Useful in connecting a guitar, keyboard, bass—or indeed, any other instrument with a 1/4" output—to an XLR input, the Telefunken TDA-2 is a dual-channel DI box. The unit utilizes active, discrete class-A FET circuitry which, when coupled with components such as an OEP/Carnhill transformer, helps you to achieve a tone with clean, high headroom and a warm, saturated timbre. The TD-2 sports other constructive features which recommend it heartily; for instance, its printed circuit boards are assembled by hand with through-hole components; this ensures both security and reliability in its connection points. Additionally, all circuit traces have been gold-plated to bolster conductivity, while the circuit itself has been encased in an extruded aluminum enclosure. As such, you'll find it more than suitable for the wear and tear of gigging.

The DI box provides a frequency range of 20 Hz to 70 kHz, while both its channels give you a -15 dB pad and a ground lift, should you encounter noise issues. Since each channel has its own, separate controls, you can run two instruments at the same time through the TD-2, thus keeping the footprint down on stage or in the studio. 1/4" pass-through outputs are also provided on each channel, making this unit very handy in the studio; for instance, you could take a DI off an electric guitar and use the 1/4" pass-through to plug into an amplifier. In this manner, you can record both the sound of an amped guitar and a clean, dry guitar, giving yourself options in the mix. This is but one of the many uses you may find for this feature.

The circuit runs off of 48 VDC phantom power supplied from a console or recording interface, and an LED indicates when phantom power has been instantiated. Please note that if phantom power isn't running, you'll only get a substantially lower, weaker signal out of your instrument.

2-Channel DI Box    Connects 1/4" Instruments to XLR Inputs    Discrete Class-A FET Circuitry    2 x 1/4" Inputs    2 x XLR Outputs    2 x 1/4" Pass-Through Outputs    Switchable -15 dB Pads    Ground-Lift Buttons Minimizes Hum

• Custom-wound OEP/Carnhill transformer, made in the UK
• Rugged aluminum construction
• Class-A discrete FET circuitry
• Recessed switches and connectors for protection
• +48V phantom powered with LED indicator
• -15 dB pad switch
• Ground lift switch
• 100% through-hole components
• Amphenol connectors
• WIMA, Nichicon, and Panasonic capacitors
• 1% 1/4W metal film resistors

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Are the rack ears reversible?

A: Thank you for your question. The rack ears on the this unit are not reversible

Q: 2. Can this accept mic level signals on XLR inputs 1&2? I want to use this on my mixer end for two mic signals to line level inputs

A: No. The ART Dual RDB Dual Re-Amping Direct Box accepts line level input only, as it does not include any mic preamps. The Dual RDB outputs mic level or instrument level audio signal. You could use a device like the Rolls MX310 MorMics 3-Channel Mic Mixer/Combiner (B&H # ROMX310), which will allow you to connect up to three XLR microphones and it has a single XLR output that is switchable for mic level or line level output.

Q: 3. headphones?

A: This unit is not designed to be used with headphones.

Q: 4. I am planning on using this as essentially an 1/8th in. to XLR adapter, then inputting to a console. What is the reason (if there is a reason) to use the LTIBLOX as opposed to using a 1/4 in. cable with an 1/8th in. adapter? Could the LTIBLOX be considered a preamp, or am I misunderstanding its primary / intended function?

A: You can use a 1/4 to 1/8 cable. But, this makes it a whole lot easier. You can easily extend this out 50-100' with an XLR, as opposed to the 6' of 1/4 cable that you would suggest. And, you don't have to worry about losing the adapter. We are a rental house, and own about 25 of these things. Its great for the group that 'just wants to plug their iPhone in for some music.

Q: 5. What is the purpose of the battery power?

A: The purpose of the 9v battery is to cater to customers that may not have access to external power or phantom power.

Q: 6. Is this used for connecting consumer grade line level signal -10dBV gear to pro grade line level signal +4dBu gear?

A: Although the dbx DJdi 2-Channel Passive Direct Box's continuously variable input signal attenuator can accommodate a wide range of signal levels, it is not specifically designed for connecting consumer level products to professional gear. The main function of the DJdi is accepting unbalanced input signals and converting them to balanced output signals, and functions best in standard DI applications such as sending a guitar signal to a mixer.

Q: 7. Can this box also be used as a re-amping device? Using the XLR output as an input?

A: This device can not be used as a re-amping device. The XLR connection is only meant for a mic level output send to a mixer or interface.

Q: 8. does this unit provide phantom power to condenser microphones?

A: The ART Direct X is not designed for microphone input and will not provide phantom power.

Q: 9. Can the xlr side be used as input or is it only output?

A: No. The XLR side of the RapcoHorizon LTIBLOX Laptop BLOX 1-Channel Passive Direct Box is an output only

Q: 10. How does it compare in terms of quality with the Klark Teknik DI10P also offered in this website? Tech specs of DI-10P seem more comprehensive

A: Between the two units, the Klark Teknik would be the better buy due to the Midas designed transformers and a wider frequency response.