RADIAL GOES USB
By Graeme Hague
23 August 2013
Radial Engineering has taken the leap into USB DI boxes and released the USB-Pro, a high-resolution stereo direct box with outputs to a pair of XLRs. Radial admits it’s previously hesitated due to the lack of clear standards with respect to interfacing with computers. But with the recent advent of self-configuring USB ports, the USB-Pro is the first Radial product to provide digital connectivity. The USB-Pro automatically configures itself for use with all popular operating systems including Mac OSX, Windows XP, Vista (didn’t they say “popular?”) and Windows 7, thus eliminating the need for drivers and uses 24 bit, 96 kHz stereo converters to deliver more headroom and greater detail. Connection from the laptop is a standard USB type-B port. The USB Pro has a built-in headphone amplifier, a mono-sum switch and an output volume control. Two side-access switches let you insert isolation transformers into the signal path to block stray DC voltage offsets and a ground lift switch lifts pin-1 on both XLRs. As with all Radial products, the USB-Pro is designed to handle the rigors of professional touring. We’ve asked for price and availability in Oz and we’ll let you know. In the meantime more info is at www.radialeng.com
Australian Distributor: Amber Technology www.ambertech.com.au
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