Q: There is no power switch! Can I leave the J33 on?
A: Absolutely.

Q: What is the RIAA curve and why do I need one?
A: Because when the album was produced, a preset EQ curve was introduced so that on playback you would get better sound. Keep in mind that when stereo long-play records first appeared some 60 years ago, the transfer was vibration caused by minute bumps inside the groove. The needle captures these and converts them to an electrical impulse. This system evolved to where the quality was surprisingly high. Part of the magic of the system’s performance is the RIAA curve that enables the system to produce a sonically balanced reproduction of the original recording.

Q: Why is there no ground lift on the J33?
A: Because the ground lift would disconnect the pin-1 on the XLR which in turn would shut off the phantom power. Also, the turntable needs a ground connection for quiet, hum-free operation.

Q: Can I rack mount the J33?
A: Yes. The Radial J-Rak will allow as many as 8 direct boxes to be rack mounted in two RUs. The J33 also mounts in the Radial J-clamp for secure mounting to a desk or rig.

Q: Why is the J33 better than using a DJ mixer?
A: The J33 has a superior quality RIAA preamp and interfaces with professional level recording mixing consoles.

Q: Can I use the J33 for other devices such as CD players?
A: No – (a) the input may overload and (b) the RIAA equalization curve would make it sound wierd.

Q: Which is better, 48V phantom or the 15VDC power supply?
A: No difference, and the J33 auto-switches between them (allow 15 sec. time to stabilize when switching).

Q: How long can I run cables from the J33?
A: Hi-Z out – 20ft is recommended due to high-impedance's susceptibility to noise.
Low-Z out – 300 feet is typical. You can go longer depending on the properties of the cable.

Q: Can I use the Radial J33 for other devices such as keyboards or computer sound cards?
A: No. The J33’s input is pre-equalized with the RIAA curve. This curve would make any other source sound bad, plus these line-level devices would overload the J33’s sensitive input circuit and cause distortion.

Q: Can I use an active cartridge with the J33?
A: No. The J33 is designed to use magnetic cartridges which make up 99% of all turntable cartridges ever sold.

Q: What do I do if the rumble filter does not eliminate resonant feedback?
A: Try using an isolation pad such as the Primacoustic IsoPlane (www.primacoustic.com). This will reduce the mechanical vibration going into the turntable and help eliminate low-frequency resonant feedback.

Q: Can I record an album directly to my computer sound card using the J33?
A: Yes. Most sound cards are equipped with a 3.5mm stereo input connector. Connect the line-level output of the J33 to the computer and you should be set to go. Sound card input levels vary, so watch for distortion as the output of the J33 is quite hot. Your computer sound card software should allow you to adjust the input to suit.

Q: How will the J33 sound with my hi-fi system?
A: Great! The J33 is a low noise preamplifier and will out-perform the typical RIAA preamp built into consumer hi-fi equipment.

Q: What should I do if the LEDs do not light up?
A: Check that the external power supply is connected or, if connecting to a mixer through the J33's XLR outputs, make sure the phantom power has been turned on at the mixer.

Radial - True to the Music™