Radial Engineering JPC Active Direct Box for Laptop Computers

This box suits a specific type of situation and installation. So it's not likely to the first box you grab but you may find you need it for tying Laptops or other sources with a D-A converter to larger PA installations. Let's face it mp3 audio is not suited to playing on large audio systems but we use it anyway. Every algorithmic flaw of the compression become evident. Add to that dither and clipping, then EM noise on top of that and well, it just doesn't sound good anymore. But in this age where lossy compression is still the standard in audio (though this is changing) and disk space is at a premium, not much can be done about it. What CAN be done is to start with unobstructed amplified source to keep the audio as clean as possible. That's where the JPC comes in... This is an active DI box which means it has a small, but clean and effective preamp inside to build up level on the signal as close to the source as possible and BEFORE the signal is exposed to too much EM noise. So you've preserved as much of the original audio source as possible. Now we add in dynamic range. If you're listening to a source with tons of range, you may find yourself limited with a passive DI. This isn't going to be the last straw, but it will add to the overall problem of waning audio quality. A proper active DI doesn't really encounter this problem as it is amplifying the source between two end cap amplitudes. Radial is known for their wide internal rail voltage which provides excellent headroom for high amplitude levels and wide dynamic ranges. Being an active unit this unit does require power. It pulls this off the XLR line so your mixer or mic-pre will need have a 48V Phantom Power source. Being a stereo box, will actually need two. The input side has a 3.5 stereo input jack, a pair of 1.4 mono TS inputs, as well as two pairs of RCA jacks. One set is for input, the other is a passive output for daisy chaining to other equipment. The output side features dual XLR outputs each having its own transformer and powered pre-amp. Also this unit features a ground lift switch which is normally in the open position. That's rather unique but it makes sense as you're likely to be feeding audio from something powered by an AC adaptor or a straight AC supply. This can cause ground loops and a VERY unpleasant noise... Radial engineered this circuitry very well as normally lifting the ground on a phantom powered device disconnects it from the power supply. However they engineered this board with that at the forefront of their design. This box is a little specialized and not suited to all users, installations, and applications. But in it's field, it shines brightly!