Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $124
Standard/Professional
$119
$300+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Radial Pro 48". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the realm of unparalleled audio clarity with the Radial Pro 48, a direct box that's set to elevate your studio and stage performances. Optimized for active instruments, this 48V phantom powered unit is your secret weapon for harnessing the full potential of your gear, delivering a natural, uncolored signal transfer. Its innovative digital switching power supply is the heart of its operation, providing significantly increased headroom and minimal distortion. This ensures a linear response across a broad frequency spectrum, from the deep lows at 20Hz to the sparkling highs above 100kHz.
Built like a tank in Radial's distinctive bookend design, the Pro 48's 14-gauge steel chassis is ready to withstand the rigors of the road. The internal welded I-beam construction ensures that external stresses won't compromise the integrity of the PCB, guaranteeing a long-lasting, reliable performance. Whether you're plugging in a power-packed active bass or a delicate acoustic guitar, the Pro 48's -15dB pad switch offers the flexibility to handle high-output instruments with ease, while the ground lift switch eliminates those pesky hum and buzz issues caused by ground loops.
Key Features:
- 48V phantom powered for enhanced headroom and lower distortion
- Natural, uncolored signal transfer with a response from 20Hz to over 100kHz
- Compact, rugged design with 14-gauge steel and internal welded I-beam construction
- Ideal for active instruments and high-output scenarios
- -15dB pad for handling high-output sources
- Ground lift switch to eliminate hum and buzz from ground loops
Owner's manual
Radial Pro 48 User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Active DI |
| Channels | 1 |
| Pads | -15dB |
| 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
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What is the primary function of the Radial Pro48 Active Direct Box?
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The Radial Pro48 is an active direct box designed to convert high-impedance instrument signals to low-impedance signals suitable for mixing consoles, providing clear and noise-free audio in both live and studio settings.
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Does the Radial Pro48 require an external power supply?
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No, the Radial Pro48 is powered by 48V phantom power from a mixing console or audio interface, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
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Can the Radial Pro48 handle both active and passive instruments?
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Yes, the Radial Pro48 is designed to work with both active and passive instruments, offering exceptional signal handling and dynamic range.
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What connectivity options does the Radial Pro48 offer?
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The Radial Pro48 features a 1/4" input, a 1/4" thru output for connecting to an amplifier, and an XLR output for sending the signal to a mixer or audio interface.
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Does the Radial Pro48 include any features to reduce noise or hum?
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Yes, the Radial Pro48 includes a ground lift switch to help eliminate ground loop hum and a -15dB pad to manage high-output sources without distortion.
Videos
SpectreSoundStudios
Do you need a Direct Box? - Test Results!
Reviews
PROS
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Transparent sound with a hot output suitable for various instruments
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Robust build quality ensures long-lasting durability
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Effective at eliminating ground loop issues
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Provides a strong, clean signal without hums or hiss
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Simple design without unnecessary features for ease of use
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Offers 10 dB gain boost for low-output instruments
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Excellent for live performances due to reliability and transparency
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Compatible with a variety of instruments, from guitars to violins
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Competitive price point for the quality offered
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Road-worthy, heavy steel construction
CONS
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XLR output wired pin-3 hot, contrary to manual
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Potential rust on steel bolts when exposed to humidity
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Loud pop when plugging in and out due to phantom power
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Radial Pro 48.
Comparisons
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The Radial J48 includes a phase flip and high-pass filter, potentially making it more versatile than the Pro48 for both home studio and live use.
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The JDI is favored for quieter sources with extended high-frequency content; differences with the Pro D2 are subtle but noticeable in demanding live setups.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Users with passive pickups on guitars and basses find the Pro48 sufficient for home studio setups, with potential for improved sound quality in signal splitting.
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StageBug SB-1 offers a lighter and more compact solution, ideal for users needing portability without sacrificing signal hotness for passive pickups.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Pro48 is considered transparent, suitable for those seeking minimal sound coloration, unlike the more colored sound of the Countryman DI.
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The Pro48 is seen as adequate for non-professionals, offering a balance of quality and simplicity for home recording needs.
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Active DIs like the Pro48 can provide over 10dB of extra signal gain compared to passive models, helpful for low-output instruments.
Source
User experience
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistOn May 2, 2025, during a concert at Old Songs in Voorheesville, NY, Martin Carthy used a Radial Pro 48 Active Direct Box, which was connected to the house PA. The presence of this gear on stage is confirmed by a photo taken during the event.
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 Pro 48, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Radial Pro 48, curated by the Equipboard community.
$225.00 - $259.99
Pretty similar but a little higher end version of this DI BOX
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