Radial Engineering J48 Stereo – Active Two-Channel DI with High Headroom & Phantom Power

The Radial Engineering J48 Stereo is a premium active direct box designed for dual-mono or stereo instruments that demand exceptional clarity, headroom, and low distortion. Built on the foundation of Radial’s renowned J48, this stereo version uses a unique switching power supply driven by 48V phantom power to achieve greater dynamic range and transparency than typical active DIs. Ideal for keyboards, acoustic instruments, bass, and high-output active pickups, the J48 Stereo delivers pristine, phase-accurate sound on stage and in the studio.

Key Features

• Phantom-powered active design: Innovative power supply maximizes headroom and minimizes distortion.
• Stereo / dual-mono operation: Perfect for keyboards, drum machines, and stereo acoustic rigs.
• Rugged 14-gauge steel construction: Radial’s bookend design protects switches and connectors on the road.
• High-pass filter & pad: 80 Hz HPF clears rumble; -15 dB pad handles hot signals.
• Ground lift & polarity reverse: Tools for eliminating hum, buzz, and phase issues.

Customer Benefits

The J48 Stereo captures every nuance of your instrument with clean, accurate detail—even at high volume. Thanks to its superior headroom and low-noise circuitry, it prevents distortion and retains the natural character of your sound, making it a trusted tool for touring professionals and session musicians.

Quick Specs

• Type: Active stereo DI
• Power: 48V phantom power (no batteries required)
• Pads: -15 dB pad per channel
• Filters: 80 Hz high-pass filter
• Inputs: 2 × 1/4" Hi-Z instrument inputs
• Outputs: 2 × balanced XLR
• Controls: Ground lift, polarity reverse, pad, HPF
• Construction: 14-gauge steel, bookend protective design

What’s in the Box

• Radial Engineering J48 Stereo
• User documentation

Use Cases / Ideal For

Stereo keyboards, acoustic guitars with dual pickups, bass, drum machines, synths, samplers, and any stereo instrument setup requiring maximum headroom and clarity.

Compatibility

Works with any mixer or interface that provides 48V phantom power. Suitable for stage, studio, broadcast, and touring systems.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Extreme headroom for distortion-free performance
• Stereo operation replaces two separate DIs
• Excellent noise suppression and signal integrity
• Road-ready Radial steel chassis

⚠️ Cons:

• Requires phantom power—no battery or external PSU option
• More expensive than basic active DI boxes

The Radial J48 Stereo offers unmatched clarity, headroom, and reliability for stereo instrument sources—available now at Soundium.