Description

The Radial J48 solves a real problem with 48V phantom-powered DIs: limited current headroom. Radial’s switch-mode power supply steps the internal rails up to 9-10 volts internally, so the J48 can accept input signals up to roughly 9V without distorting or choking on hot transients from active basses, keyboards, and other high-output sources.

Inside, oversized capacitors keep power delivery to the audio path clean and steady, which translates to lower phase distortion, lower harmonic distortion, and single-digit inter-modulation distortion compared to many competing DIs. Non-essential power draws, like LEDs, shut off during normal operation so all available phantom current goes toward the signal.

Active, 48V phantom-powered direct box
Handles hot signals without choking, thanks to a stepped-up internal rail voltage
-15dB pad for abnormally hot sources like CD players
80Hz high-pass filter cuts mud and adds roughly 3dB of extra headroom
Merge function turns input + thru-put into a stereo-to-mono summing DI, handy for saving mixer channels
Polarity/phase reverse switch (AES Pin-2 to Pin-3)
Ground lift for hum and buzz issues
Momentary 48V check LED confirms phantom power presence
600-ohm balanced XLR output rated for long cable runs (up to 1000 feet)
Welded I-beam steel chassis with military-grade PC board mounting to resist cold solder joints and stage abuse
Baked enamel finish, 14-gauge steel, non-slip bottom pad