DIRECT BOXES


What is a DI?
Direct boxes are often referred to as "DI" boxes. This stands for "Direct Injection" as their main purpose is to convert unbalanced and/or high impedance instrument signals into a format suitable for direct connection to a mixing console - without the use of a microphone.

In 1981, Whirlwind developed and produced the first commercially available Direct Box in the audio industry.

Read about it here.


A DI performs several functions:
  • It converts a high impedance signal to a low impedance signal (although it will also accept a low impedance signal from a preamp, keyboard, active pickup or other electronic device).
  • It converts an unbalanced signal to balanced.
  • It reduces a strong instrument or line level signal (and sometimes even speaker level signal) to a mic level signal suitable for connection to the mic input of a mixing console.
  • It isolates electronic equipment on stage from the mixing console, which can help eliminate interference and noise caused by DC interaction or ground loops.
Read more about DIs in our tech article:
A Direct Box can be in-DI-spensible .
DIRECT-JT
w / Jensen®Transformer


Our top-of-the-line passive DI features the Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformer - world renown for wide frequency response and superior noise rejection characteristics.

Extruded aluminum housing with recessed switches provides expected Whirlwind durability.

Features include:
  • 1/4" input jacks can be used as "INPUT / THRU" or they may be combined with the "COMBINE" pushbutton to safely sum stereo feeds to a single channel.

  • "FILTER / OFF" button engages a filter that emulates the frequency response of a microphone placed in front of a 12" speaker.

  • "PAD" button engages 15dB pad for reducing hot input levels.

  • "REV / Ø" button reverses the polarity from pin 2 hot to pin 3 hot for correcting non-standard equipment and mis-wired cables or for creating special effects.

  • "LIFT / GND" button to help eliminate hum and buzz.



Model # - DIRECT-JT
Impedance Ratio: 133:1

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz re:1kHz, -0.08dB / -0.07dB

THD @ 20Hz: 0.036%

THD @ 1kHz: less than 0.001%

-3dB BW: 100kHz



DIRECT-JT


DIRECT-JT OUT


DIRECT-JT
HOTBOX®

Our top-of-the-line DI is an active direct box that operates with batteries or phantom power.

Its super-clean front-end circuitry delivers extremely wide and flat frequency response and will reveal hidden harmonics from guitars and basses with high-output passive pickups.


Features include:
  • 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • Input switch selects between OFF, ON or ON with PAD engaged (20 dB PAD for connecting to strong line level signals or power amp outputs.)
  • LED indicates "ON" status
Model # - HOTBOX
Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz-150kHz ±3dB
Residual Output Noise: -115dB
Maximum Input Level: +15dBm - battery, +20dBm - 48V phantom. Add 20dBm with pad engaged
Power Requirements: (2) 9V batteries or 48V phantom
Battery Life: approximately 300 hours
Current Draw: approximately 4.0mA DC 		HotBox
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HotBox End
HOTBOX QUAD


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Four channels of HotBox performance come in a 1U rack package with built-in power supply. The HotBox Quad provides premium quality DI performance that works equally well in the studio and on the road.

Model # - HBQ
Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz-150kHz ±3dB
Residual Output Noise: -115dB
Maximum Input Level: +20dBm - 48V phantom. Add 20dBm with pad engaged.
Power Requirements: 115/230 VAC 50-60Hz or 48V phantom power
Current Draw: approximately 4.0mA DC
DIRECTOR®

This premium direct box converts an unbalanced line, instrument or speaker level signal to low impedance balanced mic level.

Features include:
  • 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • 30dB pad switch for selecting between line/instrument or speaker level input signals
  • Switchable high cut filter to eliminate amplifier noise
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with metal shield


Model # - DIR
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change (input to output): -20dB (pad out), -50dB (pad in)
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MULTIDIRECTOR




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Four Director DIs in one convenient 1U rack package. The MultiDirector is the touring sound standard for passive DIs.

Model # - MLTDIR
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Level Change (input to output): -20dB (padout), -40dB (pad in)
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz ±1dB

Winner of Pro Audio Review's Par Excellence Award
" . . . built like a tank!"

pcDI®

The Whirlwind pcDI is perfect for interfacing the outputs of CD players, computer sound cards, iPODs® / MP3 players, tape decks, etc. with professional, balanced, low impedance equipment.

This unit contains two separate DIs - input your signals with one 3.5mm (1/8") mini TRS stereo jack (tip=left +, ring=right +, sleeve=common negative) or two sets of color coded RCA phono type input and through jacks. Output is via corresponding color coded XLRs.

Each section features:
  • Color coded RCA phono in / through jacks
  • Color coded XLR output jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • Stereo/Mono switch for stereo operation or safely combine both inputs into a mono signal sent to both outputs
  • 20dB pad switch for connection to "hot" input signals
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformers with metal shield


Model # - PCDI
Impedance Ratio (input to output, per channel): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change (input to output): -20dB (pad out), -40dB (pad in)
DIRECT2™

The DIRECT2 combines features found on two of our DIRECTOR ® direct boxes in one unit.
Perfect for converting unbalanced signals from stereo keyboards, acoustic guitar preamps, CD and tape players, computer sound cards, etc.

Each section features:
  • 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • -20dB pad switch for connection to "hot" input signals
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with metal shield
The input and output grounds of each section are isolated from each other. This allows the DIRECT2 to be used as if it were two completely separate DIs without fear of creating ground loop interaction.

Model # - DIRECT2
Impedance Ratio (input to output per channel): 133:1 Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change (input to output): -20dB (pad out), -40dB (pad in)

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DIRECT2-JT

The DIRECT2-JT is Whirlwind's premium Dual Direct box, built with Jensen transformers.
Perfect for converting unbalanced signals from stereo keyboards, acoustic guitar preamps, CD and tape players, computer sound cards, etc. when lowest noise and widest frequency response are required.

Each section features:
  • 1/4" parallel wired IN / THRU jacks, or may be converted to dual inputs with handy COMBINE buttons.
  • -20dB pad button for connection to "hot" input signals
  • Ground lift button to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • Uses Jensen JT-DB-EPC transformers
The input and output grounds of each section are isolated from each other. This allows the DIRECT2-JT to be used as if it were two completely separate DIs without fear of creating ground loop interaction.



Model # - DIRECT2-JT
Impedance Ratio: 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz re:1kHz, -0.08dB / -0.07dB
THD @ 20Hz: 0.036%
THD @ 1kHz: less than 0.001%
-3dB BW: 100kHz
DIRECT4

The DIRECT4 combines features found on four of our DIRECTOR ® direct boxes in one unit.
Perfect for converting unbalanced signals from multiple instruments, keys, acoustic guitar preamps, CD and tape players, computer sound cards, etc.

Each section features:
  • 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks

  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz

  • Filter switch to help reduce amplifier noise and hiss

  • -20dB pad switch for connection to "hot" input signals

  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with metal shield
The input and output grounds of each section are isolated from each other. This allows the DIRECT4 to be used as if it were four completely separate DIs without fear of creating ground loop interaction.

Model # - DIRECT4
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change (input to output): -20dB (pad out), -40dB (pad in)

Click Here For Larger Size Picture 		IMP® 2

Built rugged on the inside and outside, this is the world famous DI found in pro systems everywhere. The IMP 2 converts a line or instrument level unbalanced signal to a low impedance mic level balanced signal.

Features include:
  • 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help isolate hum and buzz
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL transformer
It's the ideal direct box for anyone requiring professional quality and durability in an economical package.

Model - IM2
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change: (input to output): -20dB
"CONNECT" Series - EDB1

An imported economy direct box offering rugged construction while maintaining exceptional sound quality.

Features include:
  • 1/4" In and Through jacks
  • XLR output
  • Pad switch for connection to "hot" signal sources
  • Ground Lift switch to help isolate hum and buzz
  • Metal construction and quality transformer
Model - EDB1
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change: -20dB (input to output, pad switch set to zero dB)
Pad: 3 position, provides 0dB, -20dB, -40dB additional attenuation

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MULTISNAKE


The Medusa MultiSnake is perfect for organizing acoustic instrument and vocal frontlines.

We've combined our MultiDirector's four premium direct boxes with a 4 channel mic snake into a single small stagebox measuring 9.5" (with handle) X 5.25" X 2.5".

Use for:
  • Acoustic and bluegrass bands
  • Stereo keyboard rigs
  • DJs and hip-hop mixing


Stock length is 50', or available in custom lengths, to allow for use as a main snake with small ensembles or as a drop-snake in larger systems. Multipin disconnects are also available as a custom option.

Model - MLTSNA4X4-50
MULTISNAKE10
The Medusa MultiSnake10 represents our next step in multi-function drop snakes.

This snake combines 4 mic lines with 6 dual purpose mic / DI lines in one small drop snake measuring 9.5" (with handle) X 5.25" X 2.5".

The Neutrik combo connectors have the XLR sections wired to 6 mic channel lines and the 1/4" sections wired to 6 internal DIs. Each line has a separate output connector at the fanout.

The DI channels feature individual ground lift switches and their fanout ends are color-coded yellow.

Stock length is 50', custom lengths and options such as multipin disconnects are available.