According to Radial President Peter Janis, “For years, Radial customers have been asking us to get into the digital world. We have hesitated due to a lack of clear standards and challenges with respect to interfacing with computers. But with the recent advent of self-configuring USB ports, we feel the time is right to finally get involved and the USB-Pro is the first Radial product to sport digital connectivity.”
Connection to a computer is accomplished through a standard USB type-B port. Digital-to-analog conversion can be monitored on headphones through the 3.5-mm analog output to check signal quality and level before connecting to a sound system. A mono-sum switch may be engaged to check for phasing or for connection to a mono system. Should hum or buzz caused by ground loops be encountered, two recessed side-access switches enable the user to insert isolation transformers into the signal path. To further reduce susceptibility to noise, this is augmented with a ground lift switch that lifts pin-1 on both XLR jacks.
As with all Radial products, the USB-Pro was designed to handle the rigors of professional touring. The book-end design creates protective zones around the switches, connectors and controls to keep them out of harms way, while, inside, Radial’s time-tested I-beam construction assures the sensitive internal PC board will not torque, which could cause premature part failure. Finally, a full bottom no-slip pad provides mechanical isolation and electrical insulation to ensure quiet operation.
Made to be Plug & Play and easy to use, the USB-Pro automatically configures itself for use with all popular operating systems including Mac OSX, Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, eliminating the need to load special drivers. And unlike devices that are limited with 16-bit, 44.1-kHz conversion rates, the USB-Pro elevates the performance with 24-bit, 96-kHz stereo converters to deliver more headroom and greater detail. This eliminates the need for additional sound cards or separate converters when transferring files, further streamlining production in busy work environments.
The USB-Pro is now shipping and retails for $260.
www.radialeng.com
