48

Premium Active DI

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Phantom Powered Active Direct Box

The J48 is a high performance active direct box for live concert touring and professional recording studio applications, with the ability to handle extreme transients without distortion while delivering the natural sound of your instrument.

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

Higher Rail Voltage, Higher Headroom

Most battery-powered guitars and basses will produce as much as 7 Volts when played at maximum volume, which can easily overload typical active direct boxes that are only able to handle about 3 Volts. The J48 uses a unique switching power supply that raises the internal rail voltage so it can handle up to an incredible 9 Volts, resulting in improved signal handling and greater headroom. This additional headroom significantly reduces distortion of all types, allowing the natural tone and character of the instrument to shine through.

J48 Applications

J48 with an acoustic guitar

J48 for Live Touring

A direct box is primarily used to get an instrument signal from the stage to the mixing desk and PA system. The Radial J48 delivers the natural tone exceptionally long distances without adding distortion or coloring the sound in any way.

J48 with bass and thru to amp

J48 in the Studio

When recording direct, the quality of the direct box interface assures the purest signal going to the track. The Radial J48 is particularly well suited for recording bass or capturing a direct track from a guitar.

J48 used for Reamping

Reamping with the J48

Reamping means sending a dry track from the recorder back out to pedals and amps. This tricks has been used for years by top professionals. The Radial J48 is ideally suited to capture the sound of the instrument for later Reamping.

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Reviews

"I've had my own Radial J48 for several years, and I can't remember the last time I didn't use it when making a "proper" recording of an amped guitar or bass. It's one of those pieces of kit that just works properly every time it's needed."

By Andi Picker
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"One of the problems with a lot of active DI boxes is that if you lift the ground, phantom power can no longer pass through and therefore they have to use an internal battery. Radial gets around this by using a switching supply. Just plain ingenious! The J48 is very clean with good solid low end and a vast amount of headroom."

By Scott Dorsey
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Artists

Paul 'Pab' Boothroyd

AC/DC, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Faith Hill, Pink

"The Radial J48 is one piece of kit that can be relied upon from day to day in my worldwide touring. It is not only reliable but delivers what it needs to do... and that is deliver good audio."

Artist Profile

Joe Chiccarelli

Bon Jovi, Frank Zappa, Tori Amos, Chicago, Annie Lennox, The White Stripes

"I use the J48 every day. The signal path is clear, punchy, honest and faithful to the sound of the individual player's instrument."

Artist Profile

Guthrie Trapp

Garth Brooks, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, George Jones, Alison Krauss

"I love the Radial J48 and don't leave home without it! I use the hell out of it."

Artist Profile

Dave LaRue

Dixie Dregs, Joe Satriani

"The Radial DIs have become a staple in my studio and in my live rig. The units sound great, and I love the versatility they afford me in any situation."

Artist Profile

Related Products

J48 Stereo

Premium Stereo Active DI

The J48 stereo is a high performance 2-channel active direct box for live concert touring and professional recording studio applications, with the ability to handle extreme transients without distortion while delivering the natural sound of your instrument.

Pro48

Active Direct Box

The Pro48 is an active direct box designed for use on stage or in home recording studios, with exceptional signal handling for use with both active and passive instruments.

JDV

Dual-input Active Direct Box

The Radial JDV is a class-A direct box with a unique zero negative-feedback circuit that delivers unmatched signal purity for the most demanding recordings.

AC-Driver

Compact Acoustic Preamp

The AC-Driver is an acoustic instrument preamp designed for use on stage, with helpful features to streamline your performance and ensure the best possible tone from your instrument.

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Accessories

J-Rak 8

8-space Rack Adapter

The J-Rak 8 allows you to mount up to eight Radial DIs in standard 19" equipment racks for touring or permanent installation.

J-Rak 4

4-space Rack Adapter

The J-Rak 4 allows you to mount four Radial DIs in standard 19" equipment racks for touring or permanent installation.

J-Clamp

J-Class Flange Mount Adaptors

The J-Clamp replaces the outer shell of full-sized Radial DI boxes such as the JDI and J48, allowing you to permanently affix them to a desktop or inside a rack.

J48 Resources

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