ART Dual ZDirect Two-Channel Passive DI Box

The ART Dual ZDirect is a two-channel passive DI box that turns unbalanced instrument, line and speaker-level signals into balanced, low-impedance XLR outputs, made for keyboard players, DJs, laptop performers, live sound engineers and home studios that need stereo or two separate DI channels with every useful switch. It’s essentially two ART ZDirects in one compact aluminium box.

Two isolated DI channels

Each channel uses an audio isolation transformer to convert a high-impedance (50 kΩ) unbalanced input into an isolated, balanced 600 Ω output on an XLR. The balanced signal can travel long cable runs to a stage box or mixer without picking up hum and interference, and it plugs straight into a mic input. Channel separation is better than 80 dB, so the two channels stay independent for true stereo.

Because it’s passive, it needs no batteries and no phantom power. It simply works when you plug it in.

Every switch you need, on both channels

• Input pad (0, -20, -40 dB): 0 dB for low-output sources, -20 dB for keyboards and line-level gear, -40 dB for very hot signals such as an amplifier’s speaker output.
• Ground lift: isolates the input ground from the chassis and output, breaking ground loops that cause hum.
• Low-pass filter: a Bessel filter at 30 kHz (-3 dB), above the audible range, that reduces radio interference and digital noise from computers.
• Phase invert: flips polarity, useful when blending the DI with a mic on the same source, such as a bass cab.

Thru jacks

Each channel has a 1/4″ thru jack that passes the original signal on unchanged. Feed a keyboard amp, bass amp or tuner on stage while the XLR outputs go to front of house.

Audio performance

ART specifies a frequency response of 10 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.5 dB at +4 dBu) and THD of 0.01% typical at 1 kHz and +18 dBu (below 0.05% at 100 Hz). The black anodised aluminium case measures 47 x 117 x 99 mm and weighs 0.4 kg.

Who is the ART Dual ZDirect for?

• Keyboard and synth players sending stereo outputs to the PA.
• DJs connecting an unbalanced DJ mixer to a balanced venue system.
• Laptop performers and churches running backing tracks and playback.
• Home studios connecting a computer or DAW to studio monitors with balanced inputs, using the filter to reduce computer noise.
• Venues and installers that want durable, power-free DIs in the live sound kit.

Like other passive DIs, its 50 kΩ input suits keyboards, active instruments and line-level gear better than passive guitar pickups and piezos, which prefer a much higher input impedance. For those, an active DI is usually the better match.

Which ART DI box should you choose?

• ZDirect: one passive channel, with pad, ground lift, filter and phase. For a single keyboard output or instrument.
• Dual ZDirect: two passive channels with the same features as the ZDirect, in one aluminium box. For stereo sources.
• dPDB: two passive channels with pad and ground lift, in a steel chassis, without the filter and phase switches.
• Dual XDirect: two active channels with 470 kΩ inputs, powered by phantom or battery. For passive guitars, basses and piezos.

See the full range in our DI boxes category.

Key features

• Two-channel passive DI with isolation transformers
• 2 x 1/4″ TRS unbalanced inputs, 50 kΩ
• 2 x 1/4″ TRS thru jacks
• 2 x XLR male balanced outputs, 600 Ω
• 0, -20, -40 dB pad per channel
• Ground lift per channel
• 30 kHz Bessel low-pass filter per channel
• Phase invert per channel
• 10 Hz to 50 kHz frequency response
• Channel separation above 80 dB
• No power required
• Black anodised aluminium case

Frequently asked questions

Does the ART Dual ZDirect need power?

No. It’s fully passive and uses transformers, so it needs no batteries or phantom power.

Can I use it for a stereo keyboard?

Yes. Connect the left and right outputs to the two channels, set both pads the same, and send the XLR outputs to the mixer.

What is the low-pass filter for?

It reduces radio interference and digital noise from computers. It works above the audible range, so it doesn’t change the tone of your music.

Can it take a speaker-level signal?

Yes. ART lists speaker-level sources among its uses. Use the -40 dB pad.

What’s the difference between the Dual ZDirect and the dPDB?

Both are two-channel passive DIs with pads and ground lift. The Dual ZDirect adds a low-pass filter and phase invert on each channel, in a smaller aluminium case.