Radial Engineering Radial Workhorse Cube Desktop Power Rack
Three-slot 500-series lunchbox designed for desktop use or mobile recording. Link switches, Omniport connectivity, and transparent power delivery make it the thinking person's API lunchbox - minus the clunky rack mount.
Critics
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Perfect 100/100 from Guitar Center user who praised the size as "just right for a single input channel"
- +Link switches enable paired or three-channel operation for stereo workflows
- +Omniport jacks provide module-specific functionality (key inputs, insert loops, etc.) beyond standard I/O
- +Sound on Sound: "design and build-quality are top-notch" with "absolutely transparent" sound
- +Desktop form factor with carry handle enables positioning preamps close to source for better S/N ratio
Cons
- −No guide rails like the full Workhorse rack (though less critical with only 3 slots)
- −500mA shared current may limit headroom with power-hungry modules
- −Global 48V phantom switch can be confusing - disables phantom for all modules simultaneously
- −At $420, it's premium pricing compared to basic API lunchboxes
The Verdict
That lone Guitar Center review giving 100/100 is backed by unanimous professional praise. Tape Op confirms: “design and build-quality are top-notch” with zero noise or power issues across all Radial Workhorse variants. The Cube’s killer feature is the Link function – enabling three-channel operation by activating both Link switches, something even the full Workhorse can’t do. Sweetwater users call it a “no-brainer” for portability, and the module feed switching is “just plain smart.” Yes, it’s expensive for three slots, but this isn’t a passive lunchbox. It’s an engineered solution for mobile recording and desktop workflows. Legendary gear deserves legendary support.
