RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA (01) PDF Document

The RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA is a ‘Reamping’ device that functions as an interface between a professional balanced recording system and unbalanced, high impedance guitar effects pedals. It allows you to take a pre-recorded line-level audio track, send it through your effects pedals, and then record the processed ‘wet’ signal back into your recording system on a new track. This allows you to experiment with different effects on a track without having to re-record the original performance.

Before making connections, always ensure your audio system is muted or turned off to prevent damage to speakers from connection transients.

Step 1. Connect the included 15VDC power supply to the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA.

Step 2. Connect the line-level output from your recording interface to the XLR/TRS combo input jack on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA.

Step 3. Using standard 1/4″ guitar cables, connect the SEND jack to the input of your guitar effects pedals and the RECEIVE jack to the output of your pedals.

Step 4. Connect the XLR output of the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA to the line-level input of your recording interface or mixing console.

Step 5. Set the SEND, RECEIVE, and BLEND controls to the 12 o’clock position. Ensure the 180° POLARITY and GROUND LIFT switches are in the outward (off) position.

Step 6. Turn on the power to your audio system. Start playing the pre-recorded track at a low level and slowly increase the volume to test the connections.

The SEND and RECEIVE controls on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA are used to optimize the signal path for your effects pedals to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio.

SEND: This control adjusts the level of the signal being sent from your recording device to your effects pedals. The goal is to send a strong enough signal to the pedals to overcome their inherent noise floor, but not so strong that it causes the pedals to distort undesirably.

RECEIVE: This control adjusts the level of the signal returning from your effects pedals before it is sent back to your recording device. It acts as a gain control to boost the signal from the pedals back up to a professional +4dB line level for recording.

By balancing these two controls, you can ensure your effects pedals perform optimally and the recorded ‘wet’ track is clean and clear.

The BLEND control on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA allows you to mix the original dry (unprocessed) audio signal with the wet (processed) signal coming back from your effects pedals. When the BLEND control is fully counter-clockwise, you will only hear the original dry signal. When it is turned fully clockwise, you will only hear the wet signal from the effects loop. Setting the control anywhere in between allows you to create the perfect balance between the two signals.

The 180° POLARITY switch on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA inverts the polarity of the signal returning from the effects pedals. Some effects pedals can flip the signal’s polarity, which can cause phase cancellation when mixed with the original dry signal using the BLEND control. This can result in a thin, hollow, or ‘filtered’ sound. If you notice this happening, engaging the 180° POLARITY switch will flip the wet signal back into phase with the dry signal, restoring the full-bodied tone.

The GROUND LIFT switch on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA helps to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops. Ground loops can occur when multiple audio devices are connected to different electrical outlets. This switch lifts the ground connection on the XLR output jack, which can break the ground loop and remove the associated noise. If you hear hum or buzz, try pressing this switch in.

The FX LOOP ON switch on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA engages or bypasses the effects loop connected to the SEND and RECEIVE jacks. When the switch is depressed, the effects loop is active, and the signal is routed through your pedals. The adjacent LED indicator will light up to show that the loop is on. When the switch is in the ‘out’ position, the effects loop is bypassed, allowing you to compare the original dry signal to the effected wet signal.

The RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA features the following connections:

INPUT: A balanced combination XLR and 1/4″ TRS jack designed to receive a line-level signal from a recording interface or mixing console.

SEND: An unbalanced 1/4″ TS output that connects to the input of your guitar effects pedals. This output converts the pro-level balanced signal to a high-impedance, instrument-level signal suitable for guitar pedals.

RECEIVE: An unbalanced 1/4″ TS input that connects to the output of your guitar effects pedals.

OUTPUT: A balanced male XLR output that delivers the final processed signal back to your recording interface or mixing console at a +4dBu professional line level.

Yes. Although the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA is designed primarily for guitar pedals, it can also be used with professional +4dB line-level rack effects. To do this, you would connect the SEND jack to the input of the rack unit and the output of the rack unit to the RECEIVE jack. You will then need to adjust the SEND and RECEIVE level controls to match the operating level of the rack-mount processor.

The signal path for the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA is as follows:

1. A balanced line-level signal enters the XLR/TRS input and is split into two paths: a ‘dry’ path and a ‘wet’ path.

2. The ‘wet’ signal goes to the SEND level control, then through a transformer that converts it to a high-impedance, unbalanced signal suitable for guitar pedals.

3. This signal is sent out of the SEND jack, through your effects pedals, and back into the RECEIVE jack.

4. The ‘wet’ signal then goes through the RECEIVE level control and the 180° POLARITY switch.

5. The ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ signals are then combined at the BLEND control.

6. The final blended signal goes through an output driver and a transformer, which balances the signal and sends it out of the XLR output at a professional +4dB line level.

If you are not getting any sound from your RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA, please check the following:

Power: Is the power supply connected and is the power status LED on the front panel lit up?

Connections: Double-check that all cables are fully inserted into the correct jacks. The output of your recording interface should connect to the INPUT, the SEND jack to your pedal chain’s input, the pedal chain’s output to the RECEIVE jack, and the main OUTPUT to your recording interface’s input.

FX LOOP Switch: Is the FX LOOP ON switch depressed? If it is not engaged, the effects loop will be bypassed and you will not hear the processed signal.

Levels: Ensure the SEND, RECEIVE, and BLEND controls are not turned all the way down.

Distortion can be caused by the signal level being too high at various points in the signal chain. Try the following:

1. Lower the SEND level on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA. The signal sent to the pedals may be too hot, causing them to clip.

2. Check the output level on the effects pedals themselves. If they have an output volume control, try turning it down.

3. Lower the RECEIVE level on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA. The signal coming back from the pedals may be too strong for the input stage.

Hum and buzz are most often caused by ground loops. Try engaging the GROUND LIFT switch on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA. This will disconnect the audio ground path at the XLR output and can often eliminate the noise. Also, ensure you are using high-quality shielded cables for all connections.

A thin or hollow sound when blending the wet and dry signals is a classic symptom of phase cancellation. This occurs when one of the signals is out of phase with the other. To fix this, simply press the 180° POLARITY switch on the RADIAL ENGINEERING REAMP EXTC-SA. This will invert the polarity of the wet signal, bringing it back into phase with the dry signal and restoring the full tone.