Radial Engineering JPC

Active Stereo PC Direct Box for Sound Cards & Consumer Electronics

Price: $199.99

The Radial JPC is a stereo direct box that has been specifically designed for use with computer sound cards and other consumer electronic products to allow these to be connected to a professional sound system. It is unique in that it combines the advantages of transformer-isolated inputs with an active drive circuit, giving you the 'best of both worlds' in a compact and extremely flexible package.

Transformer coupled inputs have the unique advantage of isolating the 'source' from the 'destination'. This proven approach eliminates 60-cycle hum and buzz caused by so-called ground loops when two pieces of electrically powered devices are connected together. Because the active circuit does all of the impedance conversion and balancing, a dedicated 1:1 transformer can be used. This results in a hybrid design that is at once great sounding, compact and more affordable.

As with all great designs, simplicity is a fundamental trait and the Radial JPC certainly fits the bill. A choice of stereo 1/4", 1/8" and RCA input AND thru-put connectors make interfacing a snap with all types of equipment. A single switch inserts a 10dB pad, two power LEDs confirm 48V phantom is turned on, and a pair of XLR output connectors round out the feature set.

Of course like all Radial products, the JPC is built to handle any environment. The book-cover wrap-around sleeve design protects switches and connectors from damage while the 14 gauge steel I-beam construction eliminates stress that could torque the PC board and cause solder joint failure. A full-bottom no-slip pad provides electrical insulation and mechanical isolation with plenty of 'stay-put' for use on hectic stages. And with its baked enamel finish, the Radial JPC will continue looking great for years!

Features

• Stereo DI for computer sound cards & A/V
  
• Transformer isolation eliminates ground loops
  
• Converts -10db to balanced XLR mic level
  
• Active drive circuit for long cable runs
  
• Compact design - may be J-Rak mounted
  
• 48V phantom power eliminates batteries
  
• Ultra rugged 14-gauge steel construction

Construction

The JPC is designed to withstand the rigors of high-use professional environments! Radial's innovative book-end design provides a protective zone around the switches and connectors that makes it practically impossible to damage these components.

Stress on circuit boards causes broken and intermittant solder joints and is a common cause of failure in lesser DI's. Radial's 14-gauge welded I-beam inner chassis and 14-guage outer shell greatly reduce the possibility of torque stress being applied to the PC board.

A full-bottom no-slip rubber pad works double duty by (a) providing protection from electrical shock from (eg:) guitar amp handles which are often directly coupled to the amp chassis, and (b) assuring that the J48 won't slip and slide around.

Specifications

• Frequency range: 40Hz to 20kHz , (+/- 3dB)
  
• Circuit type: Active with isolated inputs
  
• Powering: 48-Volt phantom powered, 5mA draw
  
• Input connections: 1/4" TRS, 1/8" TRS, twin RCA, with switched -10dB pad
  
• Output connections: XLR balanced, AES standard pin configuration
  
• Dynamic range: 80dB
  
• Distortion: 0.5% at 1kHz with -10dB input
  
• Intermodulation distortion: Less than 1%
  
• Phase distortion: Less than 5deg at 100Hz, 0.1deg at 1kHz
  
• Linear response: +/- 1dB from 50Hz to 15kHz. +/- 3dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
  
• Construction: 14-gauge steel chassis & shell, baked enamel finish
  
• Size: 3-5/16" x 5" x 1-7/8" (84mm x 127mm x 48mm)
  
• Weight: 2.6lb (1.8kg)
  
• Warranty: 3 years, limited (see owner's manual for details)

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