The Sanctuary Perspective

The Radial AC Driver is a compact, acoustic instrument preamp and direct box engineered to deliver pristine Class-A audio clarity and instant feedback control on stage. Designed for acoustic guitars, stand-up basses, violins, and mandolins, the AC Driver combines a high-performance acoustic line driver with essential tone-shaping controls in a stage-ready footprint. Whether you need to buffer a long cable run, notch out stage boominess, or feed clean balanced signal directly to the front-of-house PA system, the AC Driver delivers studio-grade transparency in a simple, intuitive layout.

Product Intelligence & Signal Profile

• Best For: Performing Acoustic Guitarists, Mandolin & Fiddle Players, Stand-Up Bassists, Compact Pedalboard Rigs, and Direct Stage Setup.
• Sound Character: Ultra-clean, linear, and dynamic Class-A tone preservation with zero active coloration, extended frequency bandwidth, and dead-quiet operation.
• Compared To: Provides a significantly smaller footprint and streamlined control set compared to the dual-channel PZ-Pre or PZ-Pro, focusing strictly on single-instrument Class-A buffering, notch filtering, and direct XLR output.
• Sanctuary Expert Note: "The AC Driver is the ideal solution when you want world-class Radial preamp quality and feedback protection without taking up precious real estate on your pedalboard. Plug in, dial out the offending feedback notch frequency, and hand FOH a pristine balanced feed."

Key Features & Stage Engineering Highlights

• 100% Discrete Class-A Circuitry: Preserves the natural acoustic resonance and dynamic attack of your instrument's pickup without harshness or tone degradation.
• Sweepable Variable Notch Filter: Target and eliminate problem feedback frequencies from 10Hz to 300Hz instantly without sacrificing overall tonal warmth.
• High-Pass Filter (Low-Cut): Roll off muddy low-end frequencies and stage rumble to keep your acoustic tone tight and articulate in high-volume stage mixes.
• Balanced XLR Direct Output & 1/4" Amp Output: Drive a balanced low-impedance feed directly to the venue's PA system while simultaneously routing a signal to your stage acoustic amplifier.
• Mute Footswitch & Dedicated Tuner Out: Silence your stage signal for silent tuning adjustments or seamless instrument swaps mid-set.
• 14-Gauge Steel Chassis: Enclosed in Radial’s legendary roadworthy steel housing to handle decades of touring and gigging abuse.

Technical Specifications

• Audio Circuit Type: Discrete Class-A FET Preamp
• Number of Channels: 1 (Mono)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (± 1dB)
• Dynamic Range: 105dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.005% @ 1kHz
• Input Impedance: 6.8kΩ
• Output Impedance: 1kΩ Balanced XLR / 1kΩ Unbalanced 1/4"
• Notch Filter: Variable Sweep from 10Hz to 300Hz
• High-Pass Filter: Flat to 300Hz Low-Cut Roll-off
• Phase Switch: 180° Polarity Reverse
• Switches: Mute, Phase Invert, Ground Lift
• Connections: 1 x 1/4" Instrument Input, 1 x 1/4" Stage Amp Output, 1 x 1/4" Always-On Tuner Out, 1 x Balanced XLR Output
• Power Requirement: 9VDC Center Negative (Adapter or Power Supply Included)
• Chassis: 14-Gauge Heavy Duty Steel

Specifications Audio circuit type: Class-A FET Dynamic range: +107dBu Input Impedance: 10 MΩ Output Impedance: 4.4kΩ Noise: -97dBu Maximum Input: +10dBu Features 180° polarity reverse, Ground lift, Level Control Input Connectors: 1/4" Output Connectors: 1/4", XLR General Construction: 14-gauge steel chassis Size (L x W x D): 4.75" x 3.75" x 1.75" (12.06 x 9.5 x 4.5cm) Weight: 1.4lbs (0.63kg) Shipping size (L x W x D): 6.25" x 4.25" x 3" (15.8 x 10.8 x 7.6cm) Shipping weight: 1.7lbs (0.77kg) Power: 40mA, 9VDC (center pin negative) Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable