The PDB passive direct box from ART is a roadworthy DI for connection of the outputs of electronic musical instruments (or other audio sources) to the balanced inputs of mixer consoles and other balanced inputs. It also allows for connection of a music source to an instrument amplifier while simultaneously patching it to a mixer.

The unit features switchable input attenuation, a 50k Ω instrument input, 50k Ω parallel link jack, a 600 Ω XLR output jack and a switchable ground lift. It excels at impedance matching and improving the sound of any instrument plugged into it. Enclosed in a rugged steel chassis, it is designed and manufactured to the highest standards to provide years of quiet, reliable performance.

The high impedance signal from a guitar or bass guitar pickup is translated by the unit into a low impedance balanced signal required by mixing consoles.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this work with Meike 16mm T2.2 lens? Also the top flag is included in the package ? Thanks

A: Yes it will. This comes with a 77mm filter adapter to connect to that lens and the top flag is included.

Q: 2. Can this be set up on a Sony 28-135mm kit lens (95mm filter ring)?

A: You cannot. This will not accommodate a lens that large.

Q: 3. I recently bought the rapid box and the reflector plate. I'm a little confused regarding the setup though. The picture on the B&H website has the reflector plate with the inside facing the flash while the Westcott website has it set up with the inside facing away from the flash (unfortunately I already removed the sticker on the reflector plate. Can anyone please help clarify? Thank you in advance!

A: This is directly from Westcott: What does the deflector plate do? The deflector plate will create a beauty dish effect. The lighting will still be very soft on your subjects face, however the shadows will show a bit more contrast. Which way does the Deflector Plate go? The difference is minimal whether you place the deflector plate with the textured side in or out. We recommend to put the deflector plate on with the textured side facing out so your flash doesnt have to work as hard. You will notice harder shadows no matter which way the deflector plate faces.

Q: 4. Is it possible to screw in a SLR Magic variable inside the matte box? The outer ring filter size of my VND is 86mm (77mm VND). I understand it is too wide to fit between the lens and matte box but since it must rotate, it needs to be in front. THX!

A: That will not be possible with this matte box.

Q: 5. Will 2 Profoto A1's work with this...

A: This product is just the plate (I think), they'll likely work with the Rapid Box Duo but you'll have to get your ruler out and maybe contact Westcott. I can say however it's a top shelf piece of kit.

Q: 6. Can this be used simultaneously with a 95mm VND?

A: The SmallRig Mini Matte Box Pro (B&H #SMMMPP) cannot accommodate a 95mm filter.

Q: 7. Is it possible to have a variable ND filter in front of the lens and behind the mattebox? Perhaps using adapters and/or step up and down rings

A: Yes it is possible. You will have to consider the size of the lens, the filter and the matte box adapter rings.

Q: 8. Does this support 150mm x 100mm filters?

A: Unfortunately it doesn't. You would need a bigger matte box to fit a 150mm x 100mm filter.

Q: 9. ¿will this matte box fit a sigma 85mm F/1.4?

A: It depends on which Sigma 85 f/1.4 you own. The new DG DN version for Sony E/Leica L would work, while the Canon EF/Nikon F/Sigma SA versions are too large to natively fit this matte box. You could use an step-down ring, but there might be some vignetting present, although the chance of it is pretty low since the 85mm has such a narrow field-of-view.

Q: 10. If I wanted to buy cover caps for these adapter rings so I can leave them on the lenses, what size would I look for? I see 85mm is the largest size to fit through matte box, but does that mean I’d look for 85mm cover caps or...? Thanks

A: You would need 85mm.