Gig without a guitar amp using Radial's JDX Direct-Drive

Announced back at Winter NAMM, Radial Engineering's JDX Direct-Drive is now available, and promises to be seriously useful for any gigging situation where you need to pack light, adding guitar amp simulation to the soundman-favoured cab-sim format.

The classic JDX cab-simulated sound is based on a Shure SM57 in front of a Marshall 4x12, while the amp modelling side emulates either a Marshall valve head or Fender Twin combo, further adjusted via a presence switch.

Connections span an input, passive 'thru-put' (should you so wish to run an amp as well), while a 1/4" guitar-level and balanced XLR output the DI/modelled signal - meanwhile, 180° polarity reverse and ground lift switches are on hand to solve phase and ground loop problems.

Should be a handy tool for front-of-house sound and small gigs. The Radial JDX Direct-Drive is available now for $199.99.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.