TEST: Radial Engineering Voco-Loco

 As a guitarist, you know the problem. Although many music-loving listeners describe the guitar as a more or less cool instrument, you sometimes get a rather disparaging assessment from fellow musicians. While everything that comes from the piano area generally considers guitarists to be cavemen with only a little knowledge of harmonic theory, and singers generally see the function of a guitarist as only accompanying their glory, there is one area that all instrumentalists envy guitarists. We are talking about the sheer gigantic selection of floor pedals for finding and defining your personal sound, which most instrumentalists have no access to due to technical adjustment problems. This is where the Canadian company Radial Engineering comes into play, which once again wants to remedy this problem with a rather unspectacular but extremely useful tool and introduces the Radial Engineering Vocoloco.

The concept of the Radial Engineering Vocoloco

Whenever you have to deal with switches, switchers, impedance converters and DI boxes in the professional field, sooner or later you will come across the company Radial Engineering. The Canadian company, which also has its products manufactured in Canada, generally impresses with very good workmanship and sometimes absurdly simple solutions to technical problems that would otherwise make you want to tear your hair out. In addition, Radial Engineering builds its products to last forever, which means that each product is extremely solid, including the Radial Engineering Vocoloco we tested, whose steel housing weighs almost a kilogram despite its small dimensions of 14.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 5 cm (W x D x H). If you do not attach the Radial Engineering Vocoloco to a floorboard, the product comes with 4 adhesive rubber feet, which offer comparatively good adhesion even on smooth surfaces.

According to the product description, the Radial Engineering Vocoloco is an effects switcher with a built-in microphone preamp, which in my opinion only gives a very marginal indication of the product's capabilities. Rather, the product allows the consistently symmetrical microphone signal to be connected, in whatever form, with the consistently asymmetrical pedals from the guitar-bass area in a common signal chain. It is therefore obvious that impedance conversions must also be used here in order to be able to merge the two worlds of signal routing.

The Radial Engineering Vocoloco must essentially be divided into two areas, which are also visually separated from one another on the top of the housing. On the one hand, there is the microphone preamp, which has a gain control, a bass control and a treble control and, as expected, takes care of the signal from the fed-in microphone. The other area, on the other hand, takes care of the loop function, where the respective pedals are looped in. Here you can separately regulate how much signal strength is output to the effect pedals and how strong the level is that comes back from the devices. There is also a tone control to slightly influence the timbre of the effects and there is also a mix control to adjust the proportion between the effect signal and the dry signal.

Using two foot switches, you can activate or deactivate the effect loop for the pedals separately and there is a mute switch with which you can mute the entire signal chain. This is very useful during breaks in playing, for example. Using a recessed push button, you can also convert the mute switch into an "all wet" switch. To operate the Radial Engineering Vocoloco, Radial Engineering supplies an external power supply. The big advantage of this power supply is the variable attachment of different plugs, so that the product can be used worldwide. The disadvantage of this power supply is its values. With a voltage output of 15 volts direct current at 400 mA, the power supply uses very unusual values, which means that you probably won't be able to operate the Radial Engineering Vocoloco without the power supply supplied. I don't know of any power supply for guitars that has 15 volts. So remember, never lose this power supply, otherwise it won't work.

The strain relief for the power cable, which is placed above the power socket, is also somewhat unusual. As is usual with Radial Engineer, even this small plastic tab is very solid and will probably never break during its service life. The disadvantage, however, is that this tab is so solid that I could not move it forward, let alone to the side, to place the power cable underneath; instead, you have to use a special Allen key to loosen the bracket, place the cable and screw the bracket back on. On the one hand, this is a very durable solution, on the other hand, perhaps a touch over the top in terms of practicality.

There are also three more recessed push buttons on the front of the housing, which can be used to switch various functions. Firstly, we have the phantom power of 48 volts, the activation of which is indicated again by a red LED on the top of the housing.

There is also a ground lift switch on the front and a 180 degree phase switch. Anyone wondering why this product has a phase switch should be aware that many guitar effect manufacturers don't give a damn about phase fidelity, as it is simply not necessary to think about it in terms of sound when it comes to guitars. However, when it comes to microphones, incorrect phase position can lead to the notorious mid-range cancellations, which make the sound sound horrible or even thin. This switch can potentially eliminate this problem. Once again, such small details show how much Radial Engineering thinks about signal routing down to the last detail.

Finally, the Vocoloco also offers a microphone in and microphone out, symmetrical of course, and an asymmetrical effects loop with corresponding jack sockets. The included English-language manual is also very nice, showing the most important functions of the respective control elements down to practical examples of how to best use the Radial Engineering Vocoloco. Interestingly, the operating instructions are only in English. For a Canadian manufacturer, I would have thought that a further version in French would be included with the product.

The Radial Engineering Vocoloco in practice

Although most users imagine using the Radial Engineering Vocoloco in conjunction with a vocal microphone, one should always keep in mind that the product can be particularly useful when using wind instruments or a harmonica, for example. Ultimately, any instrument that is picked up with a microphone can benefit from the system. I still remember very well how Stewart Copeland, drummer for the band The Police, sent his drum rhythms through delay pedals in his early days to generate a spatial effect at live concerts. I can vividly imagine what an effort it must have been at the time to adapt the microphone signals to the corresponding guitar effects.

Otherwise, there is almost nothing to say about the practical part of the Radial Engineering Vocoloco, except that the product works excellently, has no background noise, has no structural problems and does exactly what it was built for, and in the best quality. The preamp can of course only set subtle nuances when it comes to the filter range and the tone control of the effects loop is more or less a nice little extra, but the concept of the pedal is extremely convincing and in my opinion will definitely find its buyers and real fans.

I have heard here and there that some users would have liked an internally installed compressor. Of course this would have been possible, but I think it makes more sense to use a compressor from the pedal range and simply feed it into the signal chain. Personally, I would start by putting together a so-called bread and butter setup, consisting of a compressor, a modulation pedal, a reverb, an echo and, depending on your taste, an overdrive. You should be careful with overdrive; a little distortion is a good thing, but as soon as you get into real distortion, not only does the background noise increase massively, but the risk of feedback is also increased accordingly. But here too, whatever you like is allowed and there is no limit. Of course, you should always keep in mind that there are probably hundreds of thousands of effect pedals now, all of which sound slightly different, so the variety of sounds that the Radial Engineering Vocoloco opens up is almost unlimited.

Conclusion

With the Radial Engineering Vocoloco, the Canadian manufacturer has a product in its portfolio that opens up the gigantic world of guitar pedals to every microphone signal. The concept of merging a symmetrical microphone signal with an asymmetrical guitar pedal is implemented in the highest quality with an excellent concept.

A real asset for every musician who wants to enrich their signal with effects. Definitely give it a try!

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Additional Informations:

Radial Engineering is a prominent name in the pro audio industry, known for its innovative and high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1991, the Canadian company has carved a niche for itself by focusing on durability, performance, and reliability, catering to both live sound and studio environments. Radial's product lineup includes direct boxes (DI boxes), audio splitters, reampers, switchers, preamps, and other essential tools that have become staples in the toolkit of sound engineers, musicians, and recording professionals.

## History and Evolution

### Founding and Early Years

Radial Engineering was established by Peter Janis in Vancouver, British Columbia. Initially, the company operated under the umbrella of JP Cabletek Electronics Ltd., a distributor of professional audio equipment. Radial began as an OEM manufacturer, producing equipment for other brands. However, recognizing the potential for high-quality, innovative products, Janis decided to launch Radial as its own brand.

### Innovation and Growth

The turning point for Radial came with the introduction of the JDI direct box in 1996. The JDI was one of the first passive direct boxes to use a Jensen transformer, which provided superior audio quality and noise rejection. This product set the standard for direct boxes and established Radial as a leader in the industry. The JDI’s success was followed by the JDV, an active direct box that further cemented Radial’s reputation for innovation and excellence.

## Product Lineup

Radial Engineering’s product range is extensive, addressing various needs in live sound, recording studios, and broadcast environments. Below are some of their flagship products and categories:

### Direct Boxes

1. **JDI**: The Jensen-transformer equipped JDI is revered for its pristine sound quality, high headroom, and exceptional noise rejection, making it a go-to choice for both live and studio applications.
   
2. **JDV**: An active direct box that offers unparalleled performance with its Class-A circuitry, the JDV is designed to handle high-output instruments without distortion, providing a transparent and dynamic sound.

3. **PRO DI Series**: The Pro DI series offers affordable yet reliable options for musicians and sound engineers, featuring rugged construction and clear sound.

### Reampers

1. **X-Amp**: This active reamper allows engineers to take a pre-recorded signal and send it to an amplifier, enabling experimentation with different amp and effect settings during mixing.
   
2. **ProRMP**: A passive reamper that provides an easy and cost-effective way to reamp guitar tracks, preserving the original tone and character.

### Switchers and Splitters

1. **BigShot ABY**: A passive switcher that allows users to switch between two amplifiers or run both simultaneously without introducing noise or signal degradation.
   
2. **Twin-Iso**: A stereo isolator and line splitter designed to eliminate ground loop hum and balance signals, essential for complex setups.

### Preamps and Interfaces

1. **PowerPre**: A high-performance microphone preamp that delivers pristine audio quality with low noise and high gain, suitable for a wide range of recording applications.
   
2. **Vocal Studio V2**: A compact and versatile vocal recording interface that combines a high-quality preamp with essential features like monitoring and headphone amplification.

### Pedals and Effects

Radial also produces a range of guitar pedals and effects units, including distortion pedals, loopers, and signal buffers, all designed to deliver superior sound and reliability.

## Technology and Innovation

### Transformer Design

One of Radial Engineering’s key innovations lies in its use of high-quality transformers, particularly those made by Jensen. These transformers are renowned for their ability to preserve signal integrity, provide excellent isolation, and eliminate noise. Radial’s meticulous approach to transformer design and implementation ensures that their products deliver the best possible audio performance.

### Durability and Build Quality

Radial products are known for their rugged construction, making them ideal for the rigors of live performance and touring. The company uses heavy-duty steel chassis, high-quality components, and thorough testing to ensure that their gear can withstand the demands of professional use.

### User-Centric Design

Radial places a strong emphasis on user-centric design, creating products that are intuitive and easy to use. This focus on usability is evident in features like clearly labeled controls, robust connectivity options, and practical form factors that fit seamlessly into various audio setups.

## Impact on the Pro Audio Industry

Radial Engineering has had a profound impact on the pro audio industry, setting new standards for quality and performance. Their products are trusted by top touring acts, recording studios, and broadcast professionals worldwide. The company’s commitment to innovation has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in audio technology, inspiring other manufacturers to elevate their standards.

### Influential Users and Endorsements

Many renowned musicians and sound engineers endorse Radial products, including artists like John Mayer, who praises the JDI for its transparent sound, and legendary producer Bob Rock, who relies on Radial gear in the studio. These endorsements highlight the trust and respect Radial has earned within the industry.

### Educational Contributions

Radial Engineering also contributes to the education of future audio professionals by providing resources and support to audio engineering schools and programs. Their commitment to education ensures that the next generation of sound engineers and musicians are well-equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

## Environmental and Social Responsibility

Radial Engineering is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company strives to minimize its environmental impact through responsible manufacturing practices and the use of eco-friendly materials. Additionally, Radial supports various charitable initiatives and community programs, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realm of audio technology.

## Conclusion

Radial Engineering’s legacy is built on a foundation of innovation, quality, and reliability. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the pro audio industry, Radial has consistently delivered products that meet the needs of professionals across the globe. Their commitment to excellence, user-centric design, and sustainable practices ensures that Radial will continue to be a driving force in audio technology for years to come. Whether in a live concert, a high-stakes recording session, or a broadcast environment, Radial’s products empower audio professionals to achieve the best possible sound, making them an indispensable part of the pro audio landscape.