Radial Engineering SB-4

The StageBug SB-4, from Radial, is an active direct box designed for exclusive use with piezo transducers. The result is a compact DI that can be used in tandem with any instrument that requires a piezo; this includes violins, mandolins, cellos, daxophones, dobros, upright basses, and more. Best of all, it accomplishes this while maintaining the integrity of the input signal.

The fun starts with a 1/4” input, armed with a 10meg-ohm impedance for taming unwanted peaks that are all-too-common with piezos. The increased impedance also broadens the overall frequency range for a more organic sound. When combined with the active circuit, the unit perpetrates high-to-low impedance conversion before balancing for a pristine linearity and low distortion uncommon in other similarly-priced units.

In terms of feedback suppression, the SB-4 utilizes a high-pass filter with 180 degree polarity reversal switch. The high-pass filter reduces resonance by eliminating unruly low-end frequencies. Additionally, the polarity switch removes acoustic peaks without excessive equalization, maintaining the instrument’s organic tone.

Outboard connections include AUX and XLR outputs, and the unit is powered via its own 48V Phantom Power source, meaning no batteries are required!

SB-4 Features

• Active DI optimized for piezo transducers
• Smoothes out peaks, eliminates squawk
• High pass filter eliminates resonance
• Ultra compact to fit in your guitar case