The Mackie MDB-2P is a stereo passive direct box designed to connect two mono instruments or a single stereo instrument to microphone preamps for musicians and audio engineers in recording sessions, houses of worship, and live stage applications. It converts high-impedance, instrument-level signal via its 1/4" TS unbalanced inputs to low-impedance, mic-level outputs via balanced XLR 3-pin jacks. Two 1/4" TS thru jacks allow simultaneous connection to amplifiers or pedalboards.
Each channel offers a -15 dB pad for reducing the input level to prevent distortion when using a high-gain source. The ground-lift switch inhibits hum caused by ground loops. Due to passive design principles, the MDB-2P requires no batteries or power supply. Its sturdy steel chassis enables confident use in the studio or on the road.
- Connect two mono instruments such as guitars or basses or a stereo instrument such as a keyboard to microphone preamps
- Converts high-impedance, unbalanced 1/4" TS inputs to low-impedance, balanced XLR mic-level outputs
- 1/4" thru jacks for routing to amplifiers or pedalboards
- Per-channel -15 dB pad prevents overloading when accepting signal from a loud source
- Ground-lift switch minimizes hum
- Passive design requires no batteries or power supply
SPECS
TypePassiveInput Connections2 x 1/4" TS unbalancedOutput Connectors2 x 1/4" TS unbalanced
2 x XLR 3-pin balancedInput Impedance140 kOhms unbalancedOutput Impedance400 Ohms unbalancedImpedance Ratio350:1Pad-15 dBControls2 x pad switches
1 x ground-lift switchFrequency Response20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.2 dB)Dynamic Range128 dBTotal Harmonic Distortion0.002% from 1 kHzPower RequirementNoneConstruction MaterialHeavy-gauge steel chassisDimensions (H x W x D)1.5 x 3.4 x 5.8" / 38 x 86 x 147 mmWeight0.8 lb / 0.4 kg
