Radial JDV MK5

The JDV Mk5™ is a 100% discrete Class-A active direct box that retains the original zero-negative feedback topology, but adds an incredible array of features.

The new design features two inputs, each with volume and presence controls and overload LEDs, as well as a fully variable high-pass filter to tame excessive resonant bottom end. Selection between the two inputs can be made using the AB selector on the front panel or with the addition of an optional JR2™ remote control. This also allows the user to mute the output when changing instruments or to mute the system between sets.

Although it can handle any type of signal, the JDV Mk5 is primarily intended for use with basses and acoustic instruments. This means that the two inputs have been optimized to handle any type of instrument, electric or acoustic, with a particular focus on easy switching between instruments without losing anything!

Input-A features Drag™ control for load correction, allowing the artist to manage the input range from 10 K-Ohms up to 1-megaohm, a particularly important feature when using a bass, as it allows the artist to replicate the 'sound and feel' as if the instrument were connected directly to the amplifier. A side access 'mic select' activates a dedicated balanced TRS microphone input for using the JDV with instruments that have condenser microphones. This 'set & forget' switch is accompanied by 48V phantom power with an LED indicator on the front panel. A unique safety device prevents phantom power activation, avoiding damage to pickups when connecting the instrument to the wrong input. The safety device can be bypassed by changing the position of an internal jumper.

Input-B features a load selector that allows selection between 200 K-Ohms for use with passive basses and 10-megaohms for use with piezoelectric transducers. Elevating the impedance on a piezo extends the frequency response and smooths the transient response for a more natural sound. Things get really exciting when combining the two channels. A side 'blend' function will allow combining a magnetic pickup with a piezo or mixing a microphone with a pickup. The built-in Phazer™ allows aligning the two audio sources to find the sweet spot and deliver what can only be described as the most natural sound ever produced by an electrified instrument.

The rear panel is packed with features: in addition to the two unbalanced instrument inputs and the balanced microphone input, there is a thru-put to feed an amplifier on stage. This thru-put is accompanied by a side switch that can introduce an isolation transformer into the signal path that should detect ground loops. A dedicated Tuner output has also been included to provide the artist with constant visual feedback even when the JDV Mk5 is muted.

The balanced XLR output features 180° polarity inversion to align the phase between a PA system and the stage amplifier or to help eliminate acoustic hot spots on stage that might otherwise cause feedback. A ground-lift control will reduce hum and noise on stage caused by ground loops, while a transformer can be activated in the XLR signal path to provide 100% isolation. During recording, the engineer can choose between direct or transformer-isolated outputs or elevate the output line level to a professional +4dB fully balanced quality to feed a recorder without having to pass the signal through an external preamplifier.