Radial engineering LX2 Passive Line Splitter and Attenuator User Guide
- June 4, 2024
- Radial engineering
Table of Contents
LX2 Passive Line Splitter and Attenuator
User Guide
LX2 Passive Line Splitter and Attenuator
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1845 Kingsway Ave., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S9, Canada
Tel: 604-942-1001
• Fax: 604-942-1010
• Email: info@radialeng.com
Thank you for your purchase of the Radial LX-2™ line-level audio splitter and
attenuator, a simple but powerful tool built for studio, stage, or broadcast
applications.
Before you begin using the LX-2, please take a few minutes to read this short
manual to become familiar with the various features and possible uses. If
afterward, you find yourself in need of more information, please visit our
website. This is where we post updates and frequently asked questions from
users like yourself. If you are still in need of answers, feel free to drop us
a line at info@radialeng.com and we will do our
best to respond in a timely manner.
With the LX-2 you can crank up your mic preamps without fear of overloading,
and split your line-level signal to multiple destinations with ease.
FEATURES
- XLR/TRS INPUT: Combination XLR or ¼” input.
- TRIM ON: Set & forget switch activates the trim level control. Signal passes through at unity gain when this switch is not engaged.
- TRIM LEVEL: Attenuates the signal at the input of the LX-2.
- BOOKEND DESIGN: Creates a protective zone around the jacks and switches.
- DIRECT THRU OUTPUT: Direct output to connect to recording or monitor systems.
- GROUND LIFTS: Disconnects pin-1 ground at the XLR output and thru.
- ISO OUTPUT: Transformer isolated output eliminates hum & buzz caused by ground loops.
- NO SLIP PAD: Provides electrical & mechanical isolation and keeps the unit from sliding around.
OVERVIEW
The LX-2 has a single XLR/TRS INPUT connector, an ISO OUTPUT with a ground
lift switch, and a DIRECT THRU output with a ground lift switch. You can
connect any
line-level signal to the INPUT, and use the ISO OUTPUT to feed a recording
device, broadcast truck, or mixing console. The ISO OUTPUT is equipped with a
premium Jensen™ transformer, which provides exceptional signal handling and
low noise, while also blocking DC voltage to help eliminate buzz and hum from
ground loops.
This output also features a ground lift switch that disconnects the ground
path between the input and output to further reduce ground loop noise. The
DIRECT THRU output can be used to feed an additional mixer or another
destination, with a separate ground lift switch for noise abatement. Should
you find the need to attenuate a high-output signal, a variable TRIM control
can be engaged to provide an accessible level adjustment, allowing you to tame
hot console outputs or preamps and prevent distortion at your input devices.
Using the LX-2 in the studio for parallel processing
Using the LX-2 live to split a line level signal from a mixer
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Before making connections, ensure that your sound system is turned off and all
volume controls are turned down. This prevents any plug-in transients from
damaging speakers or other sensitive components. The LX-2 is completely
passive, so it doesn’t require any power to operate.
The LX-2 has a combination XLR/TRS input connector, which is wired with the
AES standard pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot (+), and pin-3 cold (-). You can connect
balanced or unbalanced inputs to the LX-2; the isolated output will always be
a balanced signal, while the direct output will be balanced or unbalanced
depending on the input source.
USING THE TRIM FUNCTION
For situations where a level adjustment is required, the trim control on
the LX-2 allows you to attenuate overly hot signals. This lets you drive your
mic preamps hard to achieve coloration while attenuating the level at the LX-2
to avoid clipping the inputs of your recording interface. This trim control is
activated by a recessed ‘set & forget’ TRIM ON witch. For use on stage or in
situations where attenuation is not needed, simply disengage this switch to
prevent accidental or unwanted level adjustments.
Engage the trim function to drive a mic preamp to saturation without
distorting the inputs of your recording interface
USING THE GROUND LIFT
When connecting two or more powered devices, you may encounter hum and buzz
caused by ground loops. The isolated output on the LX-2 has a Jensen
transformer in the signal path, which blocks DC voltage and breaks the ground
loop. However, the direct output is connected straight through to the input of
the LX-2, and you may need to engage the ground lift on this output to
disconnect pin-1 on the connector and help remove the buzz and hum on this
output. A ground lift switch is also present on the isolated output to provide
further abatement of ground loop noise.
The image above shows an audio source and a destination with a common
electrical ground. As the audio also has a ground, these combine to create a
ground loop. The transformer and ground lift work together to eliminate the
ground loop and potential noise.
OPTIONAL RACK MOUNTING KITS
The optional J-RAK™ rackmount adapters allow four or eight LX-2s to be
securely housed in a standard 19” equipment rack. The J-RAK fits any standard-
sized Radial DI or splitter, allowing you to mix and match as needed. Both
J-RAK models are built of 14-gauge steel with a baked enamel finish.
Each direct box can be front or rear mounted allowing the system designer to
have the XLRs on the front of the rack or rear, depending on the application.
J-CLAMP
The optional J-CLAMP™ can mount a single LX-2 inside a road case, under a
table, or on virtually any surface. Constructed from 14-gauge steel with a
baked enamel finish.
FAQ
Can I use the LX-2 with a microphone signal?****
– No, the LX-2 is designed for line-level signals, and will not provide optimal performance with a mic-level input. If you need to split the output of a microphone, the Radial JS2™ and JS3™ mic splitters are designed for this purpose.
Will the 48V from phantom power hurt the LX-2?****
– No, phantom power will not harm the LX-2. The transformer will block 48V at the isolated output, but the direct output will pass phantom power back through the input of the LX-2.
Can I use the LX-2 with unbalanced signals?****
– Absolutely. The LX-2 will automatically convert the signal to balanced audio at the isolated output. The direct output will mirror the input, and it will be unbalanced if the input is unbalanced.
Will the LX-2 fit in a J-Rak?****
– Yes, the LX-2 can be mounted in the J-Rak 4 and the J-Rak 8, or secured to a desktop or road case using the J-Clamp.
What is the maximum input level of the LX-2?****
– The LX-2 can handle +21dBu with the trim control fully bypassed.
Can I use the LX-2 backward to sum two signals together?****
– We do not recommend this. The Mix 2:1™ is a better option as it is intended for this purpose.
Can I use the LX-2 to split one signal to feed multiple powered speakers?****
– Yes, you can. This allows you to send a mono output from a mixing board to two powered speakers.
Can I use the LX-2 to split the output of my guitar or keyboard?****
– Yes, although the StageBug SB-6™ might be a better option as it has ¼” connectors.
Can I bypass the trim control entirely?****
– Yes, when the TRIM ON recessed switch is not engaged, the trim control is completely bypassed from the circuit, so you don’t have to worry about the knob getting touched or bumped accidentally.
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Circuit Type: ……………………………………………….Passive, transformer based
Frequency Response: ……………………………………….. 20Hz – 20kHz +/-0.5dB
Max Attenuation – Trim Control: ………………………………-10dB into a 10kΩ load
Gain: ……………………………………………….. -1.5dBu
Noise Floor: …………………………………….. -119dBu
Maximum Input: ………………………………………. +21dBu
Dynamic Range: ……………………………………………. 140dBu
Total Harmonic Distortion: …………………….<0.001% @ 1kHz
Phase Deviation: ………………………………………. +0.3° @ 20Hz
Common Mode Rejection: ………………………..94dB @ 60Hz, 83dB @ 3kHz
Input Impedance: …………………………………..716Ω
Output Impedance: ………………………………. 116Ω
Transformer: ……………………………………. Jensen JT-11-FLPCH
XLR Configuration: ……………………… AES standard (pin-2 hot)
Connectors: ………………………. Combo XLR/1/4” input, XLR-M iso and direct out
Construction: ……………………………14-gauge steel
Finish: ………………………… Durable powder coat
Size:…………………… 84 x 127 x 48mm (3.3” x 5.0” x 2”)
Weight: …………………………………0.70 kg (1.55 lbs)
Warranty: ………………………………. Radial 3-year, transferable
BLOCK DIAGRAM
RADIAL ENGINEERING 3-YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY
RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from
defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of
charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will repair or replace
(at its option) any defective component(s) of this product (excluding finish
and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3)
years from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular
product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right to replace the
product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely
event that a defect is uncovered, please call
604-942-1001 or email
service@radialeng.com to obtain an RA number
(Return Authorization number) before the 3-year warranty period expires. The
product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or
equivalent) to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair center and you must
assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date
of purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for work to be
performed under this limited and transferable warranty. This warranty shall
not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse,
misapplication, accident, or as a result of service or modification by any
other than an authorized Radial repair center.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF AND
DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD
DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR
ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE
OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHERE
THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.
To meet the requirements of California Proposition 65, it is our
responsibility to inform you of the following:
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Please take proper care when handling and consult local government regulations
before discarding.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1845 Kingsway Ave., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S9, Canada
Tel: 604-942-1001
Fax: 604-942-1010
Email: info@radialeng.com
Radial LX-2™ User Guide – Part #: R870 1028 00 / 09-2021
Copyright © 2017, all rights reserved.
Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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