Radial JDV-Pre

Radial Engineering JDV-Pre is a pre-amp for the 500 series, manufactured by Radial Engineering.

History
The Radial JDV-Pre was released in 2011.

Official description

 * 100% discrete class-A instrument and mic preamp
 * Feed forward front-end, void of negative feedback
 * AccuState™ gain control for low noise at all levels
 * Variable low frequency cut for acoustic instruments

The Radial JDV-Pre is a unique preamplifier designed specifically to capture the natural tone and distinct character of the instrument. This may sound like another 'marketing line', but unlike mic preamplifiers that are centered on 'the microphone', the JDV-Pre is completely focussed on the various types of pickups used while transferring the signal without introducing distortion or artefact of any type.

The design begins with a 100% discreet class-A amplifier for optimal signal transfer. But unlike all other amplifier designs, the JDV-Pre's front end is completely void of the negative feedback loops normally used to stabilize the circuit. This revolutionary design eliminates the use of phase-cancellation which inevitably degrades the signal. This is augmented with Drag Control™ load correction that allows the engineer to optimize the load on the instrument pickup for the most natural rendering.

The quest for perfection does not stop there. When the impedance is set for piezo pickups, the JDV-Pre remains unbelievably quiet. Accustate gain control not only allows complete freedom over the signal path, but retains the signal-to-noise ratio at all levels. Acoustic instruments are further advantaged with a fully variable high-pass filter that gently rolls of the low end to eliminate troublesome body resonance while allowing each instrument to sit more comfortably in the mix. To address instrument microphones, the JDV-Pre features a transformer coupled balanced mic input with available 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. Connection is made via standard 500 series rack XLR input.

Natural sounding, transparent and remarkably quiet, the JDV-Pre is without a doubt, the finest instrument preamp ever presented in a 500 series module.