Radial Stagebug SB-5 Laptop

A StageBug Designed for the Stage and Modern Setups

The Radial StageBug SB-5 follows a straightforward approach: offering a DI box dedicated to today's devices, often equipped with a mini-jack headphone output but rarely suited for direct connection to a mixing console or PA system. In stage, conference, or event environments, these "consumer" sources are convenient but prone to unwanted noise and level inconsistencies.

With its passive design and compact form factor, the SB-5 aims for quick deployment without requiring power, while maintaining the essential DI fundamentals: adaptation, isolation, and reliability. It is particularly relevant for technicians and musicians who need to integrate a laptop, tablet, or audio player into a sound reinforcement chain without wasting time troubleshooting.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

The SB-5 is intended for anyone needing to send a stereo audio signal (or convert it to mono) from a mini-jack source to a sound system: DJs, keyboardists using playbacks, musicians with sequences, trainers, stage managers, houses of worship, meeting rooms, or AV providers.

It is ideal whenever you need to secure a headphone output and adapt it to the input of a console, stagebox, or PA system. In practice, it helps avoid common issues: excessively high levels, distortion, background noise, ground hum, or interference when the computer is connected to mains power.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	THD	0,01%
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Inputs	minijack stéréo
Category	Direct box	Analog outputs	2 x jack, XLR
Number of channels	2	Power supply	Passive
Digital conversion	No	Weight	250 g
Max input level (dBu)	20	Dimensions (mm)	114 x 47 x 34
Settings	-15 dB attenuator, ground lift switch

Type	compact stereo direct box	Input cable attachment	directly to the chassis
Design	passive	Stereo outputs	2 x 6.35 mm TRS jacks
Transformers	pair of internal transformers	Mono output	1 x XLR (left/right-to-mono conversion)
Transformer functions	impedance reduction, signal balancing, source isolation from the sound reinforcement system	Switch	ground lift
Cable management	integrated winding hooks for storage	Attenuator	PAD -15 dB (switchable)
Input cable	angled stereo mini-jack	Intended sources	laptops, tablets, and consumer audio products
Input cable length	1.5 m	Main use	adaptation and connection to a sound reinforcement system while reducing hum and buzz caused by ground loops