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 has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.