Mackie MDB-1A
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- This item is covered for 3 years
The essentials to know about the active direct box
The essentials to know about the active direct box
- Active circuit designed to preserve a clean, usable signal-to-noise ratio both on stage and in the studio.
- High-impedance 6.35 mm jack input with direct output, ideal for connecting a guitar, bass, keyboard or media player without complicating the wiring.
- Balanced XLR output with ground lift, low-cut filter, polarity reversal and -20 dB pad for easy integration into most sound reinforcement setups.
- Stereo-to-mono summing function, particularly practical for keyboards and other stereo sources intended for simple, clear and controlled distribution.
Manufacturer Information
Mackie
https://www.mackie.com
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Safety manager:
Algam SAS
Email: contact@algam.net
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An Active Direct Box Solution Designed for Modern Setups
In a live or studio setup, the direct box remains a discreet yet essential link in the chain. This active model stands out for its versatility: it does more than adapt impedance and protect the signal; it also makes it easier to connect a variety of sources in a professional environment. Its architecture has been designed to deliver a cleaner, better-controlled signal that is easier to use with a mixing console or sound reinforcement system.
Its design is particularly well suited to users looking for more than a basic DI. With its signal-shaping functions, balanced output and stereo-to-mono mixing option, it meets practical needs encountered both in live performance and recording. It is the kind of tool you keep close at hand because it quickly solves level, hum or connection compatibility issues.
Which Musicians and Technicians Is This Active DI Designed For?
This direct box is aimed at guitarists and bassists who want to send their instrument to a mixing console with greater stability and precision. The high-impedance input better preserves the behavior of these instruments, while the direct output allows you to retain a feed to an amplifier on stage. This is an especially useful setup for combining playing comfort with high-quality front-of-house sound.
It is also suitable for keyboard players, live musicians and event technicians who need to manage stereo sources. Thanks to its summing option, it can receive a left/right signal and combine it into mono at the output, greatly simplifying certain mobile setups. For rehearsals, small venues, corporate events or compact studios, this feature represents a genuine time-saver.
Sound engineers and home-studio users will also find it to be a reliable ally for stabilizing a signal before preamplification. With its low-cut filter, polarity reversal and pad, this DI allows you to quickly fine-tune a source's behavior without multiplying adapters or additional boxes. It fits naturally into a workflow where efficiency and signal clarity take priority.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response - start | 20 Hz | Inputs | jack |
| Frequency response - end | 20 kHz | Analog outputs | jack, XLR |
| Category | Direct box | Power supply | Phantom power |
| Number of channels | 1 | Weight | 0.4 kg |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 90 dB | Dimensions (mm) | 147 x 86 x 38 |
| THD | 0.02% @1 kH | ||
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Questions frequently asked
Is the Mackie MDB-1A suitable for a guitar or a bass?
The 6.35 mm high-impedance jack input is designed for connecting a guitar or bass. A direct output on a jack allows sending the signal to an amplifier.
How to connect a stereo keyboard to this direct box?
The mixer option allows connecting stereo sources, including a keyboard or a media player. The channels are then summed to mono at the balanced XLR output.
Does the MDB-1A require an external power supply?
Power is supplied via phantom power through the XLR connection. No other power options are specified.
Can it handle a high output level source?
A -20 dB pad allows attenuation of high-level sources to reduce the risk of clipping. The specified frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The signal-to-noise ratio is 90 dB.
What settings are available to eliminate hum?
A ground lift switch is present on the balanced XLR output. A polarity reversal and a high-pass filter are also integrated.
