Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (22)
$259.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$259.99
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$259.99
B&H
4.5 (2)
$259.99
Thomann
4.9 (146)
$259.00
Gear4Music
£225.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$259.99

Average Price: $260

Standard/Professional

$119

$300+

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Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box, a revolutionary tool for capturing the true essence of your instrument's signal. Powered by 48V phantom power, the J48 MK2 uses an innovative switching power supply to deliver peak 9V transients without distortion. This results in a DI box that offers exceptionally low noise, minimal intermodulation distortion, and superior dynamics compared to other units.

The J48 MK2 is a product of meticulous design, optimized to work within the current limits of standard phantom power, while ensuring maximum headroom. Its custom circuitry delivers incredibly low distortion and a frequency response that outperforms most DIs, capturing the full detail of your instrument's tone.

The J48 MK2 comes equipped with features designed for the practical musician. The ground lift switch eliminates hum from ground loops, and an 80Hz high-pass filter removes low-end rumble for clean, clear sound. A -15dB pad allows for extra gain, and the innovative merge function mixes two inputs to mono, perfect for combining signals from active and passive pickups.

Constructed for the demands of live touring, the J48 MK2 embodies the robust durability Radial products are known for. Its 14-gauge steel I-beam frame and welded construction offer exceptional resilience, making it an ideal companion for both studio recording and stage performances.

Key Features:

  • Powered by 48V phantom power
  • Unique switching power supply for peak 9V transients without distortion
  • Exceptionally low noise, minimal intermodulation distortion
  • Ground lift switch and 80Hz high-pass filter for noise reduction
  • -15dB pad for extra gain
  • Merge function to combine signals from two inputs
  • Rugged construction for live touring demands

Owner's manual

Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box User Manual

Product specs

Type Active DI
Channels 1
Pads -15dB
Polarity Switch Yes
Ground Lift Yes
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" thru
Power Source 48V Phantom Power
Height 2"
Depth 5"
Width 3.3"
Weight 1.55 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Radial J48 MK2 require an external power source?

The Radial J48 MK2 operates on 48V phantom power, eliminating the need for batteries or an external power supply.

What are the input and output options on the Radial J48 MK2?

The Radial J48 MK2 features a 1/4" input, an XLR output, and a 1/4" thru output for versatile connectivity in various setups.

Is the Radial J48 MK2 suitable for high-output instruments?

Yes, the Radial J48 MK2 includes a -15dB pad, making it suitable for handling high-output instruments without distortion.

Does the Radial J48 MK2 offer any noise reduction features?

The Radial J48 MK2 includes a ground lift switch to help eliminate hum and noise from ground loops in your audio signal.

What makes the Radial J48 MK2 different from passive DI boxes?

As an active DI box, the Radial J48 MK2 provides a wider frequency response and greater sensitivity, ideal for capturing detailed audio signals.

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Do you need a Direct Box? - Test Results!

Video thumbnail for Do you need a Direct Box?  -  Test Results! by SpectreSoundStudios

Do you need a Direct Box? - Test Results!

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Video thumbnail for Do you need a Direct Box? by SpectreSoundStudios

Do you need a Direct Box?

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Video thumbnail for Radial J48 Active Direct Box @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

Radial J48 Active Direct Box @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Radial Engineering J48 Active DI Box Features by Transcend Guitar

Radial Engineering J48 Active DI Box Features

Transcend Guitar

Transcend Guitar

Video thumbnail for [KOR] Radial J48 (액티브 다이렉트 박스) by samastc samashop

[KOR] Radial J48 (액티브 다이렉트 박스)

samastc samashop

samastc samashop

Reviews

PROS

  • Significantly enhances sound quality, even with high-end preamps and software

  • Provides a neutral tone with no discernible coloration

  • Handles both active and passive pickups with ease

  • Built like a tank; highly durable for stage and studio use

  • Eliminates unwanted noise, offering crystal clear signal

  • Features ground lift, polarity reverse, and -15dB pad for versatility

  • Requires no batteries; powered via 48V phantom power

  • Effective for both live performance and studio recording

  • Substantial headroom, preventing clipping from dynamic signals

  • Compact design, easy to transport and integrate into setups

CONS

  • Some users report initial units with buzzing issues

  • Higher price compared to some passive DIs

  • Phantom power LED may not function consistently

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sonnivate

YES. YES. YES.

This was a game changer. This is a 100% ESSENTIAL MUST HAVE if you are recording guitars!!!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Parker’s pedals are divided between three boards. The first has a Roland GR-55 synth running into a Yamaha mixer routed to a Radial J48 DI box.

See how Alex Turner uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

Alex Turner utilized the Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box during the Humbug tour, as evidenced by the provided photograph.

See how John Petrucci uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, John Petrucci's guitar tech, Maddi Schieferstein, gives a rundown of the guitar rig that was used during Dream Theater's 2014 "Along for the Ride" tour. The Radial J48 can be seen at 1:50.

See how Frank Black uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Frank Black

Singer, Guitarist

Pixies

...
Verified via YouTube

The Radial J48 Active Direct Box can be seen on Frank's pedalboard towards the end of this gear rundown video.

See how Simon Neil uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Simon Neil

Singer, Guitarist

Biffy Clyro

...
Verified via Flickr

Just in shot you can see a J48 at the end of Simons signal chain.

See how Dallon Weekes uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Dallon Weekes

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Dallon Weekes is associated with the Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box, described as a "secret weapon" used extensively in the recording of the iDKHOW album.

See how John Browne uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

John Browne

Guitarist, Composer

Monuments

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:26, John Browne mentions he uses a Radial J48 direct box for reamping.

See how George Ezra uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

George Ezra

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:43 , Ezra's pedalboard is visible. On the left is the Radical J48. An explanation of his signal chain is included below:

http://postimg.org/image/ye7bd8sdd/ (Not super highh quality, but clear enough)

See how Shigeto uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Shigeto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from February 21, 2018

See how Glenn Fricker uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Glenn Fricker

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 10:48 in this video, Glenn Fricker is shown with a Radial J48 direct box.

See how John Moyer uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

John Moyer

Singer, Bassist

Disturbed

...
Verified via YouTube

at 1:57, you can see the pedal

See how Jani Liimatainen uses Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box

Jani Liimatainen

Guitarist

Sonata Arctica

...
Verified via Photo

Jani Liimatainen uses the Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box, as shown in his Instagram post where he mentions recording guitar parts for The Dark Element's second album.

Album Usage

The Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Radial Engineering J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

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