Radial Engineering Ltd.
JDX 500 Module
True to the Music
®
2
OVERVIEW
The Radial JDX 500 is a 500 series module designed to bring the sound of a guitar amplifi er
into the recording system without having to necessarily set up microphones or amplifi ers. In
other words, it is designed as a quick production tool for professionals who make music and
record.
Inside the JDX are two different circuits: The fi rst is a reactive load that captures the sound
of the head and the back electro-magnetic impulse from the loudspeaker. The second is
a series of band-pass fi lters that shape the tone to create the 4x12 cabinet emulation. To
address the problem of overly bright amplifi ers, the front panel is equipped with a variable
low-pass fi lter designed to gently remove high end.
There are two basic ways to use the JDX: For the ultimate tone, the JDX can be connected in
‘amp-mode’ where it is placed between a guitar head and cabinet to capture both the sound
of the amplifi er and the reactive load of the cabinet.
Alternately, the JDX can be used in ‘guitar mode’ whereby the amplifi er and cabinet are not
used. Instead, the guitar is connected directly to the JDX, via some effect pedals, to take full
advantage of the advanced multistage speaker emulation fi ltering. If you have ever tried to
record a guitar through an overdrive pedal directly to the recorder you know how unpleasant
it can sound. The JDX fi ltering circuit takes the harshness away by emulating the response
of a speaker cabinet. The variable low-pass fi lter gives you extra control to further shape the
tone. Using the JDX in guitar mode is a great approach to laying down quick tracks when
writing. Simply connect your guitar to some pedals then into the JDX and you are set to go.
You can also use the JDX as an analogue fi lter to warm up tracks by sending a pre-recorded
track into the JDX via the XLR input. This approach applies to more than just guitar tracks.
Sending a synth or bass through the JDX can add mid range punch that can make a track
stand out. As always… there are no rules, only guidelines. Have fun. Experiment!
