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Average Price: $575

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$299

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your guitar amp without waking the neighbors or blasting your eardrums with the Headload Guitar Amp Load Box. This innovative combination load box and attenuator allows you to enjoy the rich, saturated tones of your amp at manageable volumes, whether on stage or in the studio. With a robust capability of handling up to 130-watts RMS of continuous power, it ensures your sound remains powerful and dynamic even at reduced levels.

The Headload employs a sophisticated, 100% discrete fan-cooled design featuring precision-engineered cement encrusted, epoxy-coated copper resistor coils. These work seamlessly with a 6-position rotary switch, enabling you to dial down the output from 100% to 20%, while a trim control offers further refinement below 20%. This feature makes it perfect for quiet recording sessions or late-night practice with its built-in headphone amplifier.

For those who crave pristine audio quality, the Headload comes equipped with the renowned Radial JDX Reactor direct box. This technology captures the amp's signal alongside the reactive load from the speaker cabinet, ensuring a natural and authentic tone that has won the hearts of musicians from Megadeth to Radiohead. Additionally, the Radial Phazer phase adjustment tool allows you to align the JDX direct feed with a microphone, creating harmonized and nuanced soundscapes with ease.

The Headload Guitar Amp Load Box is the perfect ally for musicians seeking to expand their tonal possibilities without compromising on sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Handles up to 130-watts RMS continuous power
  • 6-position rotary switch for power reduction
  • Built-in headphone amplifier for silent practice
  • Radial JDX Reactor direct box for natural tone
  • Radial Phazer phase adjustment tool for sound alignment
  • 6-position voicing switch with cabinet emulation presets
  • Available in 8 ohms

Product specs

Brand Radial
Model Headload V8 Guitar Amp Load Box 8 Ohm Attenuator
Finish Blue
Year 2010s
Categories Amp Attenuators
Impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling (Watts) 130

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Radial Headload Guitar Amp Load Box?

The Radial Headload Guitar Amp Load Box allows guitarists to drive their amp at a higher gain to achieve optimal tone while reducing the overall volume output, making it ideal for both live and studio settings.

How does the Radial Headload handle power attenuation?

The Radial Headload features a Load Control knob with six positions, allowing you to adjust the power reduction from 100% down to completely off, providing precise control over your amp's output volume.

Can the Radial Headload Guitar Amp Load Box be used for direct recording?

Yes, it includes the Radial JDX Reactor and Phazer for direct recording, capturing your amp's tone with or without EQ adjustments for versatile recording options.

Does the Radial Headload support phase adjustment?

The Headload includes an analog phase-shift control, allowing you to adjust the phase between 0-360 degrees to ensure optimal sound alignment when used with other equipment.

What connectivity options does the Radial Headload offer?

The Radial Headload provides 1/4" input and output jacks for connection to your guitar, amp, and speaker cab, along with unbalanced direct outputs for sending processed signals to additional gear.

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Radial Headload Review

Video thumbnail for Radial Headload Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Radial Headload Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Radial Headload Guitar Amp Load Box Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014 by Sweetwater

Radial Headload Guitar Amp Load Box Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Radial Headload Attenuator by Guitar Player Magazine

Radial Headload Attenuator

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for Radial Engineering Headload Attenuator [NAMM 2014] by Guitar Player Magazine

Radial Engineering Headload Attenuator [NAMM 2014]

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2014 New Radial Headload by shnobel

NAMM 2014 New Radial Headload

shnobel

shnobel

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Headload Guitar Amp Load Box.

Comparisons

  • The Suhr Reactive Load IR is praised for headphone use, allowing for late-night sessions with amps like the JCM800, while being less favored for monitor use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Radial Headload Prodigy's analog cab sim is considered inadequate for headphone use compared to impulse response-based alternatives.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The cost of quality load box/IR units often exceeds the price of some amplifiers, influencing purchase decisions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest digital modelers like the Line6 HX Stomp or Strymon Iridium for headphone use, offering a better experience than attenuators for quiet play.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Recording Mag reviews the Radial Headload - Radial Engineering

radialeng.com

The Radial Headload is a versatile powerhouse, seamlessly blending a load box, direct box, and phase alignment tool into one rugged unit. Its ability to handle high-wattage amps while preserving tonal integrity makes it a must-have for both studio and stage use. The analog cab simulations are a standout feature, delivering organic tones that digital counterparts struggle to match. However, while it excels in functionality, the price might deter budget-conscious musicians. Ultimately, the Headload is an investment in quality and durability, appealing to serious players seeking a reliable solution for managing volume without sacrificing sound.

positive

Radial Headload review

guitar.com

With the Radial Headload, you're getting a versatile attenuator that doubles as a superb direct box, making it a formidable ally for gigging and studio work. Its ability to dial down power while preserving tonal integrity is commendable, with switchable resonance settings enhancing its adaptability. However, the direct outputs lack a level control, which may hinder some users during recordings. Additionally, while the sound quality is generally impressive, certain tonal nuances—like spring reverb—may not translate as well. Ultimately, the Headload shines as a multi-purpose tool, but potential buyers should weigh its quirks against their specific needs.

positive

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