ART dPDB

Product overview

The ART dPDB is a two-channel passive direct box for connecting unbalanced instrument, line or speaker signals to balanced inputs.

Each input signal is sent to a balanced, transformer isolated XLR output and a parallel Thru jack, so it can be connected to an amplifier on stage at the same time. Both channels feature ground lift switches to help eliminate hum, and up to 40 dB of attenuation. As a fully passive design, the dPDB needs no external power source; passive DIs are often a great match for powered sources such as synthesisers or guitars and basses with active preamps. The dPDB provides a high-fidelity connection to a mixer, PA system or audio interface, with two independent channels in a stage-proof steel enclosure.

Key features

• 2 independent channels
• 1/4 inch TS inputs and Thru connectors, 50 kΩ
• Balanced XLR outputs, transformer isolated, 600 Ω
• Switchable attenuation (0 dB, -20 dB, -40 dB) per channel
• Switchable ground lift per channel
• Passive design: no power required
• Rugged steel case

A dual PDB

ART describes the dPDB as a dual version of its PDB: a rock solid, roadworthy DI box that connects the outputs of electronic musical instruments (or other audio sources) to the balanced inputs of mixing consoles, and lets a music source feed an instrument amplifier while it is patched to a mixer. It matches the signal level and impedance with unity gain, without any adverse effects on the source signal, and its two channels give stereo output capability for keyboards or guitars.

Attenuation and ground lift

Each channel's attenuator selects 0 dB for electric guitar and bass pickups, -20 dB for line level signals such as keyboards and CD players, and -40 dB for speaker feeds. A switchable ground lift per channel helps eliminate hum caused by ground loops.

Applications

ART's owner's manual lists electric guitar and bass pickups, keyboards and line level signals (including the output of an instrument amplifier shared by several keyboards), unbalanced -10 dB DJ console outputs that need long cable runs, and speaker level signals from a power amplifier, so a particular effect or amplifier sound can be sent directly to the mix.

In the box

• dPDB 2-channel passive direct box

ART dPDB: frequently asked questions

Does the dPDB need power?

No. It is a fully passive design and needs no external power source.

Can I use it for a stereo keyboard?

Yes. ART names stereo applications such as keyboards or guitars; each of the two channels has its own input, thru, attenuator, ground lift and XLR output.

Which attenuator setting should I use?

ART suggests 0 dB for pickups, -20 dB for line level and -40 dB for amplifier or speaker level signals.

Where can I buy the ART dPDB in India?

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

Workflow 1: Stereo keyboard into the PA

Keyboard players with left and right outputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Set both attenuators to -20 dB for line level.
2. Use the ground lifts if hum is heard.

Tip: The dPDB balances and matches the line level outputs of modern electronic keyboards.

Workflow 2: Guitar and bass from one box

Duos and bands sending two instruments to the PA.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuators to 0 dB for pickups.
2. Connect the Thru jacks to the amplifiers.

Tip: Passive DIs suit instruments with active preamps.

Workflow 3: DJ mixer to the house console

Venues with an unbalanced DJ mixer output.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuators to 0 dB or -20 dB.
2. Run balanced cables to the console.

Tip: The dPDB converts an unbalanced -10 dB signal to a balanced line level signal for long cable runs.

Workflow 4: Stereo amplifier sound to the mix

Engineers capturing a post-amplifier, post EQ and effects signal.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuators to -40 dB (amp level).
2. Bring both channels up on the console.

Tip: A particular effect or amplifier sound can be sent directly to the mix.

Workflow 5: Several keyboards through one amplifier

Players with multiple keyboards in a single instrument amplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Send the amplifier's output to the dPDB.
2. Set the attenuator to -40 dB.

Tip: This replaces a separate DI box for each keyboard.

Workflow 6: Synthesiser into an audio interface

Home and project studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the attenuator for the source level.
2. Use the ground lifts against ground loop hum.

Tip: The transformer isolated outputs give a high-fidelity connection.