ART AV Direct

Product overview

The ART AV Direct is a passive multi-input direct box that connects virtually any analogue audio source to a mixer or PA system without added noise or signal loss.

It offers 1/4 inch TRS, 1/8 inch TRS and stereo RCA inputs for line level sources, and both a 1/4 inch jack and pressure clip connectors for speaker level sources. A ground lift and a high-frequency filter on the front panel reduce buzzes and hums, and the balanced XLR output is isolated by a transformer. The passive circuitry needs no batteries or external power supply, the metal enclosure gives durable protection and the compact footprint fits easily into almost any space. Whether the source is a CD or DVD player, phono preamp, computer or mobile device, the AV Direct delivers clear audio to the sound system.

Key features

• 1/4 inch TRS, 1/8 inch TRS and stereo RCA line level inputs
• 1/4 inch and pressure clip speaker level inputs
• Transformer isolated XLR output, balanced, 150 Ω
• Level control for setting the volume at the source
• 4.8 kHz high-frequency filter
• Ground lift
• 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
• Passive design: no power required

Line and speaker level inputs

The rear panel groups the line level inputs (left and right RCA, a 1/8 inch TRS mini jack and a 1/4 inch TRS jack; stereo inputs are summed to mono) and the speaker level inputs (pressure clip posts for bare wire and a 1/4 inch mono input). The speaker level inputs are heavily padded and isolated from the XLR output by the transformer, so amplified speaker levels up to 100 W at 8 Ω can be tapped off and sent to a microphone level input.

Noise control

A switchable 4.8 kHz high-cut filter, a ground lift switch and the transformer isolated output let the AV Direct filter out unwanted noise. The frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 1 dB) lets it work with any high quality audio source.

Level at the source

ART designed the variable level control for setting the volume of a component at the source, rather than in an AV room, audio closet or installation rack. The XLR output is a mic level, 150 Ω source for a single microphone input.

In the box

• AV Direct multi-input direct box

ART AV Direct: frequently asked questions

Does the AV Direct need power?

No. It is a passive design and needs no batteries or external power supply.

Which sources can I connect?

Line level sources on 1/4 inch TRS, 1/8 inch TRS or stereo RCA, and speaker level sources on a 1/4 inch jack or the pressure clip posts. ART names CD and DVD players, phono preamps, computers and mobile devices.

Can I connect an amplifier's speaker output?

Yes. The speaker level inputs accept up to 100 W rated at 8 Ω.

What does the filter do?

It is a switchable 4.8 kHz high-cut filter that helps reduce buzzes, hums and other unwanted noise.

Where can I buy the ART AV Direct in India?

The ART AV Direct is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Laptop or mobile device into a PA system

Presenters, venues and events playing audio from a computer or mobile device.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the source to the 1/8 inch TRS input.
2. Connect the XLR output to a microphone input.
3. Set the level with the Level Pad control.

Tip: Stereo inputs are summed to mono at the XLR output.

Workflow 2: CD or DVD player in an installation

Installations, AV rooms and houses of worship with consumer playback equipment.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect both RCA outputs of the player.
2. Set the playback volume at the source with the Level control.

Tip: ART designed the level control so the volume is set at the source, not in the AV room or rack.

Workflow 3: Tapping an amplifier's speaker output

Sound systems that need a feed from a power amplifier output.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the speaker wires to the pressure clips or a 1/4 inch speaker cable to the mono input.
2. Start with the Level control low and raise it as needed.

Tip: The speaker level inputs accept up to 100 W rated at 8 Ω.

Workflow 4: Phono preamp into a mixer

DJs and venues playing vinyl through a phono preamp.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the preamp to the RCA inputs.
2. Set the level and use the ground lift if hum is heard.

Tip: The transformer isolated output helps reduce buzzes and hums.

Workflow 5: Line source on a 1/4 inch cable

Keyboards, playback devices and line level outputs on 1/4 inch jacks.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the 1/4 inch line output.
2. Set the level and route the XLR output to the mixer.

Tip: The balanced XLR output is a 150 Ω mic level source.

Workflow 6: Removing high-frequency noise

Operators hearing hiss or high-frequency interference from a source.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch the Filter from Flat to High Cut.
2. Use the Ground switch (Lift) if hum is present.

Tip: The filter is a 4.8 kHz high cut.