The Radial JDX Direct-Drive is a unique and powerful device that simulates the sound of a guitar amplifier while doubling up as a direct box. Unlike a typical direct box that merely transfers the sound of the pedals to the PA, the Direct-Drive simulates the tone and feel of a real guitar amp, producing a much more realistic sound. In other words, with the Direct Drive on your pedalboard, you can do a gig without carrying an amp to the club.

Guitarist Pete Thorn demos the Radial JDX Direct Drive in this video:


The design 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 carefully sculpted 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 Direct-Drive goes further with two more voicing settings: The first adds a vintage Marshall tube head character to the signal path while the second delivers a tone reminiscent of an early Fender Twin. The two amp tones can be further tailored using a presence switch for extra sparkle. The guitar signal exits the 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 180o polarity reverse switch to help phase-align monitors with the stage amp along with… read more a ground lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops. The Direct-Drive may be powered using a standard 9V power supply or typical pedalboard power brick.

As with all Radial products, the 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.

Features:

- Guitar amp simulator for pedalboards
- Eliminates need to bring an amp to the gig
- 4 x 12 half-stack & open back combo tones
- Employs Radial's popular JDX tone shaping

read less