L R Baggs is one of the world's most respected makers of pick-ups and pre-amps and the Radius pick-up is a superb solution to the tricky problem of high-quality amplification for mandolins.
Designed for easy mounting without any need to drill into your mandolin (although you can fit the Radius internally with a drilled jack-socket if you prefer), this little unit will give you superb results on small high-voiced instruments including mandolins and violins.
At the heart of the transducer 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 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 frequency 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.
