The Radial J48 Stereo is a high performance active direct box designed for professional touring and studio recording. It features the same award-winning signal path that has made the single channel J48 the most specified active direct box on tour today. And with users as diverse as Paul McCartney, Tommy Emmanuel and Joe Chiccarelli, you can be sure it will meet the most demanding qualifications.
The design begins with a rugged 14 gauge steel construction and a bookend design that protects sensitive switches and connectors from damage. The internal I-beam construction ensures the fragile internal PC board will not torque, which in turn could lead to cold solder joints developing and premature failure. All connectors are made from glass-filled nylon and feature extra large nickel-silver contacts that will not tarnish over time.
Inside, a unique switching power supply converts the 48 volt phantom to AC, increasing the headroom for improved signal handling and lower distortion. This results in an exceptionally linear frequency response that spans from 10Hz to 40kHz while being able to handle high output instruments without choking. In addition, a -15dB pad may be engaged for extreme signal handling. This is supplemented with a high-pass filter that gently rolls off low frequencies below 80Hz to clean up mud and excessive resonance. A side-access 180° polarity reverse aids when using the J48 Stereo with dual element pickups to either phase align the sources or eliminate acoustic hot spots that can cause feedback on stage.
A unique aspect of the power supply is the way that the J48 handles buzz and hum caused by ground loops. The traditional solution is to lift the audio ground by disconnecting pin-1 at the XLR output. When this is done, the 48 volt phantom power from the console is shut off, forcing one to introduce a battery into the equation. Unfortunately, batteries are inconsistent, and when they begin to drop power, severely affect the available voltage and resulting headroom. Instead, the J48 employs a DC to DC converter with a high frequency transformer that enables the audio ground to be lifted at the power supply. This does not shut off the phantom power and is invisible to the user.
The Radial J48 Stereo -- Twice as good as the world's finest phantom-powered active DI!
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
