MDB S
eries Dir
ect Bo
xes
4
MDB Series Direct Boxes
How to Use This Manual
After this introduction, a getting started guide will help you
get things set up fast. The hookup diagrams show typical
setups.
This icon marks information that is critically
important or unique to the MDB Series Direct Boxes.
For your own good, read and remember them.
There’s an illustration of a microscope, so,
of course, you’re going to get more detailed
information when you see this little guy.
There are explanations of features and practical tips listed here.
It’s a good idea to pay attention to text displayed
next to a note icon, as this icon draws
attention to certain features and functions relating
to the usage of the MDB Series Direct Boxes.
Getting Started
The following steps will help you set up your MDB Series
Direct Box quickly.
1. Turn down all level knobs on all connected gear.
2. Connect an instrument to the input jack with a 1/4"
instrument cable.
3. Connect a cable from the outputs of the MDB Series
Direct Box to the inputs of a mixer.
4. Connect cables from the thru to an instrument amplifier
or other source.
5. Turn the mixer and/or amplifier on.
6. Be sure that the volume of the input is the same as it
would be during normal use.
7. Slowly bring up the level knob of the mixer to
a comfortable listening level.
Things to Remember
• Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
information on hearing protection.
• Save the shipping boxes and packing materials!
You may need them someday. Besides, your hamster
will love playing in them and jumping out at you
unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you
are surprised!
• Save your sales receipt in a safe place.
Introduction
MDB-1P Passive Direct Box
An essential tool for every musician and engineer,
the MDB-1P Passive DI has everything you need to adapt
unbalanced, high-impedance audio to a balanced,
low-impedance output with minimal noise. Featuring a 1/4"
high-impedance input and thru with -15db pad and a balanced
XLR output with ground lift.
MDB-2P Stereo Passive Direct Box
Great for stereo sources like keyboards and synthesizers,
the MDB-2P is an essential tool for electronic musicians, live
sound venues, and recording studios. The MDB-2P Stereo
Passive DI features dual 1/4" high-impedance inputs with
Thru outputs and -15db pads, and dual low-impedance
XLR outputs with ground lift.
MDB-1A Active Direct Box
Great for active instruments like guitars and basses with
active pickups and preamps, the MDB-1A Active DI features
increased headroom and distortion-free operation.
Featuring a 1/4” high-impedance input and thru with -20db
pad plus a Merge switch that turns the Thru jack into a second
input, perfect for summing a stereo source to a mono output.
The balanced XLR output features switches for Polarity,
Low Cut, and Ground Lift. For maximum convenience, the
MDB-1A is powered by 48v phantom power.