Forum Members....
I have a Radial Pro48 Active Direct Box (non-powered) and would like to take the XLR output into a mixer. The mixer is an older model and does NOT have phantom power. So I am assuming I now need a 48v Phantom Power Supply. Otherwise, will the Radial work without a DC power source?
It looks like the XLR output of the Direct box would go to the Phantom Power Supply input, and from there the output of that box would go to the mixer? The other option is to get a passive direct box? I am a tad concerned with a loss of signal and overall sound clarity from my guitar.
I have spotted a handful of Phantom Power Supplies on Amazon, all under $30. Some of these power supplies are fed from a 9Vac source, others use an 18Vac source. Anything in particular I should be looking for?
Thanks, Tom
Any of those supplies should work fine. Sounds like the Radial box takes that power and turns it into whatever it needs anyway.
Yes, the phantom power box goes between the DI and the mixer. And it should do a better job than a passive type would do.
Quote from: g1 on October 30, 2025, 03:42:57 PMAny of those supplies should work fine. Sounds like the Radial box takes that power and turns it into whatever it needs anyway.
Yes, the phantom power box goes between the DI and the mixer. And it should do a better job than a passive type would do.
Thanks G1 -
I have done some testing today with the Radial. When going into a mixer with no Phantom Power, it will not pass a signal. But testing on a second mixer with phantom power works just fine.
I ordered a 48v Phantom supply and it should be here tomorrow.
And as an FYI, the LR Baggs Align Series Active DI works with a 9v battery and 9V external supply. As explained to me (on the LR Baggs Support Page),
"The Align DI does not provide power of any kind. It will run on Phantom Power from an amp or mixer, via the XLR output on the DI. If Phantom Power isn't available, the DI will default to DC power. If Phantom and DC are unavailable, it will default to battery power." That is somewhat confusing - on the one hand the statement says the Align does not provide power but later it says the DI will default to DC power.
LR Baggs Align Series Active DI (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/602ea990b7451244cb7711bb/t/61660305a08fe366cd4fa4c0/1634075399679/lr-baggs-align-series-active-di-users-guide.pdf)
Providing power and requiring it are 2 different things. It sounds from that quote like a question was asked whether the DI can provide power (to something else), it can not.
It requires power, as all active devices do. That can be provided by a battery, DC supply, or phantom power from a mixer.
Hello Tom,
The LR Baggs comment is clear to me.
the unit can use 3 power sources;
1/ Phantom power from Mixer
2/ power from the internal Battery
3/ power from the Wall Wart
The picture shown in first post may well have an internal battery which might be flat.
Maybe just open it up and check.
Phil.