Radial Engineering

collapse expand iconDescription

Like the larger Headload, the Prodigy employs custom-made, cement-encrusted, ceramic-coated resister coils to convert the excessive power from the amplifier to heat and is able to comfortably withstand up to 100-watts RMS.

The Prodigy may be used in three different ways, depending on the need: First, it may be used as a direct box via the built-in Radial JDX Reactor. The hugely popular JDX combines a reactive load with a proprietary filter bank to emulate the tone of a 4x12 half stack. This features 100% discrete class-A circuitry for optimal tone and transformer isolation to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops. Designed to replace a microphone, the JDX delivers greater consistency while eliminating concerns such as stage resonance, bleed from other instruments and problematic room acoustics which can play havoc on the tone.

Second, the Prodigy may be used as a load box where you can attenuate the output from 100% down to 50% or to 25% to drive your amp harder while keeping the volume down to a comfortable level. Finally, the prodigy can be used without a speaker cabinet for completely silent recording. This is particularly useful in small venues where the speaker cabinet on stage may conflict with the sound in the room. It is also great for silent recording where you want to take advantage of "high power" amp distortion without upsetting the neighbors.

In order to optimize the playing experience for in-ear monitors, a dual-band EQ lets you optimize bass and treble settings. Two additional 1/4" outputs enhance connectivity: The first is direct from the amp while the second is post-EQ - post-JDX. These are used to feed additional amplifiers or effects and adjusted using the front panel-level control. A second-level control is used to adjust the built-in headphone amplifier for silent practicing.

Housed in 14-gauge steel to help keep magnetic radiation at bay, the Headload Prodigy features a handy carry handle plus Radial's unique book-end design that creates a protective zone around the switches and controls. The internal I-beam construction adds tremendous rigidity, protecting the sensitive PC board from being torqued which could lead to solder joints going cold prematurely. One or two Prodigies may be rack-mounted into a single 19" rack space using an optional rack kit and power is supplied by an external 15VDC supply with a cable clamp to prevent accidental disconnection. Available in the 8 ohm model.
Radial Engineering Headload Prodigy Combination Load Box and DI 8 Ohm
Radial Engineering Headload Prodigy Combination Load Box and DI 8 Ohm
Radial Engineering Headload Prodigy Combination Load Box and DI 8 Ohm

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Load box with 100%, 50% and 25% silent attenuation
  • Lets you drive your amp hard for best tone
  • Custom-made, cement-encrusted ceramic-coated resisters 
  • Headphone variable control 
  • Line out variable control to adjust the level going to the unbalanced 1/4 in. JDX outputs
  • 2-band EQ so you can fine tune the tone of the JDX output
  • Lo-Z balanced mic level output used to feed the PA system, microphone, or recorder
  • Ground Lift lifts pin-1 on the XLR output to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops
  • Pre-JDX direct output sends unaffected direct signal from your amo to another stage am or effects pedal
  • 1/4 in. output to go to your amp, 1/4 in. input for your amp speaker's output
  • Class-A audio signal path for natural tone and optimal signal transfer
  • Mil-SPEC-PCB for noise-free performance with double-sided durability
  • I-Beam reinforced steel case with book-end design to protect it during transport and on stage
  • Cable clamp secures the DC adapter cable and prevents accidental power disconnect
  • Durable powdercoat finish, rackmountable
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Audio Circuit Type: Passive attenuation circuit with active equalization
  • Frequency response: Shaped to emulate a classic guitar cabinet
  • Gain: -30dB/-42dB
  • Noise floor: -106dBu
  • Maximum input: 130 watts continuous
  • Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
  • Intermodulation distortion: 0.05%
  • Input / output impedance: 4 ohm, 8 ohm, 16 ohm speaker load (model dependent)
  • Output level - max - 1KHz: +17dBu
  • Output level - max - 20Hz: +14dBu
  • Gain reduction: 100%, 50%, 25%, 0%
  • Equalization: Low EQ: +/- 9dB @ 80Hz
  • High EQ: +/- 9dB @ 6KHz
  • Headphone output: 400mW into 32 ohm
  • Unbalanced line out: Hi-Z 1/4", pre or post EQ
  • Balanced line out: 250 ohm post EQ
  • Ground lift: Disconnects pin-1 at the XLR input
  • Power: Radial +/-15V 400mA power supply
  • Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
  • Finish: Durable powder coat
  • Size: (L x W x H) 10.25" x 5,9" x 3.75" (260.3 x149.7 x 95.2mm)
  • Weight: 5.3lbs (2.4kg)
  • Shipping size: (L x W x H) 14.5" x 8.75" x 4.75" (368.3 x 222.2 x 120.7mm)
  • Shipping weight: 6.5lbs (2.9kg)
  • Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5C and 40C
  • Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable

collapse expand iconWarranty

90 day warranty on footswitch and tubes. One year warranty on all other products.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

5

2 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Best Uses

  1. Church Setting1
  2. Live1

Describe Yourself

  1. Professional Musician1

Pros

  1. Butter1
  2. Eliminates stage noise1
  3. Excellent Sound1
  4. Portable1
  5. Warm / Comfy1
  • Problem Solved

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byjm_menard

    fromLafayette, Louisiana

    I play for a church with a congregation of approximately 2,000 members. A few years back, we moved my cabinet into the greenroom to minimize stage noise/maximize tone, and left my head(Two-Rock Studio Pro-22w) on stage. This worked for a while; however, there were a lot of complaints about *LOUD NOISES* backstage. Several solutions where discussed, including building a sound proof box for my cab, as well as using a cheap preamp and eliminating my amp all together. Then we found this little gem. I was skeptical at first, and I struggled to find any success stories from guitarist that use this approach. We went for it, and boy am I a happy camper. MY TONE IS SO CLEAN. I kept my tone, and eliminated my cab. I'm actually considering getting one for myself for smaller venues.

  • Sounds great, provides functionality I needed.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byFrancois

    fromundisclosed

    My Mesa Express 5:25 amp is surprisingly loud when turned up to get good tone, even at 5 watt setting. I needed some way to be able to practice even when family is home, and also without damaging my ears. :) I would have liked to have more variable attenuation, but this device provides a 50% and 25% power output. The 50% attenuation is more than just taking the edge off, it lowers the volume dramatically. The tone is still quite good when attenuated. It's good enough that it's tough to notice a difference in tone vs the change in volume. Obviously it's going to feel different when the volume cranked and shaking the floor vs moderate listening volumes but the quality of the tone stays good. I also make use of it as a load box with the headphone out for late evening practice/playing. I love that I can use my normal setup (pedal board, pre-amp, etc) and practice just like it will be on stage. I've tried using Main Stage to practice and I didn't like the audio delay and difference in rig setup. The Headload allows me to dial in my pedals, amp settings, etc so I am comfortable with the settings when I need to use them. I haven't used the direct outs yet, nor have I used it live. Normally when playing live I put the guitar amp in a different room and use in-ears so volume doesn't really matter in that circumstance.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byGlenn

    fromClark, NJ

    Does this come with the Radial Power Supply?

    Does this come with the Radial Power Supply?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes