ART DualXDirect

Product overview

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

Each input signal is sent to a transformer isolated XLR output and a parallel Thru jack, so it can be connected to an amplifier on stage at the same time. Unique among ART DI boxes, XDirect models have both 1/4 inch TRS and XLR inputs: on the DualXDirect they are combo jacks. Front panel switches engage 30 dB of attenuation for high-level signals and a ground lift to reduce hum. The active circuitry runs on phantom power or for over 100 hours on a new 9 V battery. Simple and durable, the DualXDirect is a compact DI in a rugged aluminium enclosure with two independent channels and a streamlined feature set.

Key features

• 2 independent channels
• 1/4 inch TRS / XLR combo inputs, 470 kΩ
• 1/4 inch Thru connectors
• Balanced XLR outputs, < 600 Ω
• Switchable 30 dB attenuation and ground lift per channel
• Powered by 9 V battery (100+ hours) or phantom power

Clean active circuitry

The high impedance 1/4 inch and XLR inputs are buffered and converted by very low noise active electronics into an isolated, balanced, low impedance signal output. With an extremely flat and wide frequency response (10 Hz - 100 kHz) and the ability to handle high signal levels, ART describes the sound as very clean and neutral with a wide variety of sources and over long signal runs in high noise environments. Channel separation is better than 80 dB (typical).

Phantom power or battery

If phantom power is available, the DualXDirect draws its power automatically from the XLR outputs. Without phantom power, a 9 V battery runs it at less than 7.5 mA (alkaline recommended): push the Power switch in, and switch it off after use to maximise battery life. The Power switch lights more dimly on battery power, more brightly on phantom power and is off when the unit is inactive; a green LED shows power from Output 1 and a red LED power from Output 2.

Applications

ART names live sound, permanent / fixed installations, DJ use and virtually any PA application. Active DIs are often a great match for guitars and basses with passive pickups, or acoustic guitars with piezo pickups and no preamp.

In the box

• DualXDirect 2-channel active direct box

ART DualXDirect: frequently asked questions

How is the DualXDirect powered?

By phantom power (18 - 48 V, 6.5 mA per channel) through the XLR outputs, or by a 9 V battery (7.5 mA) for over 100 hours.

Can I connect XLR sources?

Yes. Both inputs are combo jacks that take a 1/4 inch TRS plug or an XLR connector.

How much attenuation does it offer?

Each channel has a 0 dB / -30 dB attenuator switch.

Where can I buy the ART DualXDirect in India?

The ART DualXDirect 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. Switch on phantom power at the mixer.
2. Set both attenuators the same way.

Tip: Phantom power is drawn automatically: no need to press the Power switch.

Workflow 2: Two acoustic instruments on one box

Duos with piezo-equipped acoustic instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect each instrument to its input.
2. Use the ground lifts if hum is heard.

Tip: Active DIs suit acoustic guitars with piezo pickups and no preamp.

Workflow 3: Bass and guitar with stage amplifiers

Bands sending instruments to both amplifiers and the PA.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the Thru jacks to the amplifiers.
2. Send the XLR outputs to the stage box.

Tip: Each channel works independently.

Workflow 4: Hot line level sources

DJs and venues feeding high-level outputs to a mixer.

Connections

Setup

1. Engage -30 dB on both channels.
2. Set levels at the console.

Tip: The attenuator accommodates high-level signals.

Workflow 5: Battery operation

Small systems without phantom power.

Connections

Setup

1. Push the Power switch in: it lights dimly on battery power.
2. Switch it off after use.

Tip: A new 9 V battery lasts for more than 100 hours.

Workflow 6: XLR sources that need isolation

Installers connecting sources on XLR connectors.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug the XLR source into the combo jack.
2. Lift the ground if ground-loop noise is present.

Tip: The ground lift separates the input and output signal grounds.