Radial Engineering delivers a SixPack

A total of six new products have been introduced by Radial Engineering, including the PreMax channel strip, PreComp combination preamp and compressor, Submix 4x1 mixer, StageBug SB-5 Sidewinder DI, StageDirect DI, and the appropriately named SixPack, the latest power rack designed for the 500 series.

The SixPack is Radial's sixth power rack in its 500 series range. Offering six slots, it has been designed to accommodate all 500 series modules (including older models from API), and features 1600 milliamps of current for more than 265 milliamps average power per slot. The intention is for users to mix and match solid-state and tube modules without concern about powering. The external supply also provides 48V phantom power for mic preamps while protective circuitry is included in each slot.

Boasting a 14-guage steel construction, the power rack also includes ¼-inch TRS connectors wired in parallel with XLRs for cross-patching and parallel processing. These are also wired in parallel to a set of D-Sub connectors, while two front-panel XLR convenience jacks allow users to access channels seven and eight on the D-Sub or assign them to channels one and four to create a stereo channel strip. Optional mounting hardware is also available for recessing the SixPack into a workstation or for angle-mounting.

Next in the list is the PreMax channel strip, a combination preamp and three band equaliser module for the 500 series. Features include a low-noise Op-Amp input coupled with the manufacturer’s own Accustate gain control, allowing the simultaneous setting of input sensitivity and signal gain, plus LEDs for monitoring signal and overload, a three band shelving EQ for tone shaping, and a front-panel EQ bypass switch. Additionally, a high-pass filter has been incorporated alongside a 180-degree polarity reverse and 48V phantom power.

Also falling into the 500 series is the PreComp combination preamp and compressor, which again uses Accustate gain control. Described as a ‘full-featured compressor’, the PreComp offers adjustable threshold, compression ratio and make-up gain control that automatically transitions from soft-knee to hard knee as compression increases, plus a slow-fast switch to accommodate either percussive instruments or smoother tracks such as vocals. Other features include 180-degree polarity reverse, a high-pass filter and 48V phantom power.

The Submix 4x1 mixer is described as ‘ergonomically simple’ and offers four front-mounted ¼-inch inputs with individual level controls. The Accustate circuit is once again included to allow the use of the mixer with low level instruments and high output line level sources without the need for a level reducing pad. The mixer follows the same virtual-earth mix buss design as deployed in a number of classic analogue desks, enabling the Submix to be cascaded without adding noise to create larger 8x1, 12x1 or even 40x1 mix formats depending on the number of modules in play and the power rack being used.

Next is the StageBug SB-5 Sidewinder laptop direct box, which has been designed for ‘quick deployment on busy stages and for the fast-paced environment of the A/V system tech’. The DI features an integral 1.5m cable terminated in a 3.5mm connector – usually for use with a source device’s headphone jack – secured in place in with a compression fitting.

Inside the SB-5, two transformers deliver full stereo operation, balancing the signal while assisting in reducing ground loop noise (a ground lift switch is included for further noise suppression). Additionally, a -15dB input pad is included for devices with extra high output, plus two TRS outputs and an XLR output.

Finally, the StageDirect DI is intended to ‘combines all of the standard features one would find in a DI with the added convenience of being able to mute the signal using a footswitch’.

Constructed in 14-gauge steel and finished in baked enamel for durability, the DI’s connections include a ¼-inch input for instruments, a ¼-inch output for the stage amp, and a standard XLR male output to feed the PA. A separately buffered ¼-inch tuner output is always on. Top panel switches include a -15dB pad, a high-pass filter, and a 180-degree polarity reverse.

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Web: www.radialeng.com