ART dPDB Dual Passive DI Box

The ART dPDB is a dual passive DI box that puts two direct boxes in one rugged steel enclosure, made for keyboard players, DJs, live sound engineers and home studios that need to send stereo or two separate unbalanced sources to balanced mixer inputs. Each channel converts a high-impedance instrument, line or speaker-level signal into a balanced XLR output, with no batteries or phantom power needed.

Why a dual DI?

Stereo sources, such as keyboards, synths, drum machines, laptops and DJ mixers, need two DI channels, one for left and one for right. Instead of two separate boxes, two batteries and two sets of cables to manage, the dPDB keeps both sides together in one box with matching settings. You can also use the channels independently, for example a bass on one side and an acoustic guitar on the other.

What each channel does

Each channel takes an unbalanced signal on a 1/4″ input and converts it into a balanced, low-impedance (600 Ω) signal on an XLR output. A balanced signal can run long distances to a stage box or mixer without picking up hum and interference, and it plugs straight into a mic input.

Because the dPDB is passive, it needs no power at all. There are no batteries to replace and no reliance on phantom power from the desk.

Pads for any source level

Each channel has a switchable 0, -20 or -40 dB input pad, so one box handles very different sources:

• 0 dB: lower-output instruments.
• -20 dB: keyboards, synths, laptops and other line-level gear.
• -40 dB: very hot signals, including the speaker output of an amplifier.

If the mixer channel clips with its gain turned all the way down, switch to the next pad.

Ground lift and link jacks

A ground lift switch on each channel breaks ground loops between your stage gear and the mixer, the most common cause of hum when you DI a keyboard or laptop. Leave it off unless you hear hum.

Each channel also has a parallel link jack. It passes your signal through unchanged, so you can feed an instrument amp or keyboard amp on stage while the XLR output goes to front of house.

Audio performance and build

ART specifies a frequency response of 10 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.5 dB at +4 dBu), beyond the audible range at both ends. The inputs and link jacks are 50 kΩ, and the outputs are 600 Ω. The rugged steel chassis measures 146 x 127 x 50 mm, a practical size for the stage floor or the top of a keyboard stand.

Who is the ART dPDB for?

• Keyboard and synth players sending stereo outputs to the PA.
• DJs connecting an unbalanced DJ mixer output to a venue’s balanced system.
• Laptop and backing-track users running playback to front of house.
• Venues, churches and rental kits that need durable, power-free DI boxes for the live sound inventory.
• Home studios connecting stereo line sources to the mic inputs of an audio interface.

Like most passive DIs, the dPDB has a 50 kΩ input. That’s ideal for keyboards, active basses and line-level gear, but lower than passive guitar pickups and piezos usually prefer, which can soften their top end. For a passive electric or acoustic guitar, an active DI is often the better match.

ART dPDB vs ART ZDirect

Both are passive DIs from ART with 50 kΩ inputs, 600 Ω outputs, 0/-20/-40 dB pads and ground lift. The dPDB gives you two channels in a steel box, which suits stereo sources. The ZDirect is a single channel in an aluminium box, and adds a switchable low-pass filter and phase invert. Choose the dPDB for stereo keyboards and DJ setups, and the ZDirect for a single instrument. See our full range of DI boxes to compare.

Key features

• Two passive DI channels in one box
• 1/4″ instrument input per channel, 50 kΩ
• Parallel link jack per channel
• Balanced XLR output per channel, 600 Ω
• Switchable 0, -20, -40 dB pad per channel
• Ground lift per channel
• 10 Hz to 50 kHz frequency response
• No power required
• Rugged steel chassis

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the ART dPDB for a stereo keyboard?

Yes. That’s one of its main jobs. Plug the left and right outputs into the two channels and send both XLR outputs to the mixer.

Does the ART dPDB need phantom power or batteries?

No. It’s fully passive and works without any power.

Can I DI a DJ mixer with it?

Yes. It converts the unbalanced DJ mixer output into two balanced XLR lines. Start with the -20 dB pad.

Can the two channels be used separately?

Yes. Each channel has its own input, link, output, pad and ground lift, so you can use it for two different instruments.

How do I stop hum when using a DI box?

Engage the ground lift switch on the affected channel. It breaks the ground loop between the stage equipment and the mixer.