®

True to the Music

JDX

™

500 Reactor

Amplifier Direct Box & Cabinet Emulator

500 Series Module

®

User Guide

True to the Music

www.radialeng.com

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam

British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5 tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010 email: [email protected]

Radial

®

JDX

™

500 Reactor User Guide

Table of Contents ......................................................Page

Feature Set .................................................................... 1

Overview ........................................................................ 2

Function Details ............................................................. 4

Getting Started ............................................................... 5

Amp Mode ...................................................................... 6

Guitar Mode ................................................................... 7

Re-amping and Other Applications ................................ 8

Specifi cations ................................................................. 9

Block Diagram ................................................................ 9

Warranty ........................................................... Back cover

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Radial JDX 500 Reactor module. The

JDX is a unique 500 series amplifi er interface designed to capture the dynamic relationship between an amplifi er and speaker cabinet while also offering direct instrument recording with active speaker cabinet emulation.

This manual describes installing and operating your JDX 500 in the Radial Workhorse or other 500 series module power racks. To take full advantage of the unique features that have been incorporated into the JDX 500, please read through this manual before using it. This user guide will give you a broader sense of the module’s capabilities. If you have questions that are not covered in this manual, please visit the FAQ section on our website.

This is where we post answers to questions from users. If you cannot fi nd the answer to your question please feel free to send an email to [email protected] and we will do our very best to respond as quickly as possible.

The JDX 500, one small step for audio engineering, one huge leap for tone fanatics!

WARNING NOTICE TO USER!

The Radial JDX 500 is not a load box. This means that if you are using it with a guitar amplifi er it must be connected to a speaker cabinet or some type of load box. Failure to do so could result in damaging the JDX and your amplifi er which of course would not be covered under warranty. Always ensure you have proper cables and connections have been checked. We recommend using high quality 12 gauge speaker cables.

Because the JDX 500 can also be used as a direct input from a guitar, we have instituted a slow fl ashing LED to let you know when you are in this mode. This safety measure reminds you that you should not connect a guitar amplifi er output to the JDX when in guitar mode as this may damage the JDX.

Although preventative safety measures have been designed into Radial 500 series products we strictly advise against hot-swapping modules or plugging and unplugging them when the Workhorse or other 500 series rack is powered on. Hot swapping can cause connection sparks at the card-edge connector that could send damaging transients to other equipment. This also greatly reduces the life span of the contacts. Damage due to hot swapping is not covered under warranty. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

®

True to the Music

FEATURE SET

1. 180º REVERSE - Inverts the signal polarity between 0° and 180°.

2. LIFT - Ground lift switch works with the transformer isolation to help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

3. LPF TONE SHIFT - Low pass fi lter control, rolls off the high end to tame the aggressive edge from overly bright sounding amps.

4. LF-EXT - Low frequency extension, lowers the bass frequency response to emulate the sound of a 15” speaker for added bass.

5. GUITAR - Toggles the front panel 1/4” jacks between “amp mode” and “guitar mode”.

When set to “guitar mode” (inward position) instruments may be connected directly to the 1/4” HEAD jack. The LED indicator fl ashes when “guitar mode” is engaged.

Do not connect an amplifi er when the LED is fl ashing. Read the user warning notice before using this feature.

6. 300W - Reduces the input sensitivity to allow high-power guitar and bass amps to be used with the JDX.

7. 1/4” HEAD JACK - Used to connect amps or instruments depending on the position of the

GUITAR switch. When the JDX is in “amp mode” this jack connects the speaker output of an amplifi er. When the JDX is set to “guitar mode” instrument may be connected directly to this jack. Read the user warning notice before using this feature.

8. 1/4” SPEAKER JACK - Used to connect a speaker cabinet when JDX is used with an amplifi er. The JDX is not a load box.

Therefore, it must be connected to a speaker or load box when used with a guitar amp.

9. OMNIPORT - When installed in the Radial

Workhorse rack you will have access to the

Omniport ¼” TRS jack. The JDX Omniport is an alternative output set up as a balanced mic-level direct box to feed a microphone preamp, snake system or mixing console in a live touring setup.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1

4

5

6

7

8

Rear Panel

9

1

2

3

JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

OVERVIEW

The Radial JDX 500 is a 500 series module designed to bring the sound of a guitar amplifi er into the recording system without having to necessarily set up microphones or amplifi ers. In other words, it is designed as a quick production tool for professionals who make music and record.

Inside the JDX are two different circuits: The fi rst is a reactive load that captures the sound of the head and the back electro-magnetic impulse from the loudspeaker. The second is a series of band-pass fi lters that shape the tone to create the 4x12 cabinet emulation. To address the problem of overly bright amplifi ers, the front panel is equipped with a variable low-pass fi lter designed to gently remove high end.

There are two basic ways to use the JDX: For the ultimate tone, the JDX can be connected in

‘amp-mode’ where it is placed between a guitar head and cabinet to capture both the sound of the amplifi er and the reactive load of the cabinet.

Alternately, the JDX can be used in ‘guitar mode’ whereby the amplifi er and cabinet are not used. Instead, the guitar is connected directly to the JDX, via some effect pedals, to take full advantage of the advanced multistage speaker emulation fi ltering. If you have ever tried to record a guitar through an overdrive pedal directly to the recorder you know how unpleasant it can sound. The JDX fi ltering circuit takes the harshness away by emulating the response of a speaker cabinet. The variable low-pass fi lter gives you extra control to further shape the tone. Using the JDX in guitar mode is a great approach to laying down quick tracks when writing. Simply connect your guitar to some pedals then into the JDX and you are set to go.

You can also use the JDX as an analogue fi lter to warm up tracks by sending a pre-recorded track into the JDX via the XLR input. This approach applies to more than just guitar tracks.

Sending a synth or bass through the JDX can add mid range punch that can make a track stand out. As always… there are no rules, only guidelines. Have fun. Experiment!

Radial Engineering Ltd.

2 JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

FUNCTION DETAILS

180º Reverse

This switch inverts the signal at the JDX output to align the polarity with a microphone so they may be combined at the mixing console without phase cancellation.

Lift

This ground lift switch works with the transformer isolation to help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

For the vast majority of amplifi ers this switch is set to the inward position (ground lifted). However, some amplifi ers may need to have the lift switch set to the outward position (ground not lifted). Try both settings and use the one that eliminates the most noise.

LPF Tone Shift

This variable low pass fi lter rolls off the high end to tame the aggressive edge from overly bright sounding amps. To engage the fi lter depress the LPF switch and adjust the TONE SHIFT control for the best high-end response.

LF-EXT

Or Low Frequency Extension, extends the frequency response of the speaker emulation circuit downward to emulate the sound of a 15” speaker for added bass.

When the LF-EXT switch is depressed the low frequency cutoff shifts from 200Hz down to 100Hz.

Guitar

This recessed switch toggles the front panel 1/4” jacks between “amp mode” and “guitar mode”. When “guitar mode” is engaged this feature allows instruments to be connected directly to the front panel 1/4” HEAD jack for quiet recording without an amp. Engaging guitar mode causes the LED to fl ash and changes the input sensitivity of the ¼” HEAD jack to accept instrument level signals.

Do not connect a speaker-level signal to the 1/4”

HEAD jack when the GUITAR switch is engaged and the LED is fl ashing.

300W

This recessed switch allows high power guitar and bass amps (up to 300 watts) to be used with the JDX without overloading the output stage. In the outward position the sensitivity of the ¼” HEAD input jack is set for 100 watt or less amps. When set to the inward position the input sensitivity is reduced to accept 300 watt amps and the

LED indicator illuminates.

Outward position: amp mode

Inward position: guitar mode

Radial Engineering Ltd.

3 JDX 500 Module

®

¼” Head Jack

This front panel jack has two modes of operation depending on the setting of the GUITAR switch:

Out position = amp mode; jack accepts speaker-level signals from an amp.

In position = guitar mode; jack accepts instrument level signal from guitar or pedals. LED will fl ash when guitar mode is engaged.

¼” Speaker Jack

This front panel jack has two modes of operation depending on the setting of the GUITAR switch:

Out position = amp mode; thru-put jack connects amplifer to speaker cabinet.

In position = guitar mode; thru-put jack connects guitar to pedals and amp. LED will fl ash when guitar mode is engaged.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

XLR Input

When installed in a 500 series rack the rear panel female

XLR input jack is used to feed a signal from your DAW through the JDX speaker emulation circuit. This turns the

JDX into a unique fi lter where the TONE SHIFT LPF and

LF-EXT controls can be used to shape the sound.

XLR Output

When installed in a 500 series rack the rear panel male

XLR output jack produces a balanced line-level signal.

This is how the JDX normally outputs the signal to mixing consoles and DAW’s.

WORKHORSE ENABLED FEATURES

Omniport

When installed in the Radial Workhorse rack you will have access to the Omniport ¼” TRS jack. The JDX

Omniport is an alternative output set up as a balanced mic-level direct box to feed a microphone preamp, snake system or mixing console in a live touring setup.

Parallel 1/4” I/O Jacks

When installed in the Radial Workhorse the standard balanced input and output connections are enhanced with parallel ¼” TRS jacks and D-SUB connectors.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

4

True to the Music

INPUT

OUTPUT

CARD SLOT 1

INPUT

FEED

OFF

LINK

OUTPUT

OFF

OMNIPORT

1

OUTPUT INPUT

JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

GETTING STARTED

Before making any connections, start by turning off your audio system and turning all volume levels down. This helps protect equipment from turn-on transients that could damage loudspeakers and other sensitive equipment. We recommend using a power bar with an onoff switch as this makes it easy to turn on and off the 500 series rack, monitors and so on, using a single switch. Carefully plug the JDX into your 500 series rack to avoid stress on the card edge connector. Screw the module in to ensure it does not accidentally get dislodged.

Guitar and amp connections to and from the JDX are made on the front panel while connections to the recording system or PA are done on the rear panel. Most 500 series racks are equipped with XLR connectors. When you plug the JDX into your 500 series rack, it will automatically route the card-slot input and output jacks to the module. With the Radial

Workhorse, the I/O is augmented with ¼” TRS connectors, D-Subs and the Mix Buss signal to feed the Workhorse mixer.

Start by setting up the JDX panel controls as follows:

1. 180º POLARITY REVERSE: outward position (in phase)

2. LIFT: inward position (lifted)

3. LPF: outward position (bypassed)

4. TONE SHIFT fi lter: control fully clock-wise

5. LF-EXT: outward position (normal LF response)

6. GUITAR: outward position (LED not fl ashing)

7. 300W: outward position for 100 watt or less amps.

Keep in mind that the JDX is not a load box. This means that if you are using high power output devices like a guitar amplifi er, the JDX must be connected to a speaker or some form of load resistor. Failure to do so can cause the JDX to blow up into a bazillion pieces and ruin your whole day!

Guitar Out

AMP MODE: Speaker-level from amp into JDX and thru-put to speaker cabinet. Speaker load must be connected. Use 12awg. speaker cables.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

5

GUITAR MODE: Instrument input and thru-put to amplifi er input. Use guitar cables to connect.

JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

Using The JDX In Amp Mode

This set up is designed to record the sound of your guitar or bass using the JDX without a microphone.

Make sure the GUITAR selector switch is set to the outward position (LED not fl ashing). Plug your guitar into your amp and connect the head’s speaker output to the JDX, then the JDX speaker out to your guitar speaker cabinet. Always use heavy 12 gauge speaker cables to ensure you get maximum signal transfer between the amp head and cabinet. Start by testing your amp to make sure it is working properly. We always recommend testing at low volumes for safety. This can save your ears and equipment from damage.

Connect from the JDX to your recording system using the balanced XLR output located on the rear of your 500 series rack. Start playing. You should be able to hear the sound in your recording system. If you have a Workhorse, turn on the channel module slot. You can then monitor it via the headphones or one of the outputs. If you hear any buzz or hum, try depressing the lift switch. This disconnects the ground connection going to the amplifi er.

Extending the bass - The JDX is designed to emulate a 4x12 cabinet. Although this may sound very ‘guitar-centric’, smaller speakers are often used for bass as it allows the sound to punch through the mix with less of a heavy bottom end. To add versatility, the JDX module is equipped with a LF-EXT or low frequency extension switch that basically widens the frequency response and reaches down further to emulate a 15” loudspeaker. This adds an octave or more to the bottom end to create bigger bass tones. On keyboards, it can be used to fatten up the low end of a Hammond and with today’s 7-string guitars, you can descend into the trenches of fi lth and degradation.

Extending the power - The JDX was originally designed for 100 watt guitar amps. But as we later discovered, many artists began using the JDX with high-power bass amps causing the

JDX output levels to be signifi cantly greater than with 100 watts amps. As a safety measure and to reduce the risk of overdriving the output stage, the JDX module has been outfi tted with a 300W switch. This introduces an attenuating pad at the ¼” HEAD input to lower the sensitivity.

Playing in phase - Another cool feature on the JDX is the 180º polarity reverse switch. This is used when combining the sound from the JDX with a microphone on the speaker cabinet.

Sometimes, by simply reversing the polarity, you can improve the tone dramatically. You can of course take this to a signifi cantly higher level by adding a PhazeQ to this set up. With the

PhazeQ’s completely variable phase control, you can dial it the perfect tone from mid punch to major crunch!

The Low Pass Filter - Once you start listening to the JDX, you will certainly want to tweak the tone to suit. The variable low pass fi lter is designed to gently roll off top end and smooth out the tone so that it better replicates the sound of your guitar coming through the amp.

Simply depress the LPF switch and then rotate the TONE SHIFT control counter-clockwise

(starting at 5:00 o’clock) until it sounds right.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

6 JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

Using The JDX In Guitar Mode

Guitar mode or direct record mode is actually easier than using the JDX in amp mode. It consists of connecting your guitar to the JDX and hitting record. The advantage with this set up is effi ciency. All you do is connect your guitar through a distortion pedal like a Hot British™ and you are set to go.

To make this work, depress the guitar switch. This is recessed for safety and is equipped with a fl ashing LED to let you know that you are in guitar mode. The ‘fl ashing LED light’ reminds you that if you intend to use the JDX in amp-mode that you will have to switch this setting to off. In guitar mode, the variable low-pass fi lter is still available to help shape your tone.

Adjust to suit.

Using The JDX To Reamp

While in guitar mode the JDX can also be used to Reamp™ your signal. This process involves recording a dry track while auditioning the performance using a guitar amplifi er. A direct box like the Radial J48, JDV or JDI are often used to record the dry track but the JDX can be used for this too.

To record a dry track with the JDX ensure the polarity and low pass fi lter are switched out to get the cleanest possible recording. Connect the rear panel XLR output to your recording system. Set the JDX to guitar mode by setting the GUITAR switch to the inward position (LED fl ashing) and connect the guitar to the front panel HEAD ¼” input. When set to guitar mode, the SPEAKER ¼” output acts as a parallel thru-put allowing an instrument cable to connect to your guitar amp. You can record the amp sound at the same time. The JDX’s balanced XLR output on the 500 rack is used to record the clean track.

Once the clean track has been recorded, send it back to the JDX via the rear XLR input where it can then be reprocessed. Set the JDX in guitar mode and use the ¼” SPEAKER jack to drive the guitar amp. You can simultaneously feed other modules and combine them to create exciting effects.

(Reamp track)

The cool thing about using the JDX for Reamping is that you are shaping the guitar tone to sound more amp-like. This means that you can then later send the prerecorded track to devices like limiters or EQs and you are already half-way there!

Radial Engineering Ltd.

7 JDX 500 Module

®

True to the Music

Using The JDX For Tone Shaping

As described above, it is common to record a clean guitar track and then later Reamp the signal by sending it from the recorder to some guitar amps using a device like the Radial

X-Amp. You can also use the Radial JDX as a tone shaping tool by sending a pre-recorded track into it via the XLR input on your 500 series rack. This can be used for guitar tracks, keyboard or any number of instruments.

Hook-up is easy. Simply send the track to the JDX, process and then use the XLR output to feed a new track. With the Workhorse, you can add other modules in series for EQ, phase and limiting to create exciting new tones. Note: When using the XLR input, make sure the ground is in the lifted position (pushed in). This arranges the ground so that both the plus and minus of the balanced input are kept separate and assures a proper balanced input will be introduced.

Combining The JDX With The PhazeQ

You can create huge guitar tones by combining the direct sound of the JDX with a room mic.

When you combine the two, you will invariably fi nd that some frequencies will amplify each other (be in phase) while some will cancel each other out (be out of phase). The PhazeQ lets you fi ne tune the phase relationship between the direct sound from the JDX and the room mic.

The set up is simple. Because the sound from the JDX is direct (traveling at the speed of electricity) it will arrive to the recorder before the mic’d signal as sound travels much slower through air. We will therefore adjust the phase of the JDX signal to slow it down. Set the levels on your mixer or Workhorse so that the two signals are relatively the same, then adjust the phase to suit. Be prepared for total world dominating tones!

Using The Omniport Direct Out

If you are equipped with a Workhorse, then you have the added benefi t of a direct box output via the Omniport. This mic-level TRS balanced output is designed to feed a mic splitter in a live touring set up or can be used to feed a mic preamp input on a mixer. This setup would be ideal for quiet stages where guitar amplifi ers are not used such as in a house of worship.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

8 JDX 500 Module

True to the Music

SPECIFICATIONS*

Circuit type: 100% Class-A discrete, transformer coupled

Frequency response: Custom multistage band-pass fi lter (speaker cabinet emulation)

Power requirement: 80mA, +/-16VDC

Low pass fi lter: Variable (Tone Shift) from 800Hz to 5kHz

Low freq. extension: Shifts low frequency cutoff from 200Hz down to 100Hz

Front Panel Jacks

Amp mode: ¼” HEAD/GUITAR:

¼” SPEAKER:

Speaker-level input for amplifi er 100W ~ 300W (selectable)

Parallel connection for speaker cabinet.

Guitar mode: ¼” HEAD/GUITAR: Instrument-level input, impedance 10kOhms

¼” SPEAKER: Parallel thru-put from guitar

Rear Panel (500 Series Rack)

Guitar mode: XLR input:

XLR output:

Input impedance 10kOhms

Balanced +4dB nominal

Amp mode:

Omniport:

Shipping weight:

Size:

XLR input:

XLR output:

Not Used

Balanced +4dB nominal

¼” TRS Balanced, mic-level, 600 Ohms (with Workhorse)

1.5 lbs. (.7 kg)

Standard 500 series rack format

®

CONNECTOR WIRING

GROUND

XLR Connector

HOT (+)

1

3

2

COLD (-)

BLOCK DIAGRAM*

REAR PANEL

XLR

INPUT

TS ¼” Phone Connector

GROUND

HOT (+)

Ground lift MUST be turned on if XLR input is expected to be balanced.

HEAD/

GUITAR

INPUT

SPK/THRU

15.0K

332R

221R

NC

NO

Speaker/

Guitar

PHASE

REVERSE

EXTEND

NC

NO

LF-EXT FILTER1

TRS ¼” Phone Connector

COLD (-)

GROUND

HOT (+)

Ground lift MUST be turned on if the amplifier has a floating or bridged output!

300W

GND LIFT

FILTER2

* Subject to change without notice.

Radial Engineering Ltd.

TONE

SHIFT

NC

NO

LPF

20 db

GAIN

GAIN INVERTING

BUFFER

PHASE

SPLITTER

OMNIPORT OUTPUT

MIC LEVEL

9

XLR

OUTPUT

REAR PANEL

BALANCED TO

UNBALANCED

CONVERTER

4.75K

BUSS

OUTPUT

JDX 500 Module

THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY

RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty.

Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding fi nish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely event that a defect is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email [email protected] to obtain an RA number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair centre and you must assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable warranty. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modifi cation by any other than an authorized Radial repair centre.

THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF

AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING

BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR

A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD

DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE

FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM

THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND

YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE

AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.

!

This product is intended for professional use only.

The user should be familiar and experienced with the 500 series rack and module format

®

True to the Music

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, V3C 5M5 tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010 • email: [email protected]

www.radialeng.com

API, Lunchbox, Protools and Neve are registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Reamp, Reamper, Reamping and Workhorse are trademarks of Radial Engineering Ltd.

Copyright 2011 Radial Engineering Ltd. All rights reserved.

Specifi cations and appearances subject to change without notice.

Radial ® JDX ™ 500 Module User Guide Rev1.0 March 2011 - Part #: R870 1242 00 Printed in Canada