Radial

At the Winter NAMM show, Radial Engineering introduced the Tonebone PZ-Pre, a compact full-function acoustic instrument preamplifier designed for studio and live performance.

The PZ-Pre is a unique two channel pedal that is equipped with piezo acoustic input signal boosters to allow both ‘add-on’ instrument pickups and built-in, integral active preamps to be combined for a more natural rendering.

“Before we set out to build the PZ-Pre we invested a year discussing options with all types of musicians including Nashville acoustic slingers, Tennessee blue grass pickers, violinists, contra-bass players and then the many guitar technicians and sound engineers that have to deal with problems such as feedback on stage,” said Radial president Peter Janis. “Critical issues that came up time and time again were sound quality, ability to use more than one instrument at a time, quiet tuning on stage, the problems with piezo pickups, noise, feedback and robust signal distribution to the various audio points. Finally, the end product had to be small enough to fit in a gig bag so that the musician could take it on an airplane.” Read more…

Winter NAMM Show: The Radial JDX is a direct box designed specifically for guitar amplifiers to let you capture the sound of the guitar amp and cabinet combination via a reactive load and advanced cabinet emulation.

According to Radial President, Peter Janis: “It is common practice for guitarists to place a microphone right in front of their guitar amp to capture the guitar sound and send it to the PA or recording system. The problem is that when the mic is so close to the speaker cone, a slight change in mic position will significantly alter the sound. This is further exacerbated by the room acoustics which will vary considerably from stage to stage. By providing a second, more dependable signal source, the sound engineer is better equipped to get up and running quickly. This reduces the variables and results in a better, more consistent tone for the audience.” Read more…

Winter NAMM Show: Radial Engineering has announced the Gefell UM930 Multi-Pattern condenser microphone.

Unfortunately for the mere mortals among us, the mic lists for $6,000.

Designed to meet the needs of professional and semi-pro users in professional music and broadcast applications, the UM930 features two large (1″) diaphragms mounted on separate elements, allowing for individual control over the applied voltages. This allows for the 5 selectable polar patterns (omni, wide-cardioid, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure-8) to be controlled with greater accuracy resulting in improved spatial imaging. The UM930 is self-muting when switching polar patterns, and is internally shock mounted to dampen vibrations.

The UM930 is powered via standard 48V phantom power, utilizing an optical DC to DC converter which results in 135dB of dynamic range, an incredible maximum SPL rating of 142dB, and reduces overall self-noise to 7dB-A.

Two models will be available: A standard 3 pin XLR version with on-board polar pattern selector (UM930), and a 5pin XLR version (M 930 Twin) featuring fixed dual channel operation, allowing the engineer to have true single point source control with unlimited pattern variations.

Radial Engineering has introduced the Radial J33, a combination RIAA phono-turntable preamp and stereo direct box designed to allow a 33.3 long-play vinyl albums to be played directly through a professional microphone preamp or mixing console.

According to company President, Peter Janis: “When we introduced the Radial JPC PC sound card direct box, we visited many customers showing them the product and how it could facilitate interfacing consumer audio products such as PC sound cards and CD players with professional mixing consoles for live performance. Invariably, when the guys in the DJ department looked at it, they unanimously asked if they could connect turntables to their consoles without having to go through the typical DJ mixer. We soon realized that there was nothing on the market that could address this need. Thus the concept for a phono-DI emerged.” Read more…