Description

Radial Engineering LX-3 is a high-quality balanced line splitter, designed to split and send an audio signal to up to three destinations. Fully passive, it requires no power and activates as soon as it is connected, sending audio signals wherever 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 circuit for incredible durability

Neutral audio split without coloration

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 handling, and low distortion, ensuring the best possible audio quality. It features two isolated outputs to eliminate hum and noise caused by ground loops, in addition to a third direct output. All three XLR outputs have ground lift switches for further noise suppression, and a selectable -12dB input pad allows even the most powerful line signals to be connected without overload or distortion issues. The LX-3's input is via an XLR/TRS combo jack connector, 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, the LX-3 is rugged and withstands years of touring thanks to its 14-gauge steel construction. The book-end design protects connectors and switches even in the toughest applications, and the internal I-beam frame prevents any twisting, preventing damage to circuits and solder joints. The LX-3 can be rack-mounted in a Radial J-Rak™, which can house up to 8 devices or a combination of LX-3 and other compatible Radial DI Boxes, for a simplified and tidy setup. Typical applications include splitting signals in the studio for sending to multiple effects, feeding multiple recording devices from a console output, or splitting a signal on a stage to different monitors or headphone mixers.

LX-3™ - Applications

Send a mono signal to multiple headphone mixes

With the LX-3, you can split the metronome click without signal loss, 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 effect units to have various intervention possibilities at hand.

Split the mono signal from a console to multiple devices

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

LX-3™ Technical Specifications

    
• Audio circuit type: passive, transformer-based
    
• Transformer: Jensen JT-123-FLPCH
    
• Number of channels: 1 input, 3 outputs
    
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz +/-0.5 dB
    
• Dynamic range: 140 dB
    
• Gain: -1.5 dBu
    
• Phase deviation: +0.6° at 20 Hz
    
• Input impedance: 712Ω
    
• Output impedance: 112Ω
    
• Common mode rejection ratio: 105 dB at 60 Hz, 70 dB at 3 kHz
    
• Noise level: -120 dBu
    
• Maximum input: +20dBu

Features

    
• Input pad, ground lift
    
• Input connectors: Combo XLR / 1/4"
    
• Output connectors: Isolated and direct XLR

General

    
• Construction: 14-gauge steel
    
• Dimensions (L x W x D): 84 mm x 127 mm x 48 mm (3.3 x 5 x 2 inches)
    
• Weight: 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs)
    
• Power: passive, no power required
    
• Conditions for use: dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C

Using the LX-3™

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

Connections

Before making connections, ensure that the audio system is turned off and all volume controls are turned down to prevent connection transients from damaging speakers or other sensitive components. The LX-3 is completely passive: it operates without power. The LX-3 has an XLR/TRS combo input connector wired to the AES standard: pin-1 ground - pin-2 positive (+), pin 3 negative (-). You can connect balanced or unbalanced inputs to the LX-3; the signals from 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 the LX-3, the PAD switch allows you to decrease the signal by -12dB to prevent distortion on the 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 allows you to achieve this.

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

    
• Remove the four screws securing the LX-3 cover with an Allen key.
    
• Slide off the cover and locate the internal jumper, as shown in the picture below.
    
• Move the jumper to connect pins 2 and 3: this way, the THRU output bypasses the PAD.

Using the Ground lift

When connecting two or more powered devices, hum and noise caused by ground loops can occur. The isolated output on the LX-3 has a Jensen® transformer in the signal path, which blocks DC current and breaks the ground loop. However, the direct output is connected directly through the LX-3's input, and it may be necessary to activate the 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 reduction of noise caused by ground loops.

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