ART Dual XDirect Two-Channel Active DI Box

The ART Dual XDirect is a two-channel active DI box that converts high-impedance instrument and line signals into balanced, low-impedance XLR outputs, made for acoustic guitarists, bassists, keyboard players and engineers who need two DI channels with the high input impedance that passive pickups need. It runs on phantom power from the mixer or on a 9V battery, in a compact, rugged aluminium case.

Why choose an active DI?

Passive guitar and bass pickups, and especially piezo pickups in acoustic guitars, are sensitive to the load they see. A low input impedance can dull their top end and make them sound thin. The Dual XDirect has a 470 kΩ input impedance on each channel, much higher than a typical passive DI, so passive pickups keep their brightness and detail. It still works with active instruments, keyboards and line-level gear.

The active circuit then drives a balanced, low-impedance output (under 600 Ω) that can run long cable lengths to a stage box or mixer without picking up noise.

Two channels, many uses

• Stereo keyboards and synths: left and right outputs to the PA from one box.
• Acoustic guitar with two pickups: for example a piezo and a magnetic pickup, each on its own channel.
• Two instruments: an acoustic guitar on one channel and a bass on the other.
• Laptops and DJ gear: stereo playback to front of house.

Each channel has a combo input that accepts 1/4″ TRS or XLR, balanced or unbalanced, and a 1/4″ thru jack that passes the signal to an on-stage amp or tuner while the XLR goes to the desk.

Phantom or battery power

The Dual XDirect runs from standard phantom power (18 to 48V) supplied through its XLR outputs, which is the normal setup at most venues. On phantom it reaches its maximum output level of +14 dBu. If phantom power isn’t available, an internal 9V battery takes over, with ART quoting more than 100 hours of life from an alkaline battery. The maximum output on battery is +6 dBu. A power switch and LED help you avoid leaving the battery running.

Pad and ground lift

Each channel has a switchable 0 or -30 dB pad. Use 0 dB for guitars and basses, and -30 dB for hot keyboards, line-level sources and anything that overloads the input. A ground lift switch on each channel breaks ground loops between stage gear and the mixer, the usual cause of hum when using DI boxes. Retailer listings also include a phase invert switch, useful when blending a DI with a mic on the same source.

Audio performance

ART specifies a frequency response of 10 Hz to 100 kHz (±0.5 dB at 0 dBu), THD below 0.05% (typical), dynamic range above 100 dB and channel separation above 80 dB, so the two channels stay independent. The aluminium case measures 47 x 117 x 99 mm and weighs 380 g.

Who is the ART Dual XDirect for?

• Acoustic guitarists with passive piezo or magnetic pickups.
• Bass players with passive basses who want full tone at the desk.
• Keyboard and synth players with stereo outputs.
• Sound engineers, churches and venues that need a reliable two-channel DI for the live sound kit.
• Home studios connecting instruments to the mic inputs of an audio interface.

If you only DI keyboards and line-level gear, and never need power, a passive DI is simpler and cheaper. If you need only one channel, a single active DI may fit your board better.

Active vs passive: Dual XDirect vs dPDB and ZDirect

ART’s passive DIs, the dual-channel dPDB and single-channel ZDirect, need no power and handle very hot signals well, but their 50 kΩ inputs suit keyboards and active instruments better than passive pickups. The Dual XDirect’s 470 kΩ input is the better match for passive guitars, basses and piezos, at the cost of needing phantom power or a battery. Compare all options in our DI boxes range.

Key features

• Two-channel active DI box
• 470 kΩ input impedance
• 1/4″ TRS/XLR combo inputs, balanced or unbalanced
• 1/4″ TRS thru jack per channel
• Balanced XLR outputs, under 600 Ω
• 0 or -30 dB pad per channel
• Ground lift per channel
• Phantom (18 to 48V) or 9V battery power
• 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency response
• Channel separation above 80 dB
• Rugged aluminium case

Frequently asked questions

Is the ART Dual XDirect good for acoustic guitar?

Yes. Its 470 kΩ input impedance suits passive piezo and magnetic pickups, which can sound thin through a low-impedance passive DI.

Does the Dual XDirect need phantom power?

It runs on 18 to 48V phantom power or an internal 9V battery. Phantom power gives the higher maximum output level.

How long does the battery last?

ART quotes more than 100 hours from a new alkaline 9V battery. Switch it off after use to save battery.

Can I use it for a stereo keyboard?

Yes. Use one channel for the left output and the other for the right. Engage the -30 dB pad if the keyboard is hot.

What’s the difference between an active and a passive DI box?

An active DI needs power and has a much higher input impedance, which suits passive pickups. A passive DI needs no power and handles hot line signals well, but loads passive pickups more.