Radial Engineering announces the availability of the JDI Stereo direct box, a Jensen transformer equipped passive DI.
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This new direct box follows after the popular Radial JDI, only this one is designed to better handle stereo sources while maintaining a compact form factor.
The new Radial JDI Stereo is a passive DI box that utilizes Jensen transformers, designed to improve transparency and handling of transients, the end result being better replication of the behavior of vintage gear. It follows the design of their popular JDI direct box, which continues to be among the most sought after and well received passive DI boxes in the market.
With it’s stereo capabilities and compact form factor, the JDI Stereo as a step up for those that use stereo signals. They are so confident of the JDI Stereo that the company declares it to be “the world’s finest passive direct box.”
The connectivity options of the new Radial JDI Stereo includes input and thru-put ΒΌ” connectors plus a -15dB input pad on each channel. These connectors are complemented by a ground lift switch that lifts pin-1 on the two XLR outputs to better reduce hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
Like other Radial products, this new passive DI box is built to handle the rigors of live touring, featuring a 14-gauge steel I-beam inner frame and a distinct book-end outer shell. This sturdy exterior provides a protective zone around the switches and connectors while the inner frame removes the stress on the PCB to avoid solder joints from going cold. The steel enclosure also works with mu-metal cans and internal Faraday shield, protecting the circuit from external magnetic fields from stage amplifiers. This helps ensure quiet and hum free operation.
To get the ball rolling, Radial already delivered the first off-the-line JDI Stereo to a music venue in Vancouver called the Commodore Ballroom. The Commodore’s FOH Paul Way liked the efficiency of the new DI, and said: “The new Stereo JDI allows the Commodore to offer yet another high quality Radial DI option to our visiting engineers and artists. A stereo solution in a single classic package, very useful on a crowded stage or pedal board.” The Commodore’s Technical Director Byron Lonneberg added, “Radial strikes again! The only thing better than a JDI is a Stereo JDI. Legendary quality and twice the capability in the same small package.”
Radial Engineering President Peter Janis said, “Stemming back nearly 20 years, the Radial JDI has become the undisputed leader in high-end passive direct box technology and there is no question that the JDI Stereo is sure to follow suit. We have spent countless hours on top, behind and below concert stages, discussing the needs of today’s most demanding technicians. One of the reoccurring themes is the use of two direct boxes to handle a stereo source. And although Radial has been producing stereo direct boxes such as the Duplex for years, the move towards compact setups to lower the cost of air travel has become an important attribute whose time has come. The JDI Stereo is simply the solution to a new problem that is based on economics.”
If yo have a stereo signal chain or you are planning to expand your guitar gear into stereo territory, this is a good DI box to check out. The minimum advertised price (MAP) for the new Radial JDI Stereo is $299. For more information and technical details, head over to Radial Engineering.
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