X-Amp ReAmp - Professional audio equipment Radial Engineering - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Active Reamp / Impedance and Level Matching Device
Brand	Radial Engineering
Model	X-Amp ReAmp
Audio Circuit Type	100% discrete class-A
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 15 kHz (±1.0 dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio	88 dB below instrument level (-20 dBu)
Dynamic Range	119 dB
Noise Floor	OUT-1: -110 dB; OUT-2: -108 dBu
Maximum Input Level	+22 dBu
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.02% @ -15 dBu
Intermodulation Distortion	0.02% @ -20 dBu
Input Impedance	600 Ω
XLR Input	Balanced line-level, AES standard (pin-2 hot)
Output Type	High-Z instrument level; OUT-1 direct, OUT-2 transformer isolated
Output Level Control	Adjustable, recessed potentiometer
Polarity Reverse	180° switch on OUT-2
Ground Lift	Input side switch; OUT-2 recessed switch (internal)
Power Requirement	+15 VDC / 400 mA (adapter included)
Construction	14 gauge steel chassis and outer shell, powder-coat finish
Dimensions (H x W x D)	2 x 5 x 3.3 in (48 x 127 x 84 mm)
Weight	1.55 lb (720 g)
Shipping Weight	2.6 lb (1.18 kg)
Conditions for Use	Dry locations only, 5°C to 40°C
Warranty	Radial 3-year transferable limited warranty
Included Accessories	15 VDC/400 mA power supply, user manual

Frequently Asked Questions - X-Amp ReAmp Radial Engineering

What is the Radial X-Amp used for?

The Radial X-Amp is an active Reamper that allows pre-recorded instrument tracks to be sent through guitar amplifiers and effect devices by converting line-level signals to guitar-level signals. It enables impedance and level matching between recording devices and guitar amps.

How do I connect the X-Amp to my guitar amplifier?

Connect a balanced XLR cable from your recorder/mixer to the X-Amp input. Then use a high-Z 1/4" guitar cable from DIRECT OUT-1 to your amplifier's input. Ensure your amplifier has a grounded 3-prong AC power cable.

What should I do if I hear hum or ground loops?

Try depressing the input GROUND LIFT switch to disconnect pin-1 ground at the XLR input. For OUT-2, use the internal ground lift switch (accessed via side hole) to toggle transformer isolation. Also ensure the primary amp connected to OUT-1 is properly grounded.

Can I use two amplifiers simultaneously?

Yes. Connect the first amp to DIRECT OUT-1 (must be connected at all times for safety). Connect a second amp to ISOLATED OUT-2, which uses transformer isolation to eliminate ground loops. Use the 180° POLARITY switch to ensure both amps are in phase.

How do I adjust the level properly?

Set the LEVEL control to 12 o'clock. Play the dry track and adjust the recorder/mixer output until the CLIP LED blinks occasionally with peaks, then reduce slightly so it stops blinking. Then match the X-Amp level to your guitar's direct level by ear.

What is the difference between OUT-1 and OUT-2?

OUT-1 is a direct-coupled, transformerless output that provides the primary ground path. OUT-2 is transformer isolated to prevent ground loops when using a second amplifier. OUT-2 also includes a 180° polarity reverse switch.

Can the X-Amp be used with keyboards or vocals?

Absolutely. Keyboards can be reamped to add warmth or distortion, and vocals can be given a rough edge by driving them through distortion pedals or overdriven amplifiers. The same connection procedure applies.

What cables and power supply are needed?

You need a balanced XLR cable (female to male) for input, standard 1/4" instrument cables for outputs, and the included 15 VDC/400 mA power supply with a cable clamp for security.

How do I clean and maintain the X-Amp?

Use a dry cloth to clean the chassis. Avoid liquids and abrasives. The unit has no user-serviceable parts inside. For repairs, contact Radial or an authorized repair center.

Is there a warranty for the X-Amp?

Yes, Radial offers a 3-year transferable limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. You must return the product with original invoice to an authorized repair center. The warranty does not cover abuse or unauthorized modifications.

USER MANUAL X-Amp ReAmp Radial Engineering

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1165 - 1845 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 1S9

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Radial® XAMP™ REAMP® User Guide

Table of Contents Page

Overview....1

Input Panel....2

Output Panel....3

Getting Ready To Remap......5

Connecting And Using The X-Amp 6

Adjusting Levels And Adding A Second Amp 7

Using With Keyboards And Voice 8

Grounding Options....9

Specifications....9

Warranty Back Cover

INTRODUCTION

The Radial X-Amp is an active Reamper that has been developed with one goal in mind: To explore new musical sounds and spur on the creative process.

Like all Radial products, this ‘creative tool’ is made using the very finest components and care to ensure the very highest quality sound possible. And like any tool, the best way to get the most out of it is by understanding the functions, the intent behind the design and of course some of the safety features and instructions that have been provided. To this end, we recommend reading this manual before operating your X-Amp.

We are confident you will find the Radial X-Amp to be fun to use, musical and that it will open new doors to creativity. If you have question after you have read the user guide please visit the X-Amp FAQ page on our web site. If you still can not find what you are looking for, feel free to send us an email at [e-mail] and we will do our very best to reply to you in short order. We love to hear from you!

Please read the caution statement on the last page before connecting your Radial X-Amp

OVERVIEW

Designed as a creative tool, the Radial X-Amp is an active device that allows pre-recorded instrument tracks to be sent through guitar amplifiers and effect devices. Since guitar amps and recording devices work at different signal levels, they are not directly compatible. In essence, the X-Amp allows these devices to ‘speak’ to each other. The Radial X-Amp is an active ‘impedance and level-matching device’ that converts line level signals from a mixing console or tape recorder to guitar level signals to drive one or two guitar amplifiers without introducing ground-loops or noise.

To start Reamping, one would generally record a dry guitar or bass track using a direct box such as the Radial JDI, Radial J48 or Radial JDV.

graph LR
    A["Music Player"] --> B["Radial J48 Active DI"]
    B --> C["Record a Dry Track"]

Afterwards, the pre-recorded dry track is routed through the X-Amp, which in turn is connected to a guitar amplifier. The ‘Reamped’ sound is recorded to new tracks.

graph TD
    A["Recorder (dry track)"] --> B["Radial X-Amp"]
    B --> C["Guitar Amps"]
    C --> D["Mic"]
    B --> E["Reamp Track"]
    E --> F["Reamp Track"]
    F --> A

The advantages of recording a track this way are many: Once the original track has been recorded, the engineer and producer can try different amplifiers and sounds without tiring out the player with relentless repetition. For the player-engineer, the track can be recorded, then the player can then sit in the control room and listen to a variety of guitar effects or amplifiers before committing a final sound to the track.

The X-Amp can also be used on other instruments. Keyboard tracks can be given extra life by warming up their sound by sometimes driving them through distortion pedals or tube guitar amps. Vocal tracks can also be twisted into new sounds by introducing these fun effects.

FEATURE SET: INPUT PANEL

1. LINE LEVEL XLR INPUT: The input to the Radial X-Amp is a balanced line level female XLR. This is typically fed from the output of a recording device or mixing console. The XLR connector is wired with pin-2 hot following the AES standard.

2. GROUND: A ground lift switch disconnects pin-1 ground at the XLR input. Depressing this switch assumes you will be providing a ground path via the OUT-1 to your amplifier. Lifting the ground often helps reduce hum or buzz caused by so-called ground loops.

3. CABLE CLAMP: Used to secure the power supply cable and prevent accidental power disconnection.

4. POWER: The 15VDC power supply is connected here. Plug in to activate the X-Amp.

5. FULL-BOTTOM NO-SLIP PAD: Provides mechanical isolation to reduce slipping and electrical isolation from amplifier frames and handles.

6. BOOKEND DESIGN: 14 gauge steel outer shell creates a protective zone around connectors and switches. Internal welded I beam construction for maximum durability.

7. POWER LED INDICATOR: The power LED will immediately illuminate when the 15VDC supply is connected.

FEATURE SET: OUTPUT PANEL

1. LEVEL CONTROL: The output LEVEL control sets the volume level going to the guitar amplifiers. This potentiometer is recessed to prevent accidental change and is adjusted using a guitar pick or flat-head screwdriver.
2. CLIP LED INDICATOR: To ensure the signal from the mixer or recorder does not overload the X-Amp, a clip indicator on the front panel provides clear viewing. If this LED illuminates, reduce the signal level.
3. DIRECT OUT-1: This 14 " output connects to guitar amp-1. This is a transformerless, direct-coupled output and is used to connect to your primary guitar amplifier. This provides the primary ground path for the X-Amp. This output must always be connected to a properly grounded amplifier.
4. POLARITY 180°: The polarity reverse works with the transformer-coupled OUT-2 14 " output jack. This flips the polarity of the output to allow two amplifiers to play 'in-phase'.
5. ISOLATED OUT-2: This 14 " transformer isolated output connects to your second amplifier. Transformer isolation allows use of two amps without introducing hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
6. GROUND LIFT OUT-2 (located on side): This recessed switch gives you the option to bypass the transformer isolation and convert the OUT-2 into a direct and grounded output. It is factory set to LIFTED (inward position) to provide a safe and noise free connection to amplifiers. See page 9 for more information about using this feature.

STEP-1: RECORD A DRY TRACK WITH A DIRECT BOX

As most Reamping is performed with an electric guitar, we have chosen to discuss the process using this example. The same process applies with bass, voice, keyboard, violin or any other instrument.

Start by recording a dry track using a high quality direct box (DI) such as the Radial JDI, Radial J48 or Radial JDV. Keep in mind that cheap DI boxes sound less realistic, have limited dynamic range and tend to have less warmth. When Reamping a track, it is important that the source track be as clean and natural sounding as possible.

The usual connection when Reamping is to connect the guitar to the DI box and have the thru connection go to your guitar amplifier. The DI's balanced output is then connected to the mixer and recording device.

graph TD
    A["Ang"] -->|Green Arrow| B["Audio Recorder (dry track)"]
    C["Radio Jitter"] -->|Black Arrow| D["Audio Recorder (dry track)"]
    E["Radio Jitter"] -->|Black Arrow| D
    B -->|Red Arrow| D
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#cfc,stroke:#333

Recording a clean, dry track with a Radial direct box.

By recording this way, you are able to listen to your guitar amplifier's sound while recording a ‘clean’ signal. The clean guitar track retains all of the inflections and sustaining effects that you would normally hear and ‘feel’ when you perform. Note that when playing with a loud, heavily distorted sound, the guitar interacts with the amplifier. The amplifier's sonic vibrations excite the guitar strings which in turn can produce sustain and harmonic complexities.

The recorded ‘clean’ guitar tone will contain all the sustain and inflections of the original performance. When Reamping, the clean guitar track will drive the guitar amp in the same way as when the player was standing next to it. Reamping recreates the same complex tones between guitar, amp, and loudspeaker as when it was recorded. This allows you to replay the performance back through various amplifiers and effects devices to create new sounds.

It is a good idea to record the wet track (effects pedals and amplifier) at the same time with a traditional microphone set-up. This way, you can mix the original track with Reamped tracks to create new textures.

STEP-2: CONNECTING THE X-AMP TO YOUR AMP

Start by ensuring all amp and mixer levels are turned down. Place the X-Amp near your amplifiers in the studio. As soon as you connect the 15v/400mA power supply, the power LED on the front panel illuminates indicating the X-Amp is active and ready to use.

NOTICE: Before connecting the X-Amp to your guitar amplifier, make sure that it is equipped with a grounded 3-prong AC power cable. This important safety ground will ensure safe performance of your amplifier and the X-Amp. For safety, only use equipment that has passed electrical safety tests such as UL in the United States, CSA in Canada or the equivalent safety standards recognized in your country.

Use a balanced XLR cable to connect the output of your recorder or mixer to the input on the X-Amp. Next, use a high-Z 14 " guitar cable to connect the DIRECT OUT-1 to your amplifier's input.

graph TD
    A["Recorder"] -->|Dry Track| B["Dry Tractor"]
    B --> C["Audio Amplifier"]
    D["Mic-1"] --> E["Audio Amplifier"]
    E --> F["Amp"]
    G["Level"] --> H["Direct"]
    H --> I["Isolated"]
    I --> J["Out-1"]
    I --> K["Out-2"]

Reamping the dry track and recording new tracks.

NOTICE: If you plan on connecting an amplifier to the second isolated OUT-2 jack it is very important your first grounded amplifier stay connected to direct OUT-1 at all times, even if not in use or powered on. The amp serves as an important safety ground.

Before connecting a second amplifier or effect pedals you should proceed to step-3 and finish setting up your first amp. This will help test the overall system and reduce troubleshooting.

STEP-3: ADJUSTING THE LEVEL

Start by setting the X-Amp's input LEVEL control to the 12 o'clock position. Play the dry track and turn up your recorder/mixer output until the CLIP LED on the X-Amp blinks occasionally with peaks in the recording. Now reduce the recorder/mixer level a bit so the clip light does not blink at all. This will ensure the X-Amp's output signal is clean.

Next test the connection to your amp. It's a good idea to set up a clean sound on your amp at first. This way you can hear if there is any distortion or ground loop hum. Turn your amp up to a comfortable listening volume. If you encounter hum or buzz, try depressing the X-Amp's input side GROUND LIFT switch.

Play the dry track while adjusting the X-Amp's LEVEL control. This control is used to ensure the signal coming from the dry track matches the level from your guitar. Because guitar amplifiers do not have input level meters this is done by plugging your guitar directly into your amp and taking note of the level and tone. Afterwards, connect the X-Amp to your amp and adjust the LEVEL control so that the level and tone is the same as when the guitar is connected directly.

STEP-4: ADD A SECOND AMP

At this point you can also connect a second amplifier to the ISOLATED OUT-2 14 " jack. This output is transformer isolated to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, a common problem when using two amps.

graph TD
    A["Input"] --> B["Dry Track"]
    C["Ground"] --> B
    D["Reamp Track-1"] --> E["Recorder"]
    F["Reamp Track-2"] --> E
    G["Mic-1"] --> H["Amplifier"]
    I["Amp-2"] --> H
    H --> J["Amp-2Amp-1"]
    K["Level"] --> L["Direct"]
    M["Isolated"] --> N["Isolated"]
    O["Ground"] --> P["Ground"]

Recording two Reamped tracks at the same time.

STEP-5 TESTING PHASE

The OUT-2 14 " jack also features a 180° POLARITY reverse switch that is used to ensure both amplifiers are in-phase. To test for phase alignment place the amps side by side and turn up the volume on each amp equally. The POLARITY switch allows you to quickly invert the phase of your second amp. Try the switch in both the 0° and 180° positions and use the one that sounds the fullest. If you change amps or add effect pedals you may re-introduce a phase issue. After re-configuring your Reamping setup it's a good idea to quickly test for phase alignment by pressing the POLARITY switch and comparing the sound.

You are now set to go! The real magic begins when you start combining these tracks and adding effects. Have fun! Experiment!

USING THE X-AMP WITH KEYBOARDS

Keyboards may also enjoy the benefits of Reamping with the X-Amp by following the same procedures. There's no better way to turn a solo synthesizer track into a 'barn burner' than to pass it through a distorted tube guitar amplifier or Radial Tonebone tube distortion pedal. Players like the legendary Jan Hammer used this trick to create those amazing 'guitar' solo sounds. This is also a great way to get more 'growl' from those 'clean' B3 sounds. Half the magic of a traditional Hammond comes from the tube amp and Leslie being pushed to the limits. This is why Keith Emerson also used distorted guitar amps to record and perform. Try mixing sounds between clean and distorted ones and have fun!

USING THE X-AMP WITH EFFECT PEDALS

You can also use the X-Amp with guitar effect pedals. This is accomplished either by driving the pedal through a guitar amplifier or by sending the output of the effect pedal to a direct box like the Radial JDI and then to the mixer. We recommend the JDI for this application as the isolation transformer in the JDI will help eliminate potential noise caused by ground loops.

graph LR
    A["Recorder (dry track)"] --> B["Radial X-Amp"]
    B --> C["Tonebone Distortion"]
    C --> D["Radial JDI Direct Box"]
    D --> E["Reamp Track-1 (Reamp Effect Pedals)"]

Reamping through a Tonebone distortion pedal and using a direct box instead of a mic.

USING THE X-AMP WITH VOICE

Often times voices can be too clean and lack that ‘seasoned’ rough edge. By driving a voice track through the X-Amp into a distortion pedal like the Radial Tonebone Classic or through an overdriven amplifier, one can introduce some great vocal effects. Double the clean track with distorted track and then mix them to suit. A subtle extra edge is often all that is needed to warm up a stale track.

graph LR
    A["Recorder (vocal track)"] --> B["Radial X-Amp"]
    B --> C["Tonebone Distortion"]
    C --> D["Guitar Amp"]
    D --> E["Mic"]
    F["Reamp Track-1 (Distorted Vocals)"] --> A

Reamping a vocal track through a Tonebone distortion pedal.

OUT-2 GROUNDING OPTIONS

A second ground lift is provided for ISOLATED OUT-2. This switch is located inside the X-Amp and is accessed using a small screwdriver through a hole on the side panel. By factory default it is set to 'lifted' (inward position) allowing the transformer to isolate the signal ground between your recording system and your second amp. Setting the switch to 'grounded' (outward position) will bypass the transformer isolation.

In some situations it could be advantageous to connect the ground to your second amplifier. If you encounter noise and have tried lifting the input ground, try toggling the OUT-2 LIFT switch and use the setting that works best.

Yellow electronic device labeled 'RSDM' with a black dot and arrow pointing to it (no readable text or symbols beyond branding)

GROUND LIFT OUT-2: Use a small screwdriver to access the ground lift switch for OUT-2. Set inward to lift the ground (factory default) or outward to connect ground.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

graph TD
    A["GND LIFT 1"] --> B["PSU"]
    B --> C["BAL IN"]
    C --> D["OVERLOAD"]
    D --> E["LEVEL"]
    E --> F["XFORMER"]
    F --> G["Polarity"]
    G --> H["OUT B"]
    I["OUT A"] --> F
    J["GND LIFT 2"] --> F
    K["PSU POWER ON"] --> C
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#cff,stroke:#333
    style F fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style G fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style H fill:#fff,stroke:#333
    style I fill:#fff,stroke:#333
    style J fill:#fff,stroke:#333
    style K fill:#fff,stroke:#333

SPECIFICATIONS\*

Audio circuit type: 100% discrete class-A

Frequency response:....20Hz \~ 15kHz (± 1.0dB)

Signal to noise ratio: 88dB below instrument level (-20dBu)

Dynamic range: 119dB

Noise floor:....OUT-1 -110dB; OUT-2 -108dBu

Maximum input:....+22dBu

Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% @ -15dBu

Inter-modulation distortion: 0.02% @ -20dBu

Input impedance: 600Ω

XLR input: Balanced line-level, AES standard (pin-2 hot)

Ground lift (input): Disconnects pin-1 at the XLR input

Output level: .... Adjustable

Output type: ...... High-Z instrument-level, Out-1 direct, Out-2 transformer isolated

Polarity: 180° polarity reverse on Out-2

Power: ....+15VDC/400mA adapter included

Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell, powder-coat finish

Size: 3.3" x 5.0" x 2" (84 x 127 x 48mm)

Weight: 1.55lb (720g)

Shipping Size: 5"x2.75"x10.75" (127x70x273mm)

Shipping Weight: 2.6lb (1.18kg)

Conditions:......For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C

Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY

RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. ("Radial") warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding finish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely event that a defect is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email [e-mail] to obtain a RA number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair center and you must assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable warranty. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modification by any other than an authorized Radial repair center.

THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.

CAUTION: Only use the Radial X-Amp Reamp with amplifiers that are equipped with a properly grounded AC power cable and display electrical safety certifications such as the UL in the United States and CSA in Canada or the equivalent standards as approved in your country. If you are not sure about your amp please consult a qualified technician for advice before using this device or connecting any equipment to it.

To meet the requirements of California Proposition 65, it is our responsibility to inform you of the following:

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Please take proper care when handling and consult local government regulations before discarding.

www.radialeng.com

Made in Canada

Radial Engineering Ltd.

1165 - 1845 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 1S9

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]