Art PDB User Manual

ART PDB Passive Direct Box
Thank you for purchasing the ART PDB Passive Direct Box. This rock solid, roadworthy DI Box allows
for the connection of the outputs of electronic musical instruments (or other audio sources) to the
balanced inputs of mixer consoles.
The ART PDB also allows connection of a music source to an instrument amplifier while
simultaneously patching it to a mixer via the PDB DI Box.
Features:
1. Switchable Input Attenuation
* 0dB for electric guitar and bass pickups
* -20dB for line level signals, such as keyboards and cd players
* -40dB for speaker feeds
2. 50k Ohm Instrument Input
The PDB matches the signal level and impedance with unity gain, without any
adverse effects on the source signal.
3. 50k Ohm Parallel Link jack
The 50k ohm parallel link jack output enables you to connect the output from the
PDB directly to power amplifiers without a separate preamplifier.
4. 600 Ohm XLR Output Jack
The 600 ohm XLR output jack enables you to send a balanced signal to a mixing
console.
5. Switchable Ground Lift
A switchable ground lift is provided to help eliminate hum caused by ground
loops.
Applications:
1. Electric guitar and bass pick up output signals
The high impedance signal from a guitar or bass guitar pickup is translated by the PDB into
a low impedance balanced signal required by mixing consoles.
Suggested setting – set the input attenuation to 0dB.
2. Keyboards and line level signals
The PDB automatically balances and matches the line level outputs of modern electronic
keyboards. If you are using a multiple keyboard setup and your keyboards are all plugged
into a single instrument amplifier, the PDB can be used to replace individual direct boxes.
Simply send the output of the instrument amplifier to the PDB and then to the console
(instead of a separate DI box for each keyboard).
Suggested setting – set the input attenuation to -20dB (line level) or –40dB (amp level).
3. DJ console output signals
DJ mixers often supply only an unbalanced –10dB signal. The PDB converts this signal to a
balanced line level signal before it reaches the console, while providing a convenient
method of connector transition with the capability to run long cables.
Suggested setting – set the input attenuation to 0dB or –20dB.
4. Speaker level signals
The PDB’s ability to accept speaker level inputs from a power amplifier’s output allows
post-amplifier, post eq and effects signals to be fed directly to the console. In this manner,
a particular effect or amplifier sound can be sent directly to the mix.
Suggested setting – set the input attenuation to –40dB (amp level).

Art PDB Specifications

General

Type	Passive Direct Box
Channels	1
Ground Lift	Yes
Input Impedance	50k Ohms
Output Impedance	600 Ohms
Input Connectors	1/4" TS
Output Connectors	XLR
Attenuation	-20dB

Summary

Features of the ART PDB Passive Direct Box

Switchable Input Attenuation

Offers 0dB, -20dB, and -40dB settings for various audio sources like guitars, keyboards, and speakers.

50k Ohm Instrument Input

Matches signal level and impedance with unity gain, without adverse effects on the source signal.

600 Ohm XLR Output Jack

Enables sending a balanced signal to a mixing console.

Switchable Ground Lift

A switchable ground lift helps eliminate hum caused by ground loops.

Applications of the ART PDB

Electric Guitar and Bass Pickups

Translates high impedance pickup signals to a low impedance balanced signal for mixing consoles.

Keyboards and Line Level Signals

Balances and matches line level outputs from keyboards for direct console connection.

DJ Console Output Signals

Converts unbalanced -10dB DJ mixer signals to a balanced line level signal.

Speaker Level Signals

Feeds post-amplifier, post-EQ signals directly to the console for effect routing.

Service and Support

Troubleshooting and Return Authorization

Guidance on checking the unit, describing problems, and obtaining a Return Authorization number.

Contact Information

Provides factory contact details for technical assistance, repairs, and customer service.