Dependable, Passive Direct Box Design from Pro Co!
The Pro Co Model DB1 is a simple passive direct box that offers clean, reliable performance without unnecessary gimmicks or frills. It can be used for nearly any instrument or signal source, from electric bass, keyboards and drum machines to sub-mixers and external speaker outputs.
The DB1 is a professional quality passive direct box for connection of unbalanced musical instruments, line-level sources, and guitar amplifier outputs to low-Z balanced microphone input for PA or recording.
Pro Co DB1 Features
- Floating Transformer-Balanced XLR Output for Maximum Isolation
- SPKR Mode Handles Amplifiers Up to 600W RMS
- HI CUT Filter Reduces Distortion
- GND/LIFT Switch Eliminates Hum and Buzz
- Rugged Uni-box Construction for Super-Strength and Shielding
- Recessed Switches and Connectors Resist Damage
- Passive Design Requires No Batteries or Phantom Power
The DB1 preserves the
punch and clarity of the sound that is often lost when mic'ing a speaker, while eliminating the leakage, distortion and coloration. The signal delivered to the P.A. or studio mixer is crisp and clean - a vital element in retaining the full depth and brilliant sound of such current high-tech equipment as FM synthesizers and digital drum machines.
The DB1 may be inserted into the signal path at virtually any stage required. For instance, a bass guitar signal can be
taken direct straight off the instrument for a clean, natural tone, from a preamp or line output for a punchier or
equalized sound, or from the speaker output of the amp if a dirtier
edge is desired. Keyboards can each be sent with a separate DB1 , or combined by taking a feed from the keyboard's stage mixer.
Built for the road, but equally at home in the recording studio, the DB1’s rugged 16-gauge steel and aluminum
Uni-box construction enclosure is finished in a durable black texture powder coat finish with black anodized aluminum side channels. The uniquely slotted side channels allow for stacking on top or strapping side-to-side of virtually any number of Pro Co Monoface devices using the Uni-box construction. Easy to read control graphics are incorporated into the Lexan top panel overlay.
Controls
Input: 1/4 inch (6.3mm) phone accept signals from instrument or other source. Input impedance-greater than 100 kohm; SPKR-approx. 8 kohm. Handles signals of up to 69V RMS (approx. 600 watts across an 8 ohm load).
Output: 1/4 inch (6.3mm) phone jack provides loopthrough (parallel) connection from input jack. Used when inserting DB1 between instrument and amplifier. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SPEAKER LEVEL USE.
Speaker/Instrument: Speaker position inserts 20 dB pad between INPUT and DBT-1 transformer for increased level handling capability (used for speaker- or line-level sources). INST position bypasses pad. (SPKR/INST switch affect only LO-Z OUTPUT level.)
HI Cut/Flat: Switch is only functional when SPKR/INST switch is set to SPKR. HI CUT position inserts a low-pass filter (-3 dB at 4 kHz, 6 dB. Octave) to simulate frequency response of a typical loudspeaker. Used when source is guitar or bass amplifier speaker output. FLAT position bypasses filter. (HI CUT/FLAT affect only LO-Z OUTPUT response.)
LO-Z Output: Male 3-pin XLR-type connector provides balanced floating low-impedance output (pin 2 hot). Connect to mixing board microphone channel input. Recommended load impedance: 1.0 kohm.
Gnd/Lift: GND position connects INPUT and LO-Z OUTPUT grounds together. LIFT position floats LO-Z OUTPUT. Used to reduce hum and buzz by eliminating ground loops and providing proper grounding for various conditions.