{"product_id":"mackie-mdb-1p-passive-direct-box","title":"Mackie MDB-1P Passive Direct Box","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Mackie MDB-1P is a single-channel passive direct box designed to connect unbalanced, high-impedance instruments and sources to balanced audio systems. It converts the signal for a balanced XLR output, helping make long cable runs to a mixer or audio interface more practical. A 1\/4-inch Thru connection lets the original source remain connected to an instrument amplifier or compatible effects chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis DI box is suited to guitars, basses, keyboards, media players, and similar sources with a 1\/4-inch unbalanced output. It is useful for live sound, rehearsal spaces, recording setups, and installed systems where a source needs to feed both a local amplifier and a mixer. Its passive design requires no battery, phantom power, or external power supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe MDB-1P is engineered for a neutral signal path with a specified 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and 128 dB dynamic range. Its 140 kOhm unbalanced input impedance is designed for high-impedance sources. A stated total harmonic distortion figure of 0.002% from 1 kHz supports clean signal transfer in a properly matched system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA switchable -15 dB pad reduces the input level for high-output sources, including instruments with active electronics or high-output pickups. The rear-panel ground-lift switch separates chassis ground from signal ground at the balanced output when needed to address system ground-loop hum. These controls make the unit adaptable without adding active electronics or power requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe MDB-1P fits easily into a stage or studio signal chain: connect an instrument to the input, run the XLR output to a mixer or audio interface, and use the Thru jack for an amplifier or instrument-level parallel device. Its compact steel chassis measures 5.8 inches deep, making it practical for pedalboards, stage cases, or desktop recording rigs. It is a focused interface component for systems that need a passive DI connection rather than a powered preamp or audio interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePassive Direct Box:\u003c\/strong\u003e Operates without batteries, phantom power, or an external supply.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Impedance Input:\u003c\/strong\u003e Accepts unbalanced 1\/4-inch instrument and source signals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1\/4-Inch Thru Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e Routes the source onward to an amplifier or compatible effects device.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced XLR Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connects the converted signal to a mixer or audio interface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e-15 dB Pad:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces high-level input signals to help prevent overload.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGround-Lift Switch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Separates chassis and signal ground to help address ground-loop hum.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Installation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe MDB-1P uses a heavy-gauge steel chassis and Mackie's Built-Like-A-Tank construction approach. It is a compact, single-channel DI box with front-panel 1\/4-inch Input and Thru jacks, plus a rear-panel male XLR output and ground-lift switch. The enclosure measures 1.5 inches high, 3.4 inches wide, and 5.8 inches deep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse a shielded 1\/4-inch instrument cable from the source to the Input jack, then connect a standard XLR cable from the output to a mixer or audio interface. Connect the Thru jack to an instrument amplifier, tuner, or instrument-level parallel effects chain when a local feed is needed. Start with the pad disengaged, engage the -15 dB pad for a source with excessive level, and try the ground-lift setting only if hum is present; do not connect an amplifier speaker output directly to the input.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mackie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45669387993158,"sku":"MDB-1P","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0048\/4163\/5910\/files\/61iyDNXg0wL.jpg?v=1784497319","url":"https:\/\/audiowatt.store\/products\/mackie-mdb-1p-passive-direct-box","provider":"Audio Watt Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}