ART PDB4

Product overview

The ART PDB4 is a four-channel passive DI in a 1U rackmount format, ideal for connecting multiple 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. All channels feature a switchable ground lift to help eliminate hum, and switchable attenuation with up to 40 dB of gain reduction to handle high signal levels. As a fully passive design, the PDB4 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.

Key features

• 4 independent channels
• 1/4 inch TS inputs and Thru connectors, 50 kΩ
• Transformer isolated balanced XLR outputs, 600 Ω
• Switchable ground lift per channel
• Switchable attenuation (0 dB, -20 dB, -40 dB) per channel
• Passive design: no power required
• 1U rackmount enclosure

Four isolated direct boxes in one rack space

The PDB4 combines four quality, fully transformer isolated direct boxes in a 1U, 19 inch rack mount chassis. Inputs and outputs of each channel are isolated to maximise channel separation, and transformer isolation on each output helps eliminate system ground loops. ART describes it as a rock solid, roadworthy interface for connecting the outputs of electronic musical instruments (or other audio sources) to the balanced inputs of mixing consoles and other balanced audio products.

Front and rear panels

The front panel carries the Input, In / Thru and three-position Attenuator for each of the four channels. The rear panel carries the Ground Lift switch and the XLR male output for each channel.

Applications

ART's user's guide names electric guitar and bass pickups (attenuator 0 dB), keyboards and line level signals (-20 dB line, -40 dB amp level; a shared keyboard amplifier output can replace individual direct boxes), unbalanced -10 dB DJ console outputs (0 dB or -20 dB) and speaker level signals from a power amplifier (-40 dB), so post-amplifier, post EQ and effects signals can be fed directly to the console.

In the box

• PDB4 four-channel passive rackmount DI

ART PDB4: frequently asked questions

Does the PDB4 need power?

No. It is a fully passive design; the official power requirement is N/A.

Are the four channels independent?

Yes. Each channel has its own input, thru jack, attenuator, ground lift and transformer isolated XLR output.

How much rack space does it take?

One rack unit: 4.4 x 48.3 x 15.2 cm (H x W x D), 2.95 kg.

Where can I buy the ART PDB4 in India?

The ART PDB4 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Keyboard rig in a stage rack

Keyboard players with several instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Set each attenuator to -20 dB for line level.
2. Mount the PDB4 in a 1U rack space.

Tip: Use a channel's ground lift if hum is heard.

Workflow 2: Guitar and bass DI with stage amplifiers

Bands sending instruments to both amplifiers and the PA.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the attenuator to 0 dB for pickups.
2. Connect the Thru jack to the amplifier.

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

Workflow 3: DJ mixer outputs to the house console

Venues with DJ mixers far from the console.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: The PDB4 converts an unbalanced -10 dB signal to a balanced line level signal.

Workflow 4: Amplifier sound straight to the mix

Engineers capturing post-amplifier, post EQ and effects sound.

Connections

Setup

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

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

Workflow 5: One amplifier for several keyboards

Players who mix keyboards in a single instrument amplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Send the amplifier's output to the PDB4.
2. Set the attenuator to -40 dB (amp level).

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

Workflow 6: Studio patch for line sources

Studios connecting synthesisers and drum machines to balanced inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Set each attenuator for the source level.
2. Use the ground lifts against ground loop noise.

Tip: Transformer isolation on each output helps eliminate system ground loops.