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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
21 Write review Item ID: JDXDirectDrv
$249.99

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Radial JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box
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$249.99
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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.

Related Videos: JDX Direct-Drive Active Guitar Amp Direct Box

You need this amazingly clever device

The Radial JDX Direct-Drive delivers classic 4 x 12, half-stack, and open-back combo tones. On top of that, it gives you a presence switch for added sparkle. Operation is simple. The signal path starts with the 1/4" input jack, with a throughput (in case you'd want to feed an amp). That's followed by a dedicated tuner out, buffered to eliminate pickup loading and noise. Then comes the amp-simulating filters we mentioned. For output, you've got a 1/4" guitar-level out, and a balanced XLR to feed the board. The Direct-Drive is also fitted with polarity-reverse and ground-lift switches. So, there you have it: a DI that outputs definitive guitar amp tone. Quite remarkable. The Radial JDX Direct-Drive - every electric guitarist needs one.

Radial JDX Direct-Drive Amp Simulator and DI Features:
  • Guitar amp simulation in a pedalboard-friendly direct box
  • Eliminates the need to bring an amp to gigs
  • 4 x 12, half-stack, and open-back combo tones
  • Radial's JDX tone shaping for authentic guitar amp tone
Get great amp tone with the Radial JDX Direct-Drive!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Amp Simulator, Direct Box
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
  • Height: 1.87"
  • Width: 3.3"
  • Depth: 5"
  • Weight: 1.55 lbs.
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (out), 1 x XLR (balanced out), 1 x 1/4" (thru), 1 x 1/4" (tuner)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: R800 1404

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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Road Rugged, Radial Quality

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.
by Tbird from Southwest Virginia, USA on
Music background: 42+ year gigging musician, sound production.

Really happy with this

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.
by Clay from New Haven, CT on

A Really Nice Direct Box

I'm 67 years old and don't want to haul heavy amps around. I used this for our gig last weekend and took a small practice amp (Fender Champion) with me. The JDX worked wonderfully. I did the "thru" channel to my small amp and then direct to the PA system. Our sound man also had a monitor in front of me and the bass player. We could hear everything and the JDX was great!
Our other guitar player has a rule...nothing over 20 pounds. I love my good old Hot Rod Deluxe 212 amp but it's a bear to lug around.
by Tom Lane from PA on

JDX Direct Drive DI

Well I was a little bit skeptical about going amp free at my gigs. But I have to say this DI does what it advertises. I like the sound and it rocks the house. Works well with my Boss ME 80 floor processor and I don't have to carry my Marshall amp to the gigs anymore. I am 65 and the less I have to carry to the gig the better. Way to go Sweetwater. Another promise made and kept. Got it delivered in less than a week. Now I am good to go. Thanks Sweetwater
by Gary Brokaw on
Music background: Guitarist for 50 plus years.

Radial JDX

In a few words, this Radial JDX Direct Drive is perfect for me. It's transparent, it's rugged, the amp sims are just what I need. Simple and easy to use. Great product.
by Sweetwater Customer on
See also: Distortion/Overdrive, Radial, Radial Direct Boxes, Radial Distortion, Overdrive, Boost & Fuzz Pedals
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