ART PDB

Product overview

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

The 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. A switchable ground lift helps eliminate hum, and switchable attenuation offers up to 40 dB of gain reduction. As a fully passive design, the PDB 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. Packed into a stage-proof steel enclosure, the PDB provides a high-fidelity connection to a mixer, PA system or audio interface.

Key features

• 1/4 inch TS input and Thru connectors
• Balanced XLR output, transformer isolated
• Switchable attenuation (0 dB, -20 dB, -40 dB)
• Switchable ground lift
• Passive design: no power required
• Rugged steel case

Signal path

The unbalanced 50 kΩ input feeds a transformer that delivers a balanced 600 Ω signal at the XLR output (pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold). The PDB matches the signal level and impedance with unity gain, without any adverse effects on the source signal. The parallel In / Thru jack lets the signal go directly to an amplifier without a separate preamplifier.

Attenuation and ground lift

The three-position 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 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

• PDB passive direct box

ART PDB: frequently asked questions

Does the PDB need batteries or phantom power?

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

Which attenuator setting should I use?

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

Can I still use my stage amplifier?

Yes. The parallel 1/4 inch Thru jack sends the input signal to an amplifier while the XLR output feeds the mixer.

Where can I buy the ART PDB in India?

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

Workflow 1: Bass guitar to the mixer and the stage amplifier

Bass players and engineers on stage.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuator to 0 dB.
2. Connect the Thru jack to the amplifier and the XLR output to the mixer.

Tip: Passive DIs suit guitars and basses with active preamps.

Workflow 2: Keyboard or synthesiser into the PA

Keyboard players and bands.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuator to -20 dB for line level.
2. Use the ground lift if hum is heard.

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

Workflow 3: Several keyboards through one amplifier

Players who route multiple keyboards into one instrument amplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Send the amplifier's output to the PDB.
2. Set the attenuator to -40 dB (amp level).

Tip: One PDB replaces a separate DI box for each keyboard.

Workflow 4: DJ mixer over a long cable run

DJs and venues with an unbalanced DJ mixer output.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuator to 0 dB or -20 dB.
2. Run a balanced XLR cable to the console.

Tip: The balanced output gives the capability to run long cables.

Workflow 5: Miking an amplifier sound directly

Engineers who want a post-amplifier, post EQ and effects signal in the mix.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuator to -40 dB (amp level).
2. Bring the XLR output up on the console.

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

Workflow 6: Instrument into an audio interface

Home and project studios recording synthesisers or active basses.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: The transformer isolated output gives a high-fidelity connection.