Radial Engineering Showcases The JX44 Air Control

Jan 22, 2007

Click image for closeup

Radial Engineering is pleased to announce the Radial JX44 Air Control, a 1U rack-mount device designed to provide the performing guitarist with quick and easy control of guitars, effects pedals and amplifiers on stage. A host of useful features is provided and the highest signal integrity is maintained throughout. The four input channels are capable of handling wireless systems, electric and acoustic guitars and basses. The four output channels can drive and combine up to four separate amplifiers without the usual problems associated with driving multiple amps. Like the Radial JD7 Injector™, the JX44 employs 100% discrete class-A circuitry, transformer isolation and comes equipped with Drag™ control to ensure the natural tone of the instrument is maintained. Two different effects routing options are provided, as are full re-amping capabilities, built-in Radial direct box, built-in Radial SGI™ TX & RX modules and remote, as well as local, switching capability.

Feature set:
Front panel is designed to be clear of controls and cables to ensure quick and efficient manipulation during a live performance, therefore most controls are recessed for 'set & forget' by the stage tech and to prevent accidental use during a hectic show. A central 'system monitor' panel brings together all primary function status indicators for quick and easy review. Guitar selector inputs are 'exclusive' whereby selecting one input channel automatically disengages the previous active input. Amplifier outputs are 'inclusive' to allow as many as four amps to be on at any time.

Inputs:
Normally, the guitar inputs located on the rear panel would be used. Switching jacks on the front panel are provided for added flexibility and are paralleled to the rear panel jacks. Inserting a jack into the front panel will reroute the signal to this input. Inputs A and B are equipped with Drag control for hardwired guitars while inputs C and D are equipped with a trim control to balance the signal coming from wireless or acoustic guitars. The panic button would be used in case a wireless system malfunctions. It 'hardwires' input A to amp output 1 to ensure the show goes on. Guitar inputs may be controlled with the optional JR5 footswitch.

Outputs:
There are four output channels. Outputs 1 and 2 are regular mono while outputs 3 and 4 are set up for stereo amp rigs. All outputs are transformer isolated to eliminate hum & buzz and are equipped with 180° polarity reverse as well as 'iso' ground lift. A 5-button Radial JR5 remote footswitch may be used to select or combine amps. The JR5 also has a handy 'mute' function for quiet tuning adjustments—a separate tuner output is located on the rear panel. The JX44 can be muted from the front panel switch, from either JR5 remote locations or by using a standard contact closing 'guitar amp style' foot switch.

Direct Box & Re-amping:
A built in transformer-isolated Radial direct box and full re-amping interface provide some handy and important functions: The DI allows a 'clean' performance to be directly recorded, which is great for later mixing as clean tracks are much easier to fix (replace or slide notes) in post production. Should an acoustic guitar be required, one input can be routed directly and exclusively to the DI for a direct mixing channel feed. Pre or post effects routing is also provided in addition to ground lift and 180° polarity reverse. A full re-amping interface allows the artist or engineer to replace tracks or thicken the sound later on.

Effects routing:
The JX44 is equipped with two effects loops: one is a buffered 1/4" guitar-level send & return for local connection to a multi-effects processor or local external effects bay. The other is a proprietary balanced system intended for long runs that mates with an optional Radial SGI set. This allows front-stage pedal boards to be used without introducing noise or signal loss due to cables.

Radial JR5 Remote footswitch:
The JR5 remote is equipped with two XLR outputs, one on the left and the other on the right to accommodate various pedalboard setups. Any standard mic cable can be used to connect the remote to the JX44. The system comes complete with external power supply and cable lock to accommodate all international electrical requirements and safety regulations.

Available: Mar 2007

JX44 Air Control suggested list price: $1495 USD
JR5 remote foot switch suggested list price: $175 USD

For more information, visit their web site at www.radialeng.com.