Radial Engineering LX3

Radial Engineering's LX-3 is a high-quality balanced line splitter designed to split and send an audio signal to up to three destinations. Completely passive, requiring no power supply, it activates as soon as it is connected sending audio signals where needed.

LX-3 Key Features

• Sends an audio signal simultaneously to three different destinations
• Employs a Jensen transformer, for maximum audio quality
• Eliminates hum and noise caused by ground loops
• 14-gauge steel construction and military-grade circuitry for incredible durability

Neutral audio split without coloration

At the heart of the LX-3 is a high-quality Jensen JT-123-FLPCH transformer, which offers the industry's best combination of frequency response, signal level management and low distortion, ensuring the best possible audio quality. It features two isolated outputs to eliminate hum and noise caused by ground loops, as well as a third direct output. All three XLR outputs have ground lift switches for additional noise suppression, and a selectable pad on the -12dB input that allows even the most powerful line signals to be connected without problems of overload or distortion. The input of the LX-3 is on XLR/TRS combo jacks for connecting balanced and unbalanced cables.The LX-3 automatically balances the signal to the isolated outputs, preventing interference and signal degradation when using long cables.

Like all Radial products, LX-3 is rugged and will withstand years of touring use thanks to its 14-gauge steel construction. The folding design ensures protection for connectors and switches in even the toughest of uses, and the I-beam internal chassis makes twisting impossible by preventing damage to circuits and solder. The LX-3 can be rack-mounted in a Radial J-Rak, which can accommodate up to 8 devices or a combination of the LX-3 and other compatible Radial DI boxes, for a simplified and tidy setup. Typical applications include splitting a signal in the studio to send to multiple effects, feeding multiple recording devices from the output of a console, or splitting a signal on a stage to several monitors or headphone mixers.

LX-3 - Applications

Send a mono signal to multiple headphone mixes

With LX-3 you can split the metronome click without loss of signal by sending it to three personal monitor mixers on stage.

Split the output of a microphone preamplifier in the studio

The output of a single preamplifier is sent to three different processors such as compressors or effects units so that you have several options at your fingertips immediately.

Split the mono signal from a console to multiple devices

With LX-3 you can send the audio output or a live feed to up to three different portable recording devices simultaneously.

Using LX-3

LX-3 is a balanced line-level splitter designed to take a mono audio signal, split it, and send it to three destinations simultaneously. Premium-quality Jensen transformers provide isolated outputs while keeping audio quality intact, allowing the signal to be split without hum or noise caused by ground loops. For more details on the LX-3, we recommend that you click on the icon to the left and download the user manual.

Connections

Before making connections, make sure the sound system is turned off and all volume controls are turned down to prevent connection transients from damaging speakers or other sensitive components. LX-3 is completely passive: it operates without a power supply. LX-3 has a combo XLR / TRS input connector wired with the AES standard: pin-1 ground - pin-2 positive (+), pin-3 negative (-). You can connect balanced or unbalanced inputs to LX-3; the signals of the isolated outputs will always be balanced, while the direct output can be balanced or unbalanced depending on the input source.

Input Pad

If you are sending a particularly high signal to LX-3, the PAD switch allows you to decrease the signal by -12dB to avoid distortion on LX-3's direct output and the two isolated XLR outputs. If you wish to reduce the level of the isolated outputs while maintaining the original signal level on the direct output, an adjustable internal jumper achieves this.

To change the operation of the PAD switch so that it does not affect the direct output, follow the procedure below:

• Use a hex wrench to remove the four screws that secure the lid of the LX-3.
• Slide the cover off and locate the inner jumper, as shown in the photo below.
• Move the jumper to connect pins 2 and 3-this way the THRU output bypasses the PAD.

Using ground lift

By connecting two or more powered devices, it is possible to incur hum and noise caused by ground loops. The isolated output on LX-3 has a Jensen transformer in the signal path, which blocks the DC current and breaks the ground loop. However, the direct output is connected directly through the input of LX-3 and it may be necessary to activate Ground-Lift on this output by disconnecting pin 1 on the connector to eliminate hum and noise. Ground-Lift switches are also present on the isolated outputs for further abatement of noise caused by ground loops.

The picture depicts an audio source and destination with a common electrical ground. Since the audio signal also grounds, they combine creating a ground loop. The transformer and Ground-Lift switch act together to eliminate ground loops and all potential noise.