Recording the track

The most basic approach to re-amping would be to record a dry guitar using a direct box such as the Radial JDI, Radial J48 or Radial JDV and then play the pre-recorded track ‘back’ through the X-Amp, which in turn would then be connected to a guitar amplifier. The advantages of recording a track this way are many: During session work, once the original track has been recorded, the engineer-producer can try different amplifiers and sounds without tiring out the player with relentless repetition. For the player-engineer, the track can be recorded, then the player can then sit in the control room and listen to a variety of guitar effects or amplifiers before committing a final sound to the track.

When recording a distorted guitar solo track, one would usually take a slightly different approach and use the ‘thru’ output from the direct box to drive the effects pedals and amplifier. This way, the guitarist would play using his usual ‘live’ sound. This is where the X-Amp really gets interesting: Although the dry (direct) track would not record the distortion, it would however capture all of the inflections and the subtleties of playing in a distorted mode.

To truly understand this, one must understand the physics behind the guitar, distortion pedal, amplifier, and speaker relationship. For instance when the guitarist plays a distorted tone near his amp and the guitar begins to soar with controlled feedback and unlimited sustain, what is in fact happening is that the guitar resonant frequency, note and distortion all begin to work together to create a vibration that reinforces itself in the form of feedback. The string vibrates because of the distorted circuit while the recorded dry track captures the vibration. Since we have captured the vibration, with the X-Amp we can send the dry track to a different effect pedal or amplifier and retain all of the nuances of the performance. This is the real magic!

It is a good idea to also record the ‘wet’ or distorted track as you normally would so that you can then mix multiple tracks together to create thick textures. Once you have captured the performance, you can then change the effects settings to introduce alternate harmonics, more saturation or other creative tones.

Playback time with the X-Amp

Once you have recorded the track, it’s now time to start re-amping the signal and having some serious fun! Keep in mind that since guitar amps and recording devices work at different signal levels, they are not directly compatible. In essence, the X-Amp allows these devices to ‘speak’ to each other by properly matching the impedance and producing a level that will be similar to the original guitar, and thus compatible to the amplifier.

The Radial X-Amp is outfitted an XLR input that would be connected to the output of your recording system or console. Balanced lines are best as they allow long cable runs without introducing noise. On the front panel, the X-Amp is outfitted with two ¼” guitar output jacks. The 1st jack is always used as this provides a ground path from the guitar amplifier to the X-Amp. The second output is transformer isolated to eliminate hum and buzz caused by so-called ground loops.

Always make sure your amplifier and mixer levels are down before connecting equipment as this protects your gear from loud transients caused by capacitor discharges. Once connected, simply play the pre-recorded track through the X-Amp. If the overload LED illuminates, turn down the level from your recorder. You are now set to adjust the output level from the X-Amp going to your guitar amps.

The Radial X-Amp is designed to drive your guitar amp at levels compatible with normal guitar amps. For cleaner tones, you would set the X-Amp at a lower output level. For more powerful distorted tones, you could increase the volume. The best way to ‘match’ the level of your guitar would be to play your guitar into your amp and then leave the settings as is. Then, connect the X-Amp and adjust the level to suit.

The real advantage of the X-Amp is the amazing clarity and natural tone. Unlike previous re-amping devices, the Radial X-Amp is active. This ensures every subtlety and nuance is transferred to the amplifier to truly capture the essence of the performance.

Using X-Amp with other sources

The X-Amp can also be used on other instruments: Keyboard tracks can be given extra life by warming up their sound by sometimes driving them through distortion pedals or tube guitar amps. Vocal tracks can also be twisted into new sounds by introducing these fun effects. And this is just the beginning!

Using the X-Amp to extend your guitar cable

Another interesting option that is available to Radial X-Amp users is the ability to use a instrument / mic pre-amp to drive a guitar signal a long distance and then reconvert the signal back to a guitar level near the amp using the X-Amp. In large studios, you could for instance record your guitar while sitting in front of the studio reference monitors. Maybe you want to record your guitar in a very ‘live’ stairwell for crazy reverb or even set your amp outside in a field so that you get no reverb at all. The X-Amp is only limited by your imagination!