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Radial JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box

DI with Guitar Amp Simulation, Presence Switch, Tuner out, Polarity-reverse, and Ground-lift

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Item ID: JDXDirectDrv

Radial JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box

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We expect more from Radial soon. Order today to reserve yours now, risk-free. Estimated May 2026.

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Radial JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box

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Q: What is the Radial JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box used for?

The JDX Direct-Drive lets guitarists connect directly to a PA system or recording interface without needing a traditional guitar amplifier. It simulates the sound of a mic'd guitar amp and cabinet, providing consistent, high-quality tone for live performances or studio recording. This makes it ideal for silent stages or streamlined setups.

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Q: What amp and cabinet sounds does the JDX Direct-Drive offer?

The JDX Direct-Drive provides three distinct amp and cabinet emulations: "American Combo" for classic clean and crunch tones, "British Stack" for powerful rock sounds, and a "Cabinet with mic" option for a more traditional mic'd cab feel. You can further shape your tone with the 2-way Presence switch, adding brightness and cut.

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Q: How do I connect the JDX Direct-Drive to my guitar rig?

Connect your guitar to the 1/4" instrument input. For your main output, use the XLR DI out to send your signal to a mixing console or audio interface. The 1/4" "thru" output can go to your actual guitar amp, and there's a dedicated 1/4" tuner output. Remember, it requires a 9V DC power supply, sold separately.

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Q: How do the Polarity and Ground switches help with my sound?

The Polarity switch allows you to flip the phase of your signal, which is useful for correcting phase issues when combining the JDX Direct-Drive with other signals, like a mic'd amp. The Ground switch helps eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, ensuring a clean, noise-free signal to your PA or recording system.

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Classic Guitar Amp Sound - From a DI

Wouldn't it be cool to plug into a direct box that gives you the sound of a guitar amp? Unlike common DIs that simply pass signal to the console, the Radial JDX Direct-Drive delivers the tone and feel of a real guitar amplifier. Think about how freeing that would be, not having to lug an amp to the gig! Here's where the amp simulation magic happens: a series of filters meticulously modeled on a Shure SM57 in front of a Marshall 4 x 12" cab. From there, you have two additional voicing options: a vintage Marshall tube head, and an early Fender Twin. Sweetwater guitarists are amazed and delighted by the Radial JDX Direct-Drive. You will be, too.

Resources

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May 28, 2022

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Tech Specs

Type: Amp Simulator, Direct Box
Channels: Single
EQ: 2-way Presence switch
Presets: American Combo, British Stack, Cabinet with mic
Effects: Polarity switch, ground switch
Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument)
Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (out, thru), 1 x XLR (DI out)
Other I/O: 1 x 1/4" (tuner)
Power Source: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Height: 2"
Width: 3.625"
Depth: 4.75"
Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: R800 1404

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Reviews

4.8

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This unit covers a lot of ground. There are five configurations for the cab sims. All the selections are on the front of the unit. No hidden menus and endless micro tweaks to drive you to analysis paralysis. Every configuration sounds great. I use it in between a FRFR cabinet and a pedal board. It sounds fantastic. The combo bright setting takes me back to my yout with my first amp in 1975 - a used Fender Twin Reverb. If you're considering this unit order it.

How can something so simple sound so good!
I think sometimes we get lost in endless possibilities and the simplicity of this unit makes me love it! If you're happy with the pedals you have , it would make sense to pick one of these up. Throw a delay and reverb, maybe a EQ and your favorite overdrive and you're good to go. Also I don't think you can hurt this little tank of a pedal.

The seemingly never ending quest for a good direct sound is now over. This little box exceeds all my expectations! With my eyes closed, I would swear I'm playing through a tube amp. Highly recommend!

I own and rely heavily on many Radial DIs. I run sound from stage for both of my current three piece cover bands. The JDI is the anchor to my bass rig. The sound is clear and warm.
We utilize two Pro D2 stereo DIs for my brother's electronic drums. The sound is clean and full from the thump of the kick to the shimmer of the cymbals.
My son sends his bass to FOH through my Stage Bug SB-5. Again, clear and strong, isolated sound from a DI with a small footprint that fits easily on his pedalboard.
And I swear by and highly recommend the JDX Direct Drive for any ampless rig and as backup for amplifiers for live performance. It's the anchor to my guitar pedalboard and it works perfectly and reliably.
I tried other options including the Strymon Iridium. I found them too distracting to adjust during shows. The JDX is, to me, the right tool for the job! It is key to my guitar sound and is quick and less physically demanding during setup and teardown at shows.
As a matter of fact, I will be ordering another JDX for my son's large guitar pedalboard. It's simply a tool that works!
Radial builds quality devices. And Sweetwater provides quality service.

This is a powerful little box! Incredible value. What attracted me was that it's analogue, simple, and has all the I/O I need. This box really comes to live with a preamp and/or some type of drive pedal with eq and coloration in front. In my experience, you'll want and need that additional flexibility from a few pedals in front to dial in your tone, and let me tell you, it plays GREAT with EVERY single pedal I have from drives to delays and verbs. I really like the five settings this has...I personally keep coming back to the "combo, normal" setting. Fantastic clarity, transparency & feel. I'm very comfortable playing live with this in lieu of bringing a tube amp...in some ways I even prefer it. I'm really not one to sort thru a lot of digital menus, etc. If want good, straightforward tone without an amp, put this at the end of your board & I think you'll be really pleased.