LR Baggs Radius-M Mandolin Pickup with External Jack Mount

Overview

 

The Radius Mandolin pickup is a hi-tech contact sensor that installs in minutes. It is a passive accelerometer-based pickup that emulates the sound of a mic without the instability associated with microphones. At the heart of the pick-up is a highly flexible beam with a .004” thin film sensor, similar to mic diaphragm material, attached to its surface. The beam is held in equilibrium and damped by another LR Baggs innovation—opposing Neodymium magnets. The Radius-M can be mounted to the outside surface of the instrument with a removable, non-destructive adhesive or to the inside with VHB adhesive. An external preamp is recommended.

 

Features

 

• Radius pick-up

• Mounting putty

• Clear adhesive pads

• Permanent VHB adhesive pads

• External jack mount

• Self stick wire clips for internal installations

 

Developed primarily by Bo Radis, transducer department manager, with an assist by Micah Marquet the Radius pick-up is a small wonder. It was developed primarily for the mandolin but may be used successfully on many other smaller high voiced instruments, including the violin.

 

At the heart of the transducer is a highly flexible beam with a .004" thin film sensor, similar to mic diaphragm material, attached to it's surface. The beam is held in equilibrium and damped by another LR Baggs innovation - opposing Neodymium magnets. The sensor floats between the magnets and is not bogged down in viscous fluid or clamped between elastomeric pads, so it is completely free to respond instantly to the smallest nuance without artifact or coloration. Also, the magnets are tuned to progressively damp the sensor and respond naturally to the dynamics of the instrument.

 

The frequnecy response is linear, silky smooth and accurate with an astonishing natural and effortless sound. Unlike most soundboard transducers, the Radius is also very tolerant to placement and works well in a variety of locations. The output of the device is quite strong which allows passive use with a normal length cord without a preamp into most acoustic amps. The case is injection molded of a non-resonant conductive ABS material developed in collaboration with a respected plastics manufacturer. The CAD designed case acts like a vault for the transducer insuring ultra quiet operation.

 

The Radius may be mounted to the outside surface of the instrument with a removable, non-destructive adhesive or to the inside with VHB adhesive. The Radius "kit" includes adhesive, 1 1/4" stereo jack and a side mount jack holder to enable internal or external mounting. The list price is $189 (including jack) and is now available.