MDB Series Direct Boxes
Ready
For Anything
From acoustic guitars to laptops, always sound your best with MDB Series Direct Boxes. Available in four different models, the MDB Series will give you the peace of mind that your sound will faithfully get to your audience the way that you hear it on stage.
Premium
Without the price tag
Direct boxes are an essential tool for any stage or studio. They make it easy to get clean, low-noise audio to a mixer no matter what instrument you are using. Available in four versatile models, our ultra-affordable DI’s offer the Mackie sound quality that you expect with Built-Like-A-Tank™ construction for maximum reliability. From acoustic guitars to laptops, be ready for anything with MDB Series direct boxes.
Mackie MDB-1A Overview
The Mackie MDB-1A is an active direct box designed to connect a single instrument such as a guitar, bass, or keyboard to a microphone preamp for musicians and audio engineers in recording sessions, houses of worship, and live stage applications. It converts a high-impedance, instrument-level signal via its 1/4″ TS unbalanced input to a low-impedance, mic-level output via its balanced XLR 3-pin jack. A 1/4″ thru jack allows simultaneous connection to an amplifier or pedalboard.
A -20 dB pad reduces the input level to prevent distortion when using a high-gain source, and the ground-lift switch inhibits hum caused by ground loops. Additionally, there are switches for polarity and a 120 Hz high-pass filter. The Merge function allows the Thru jack to be used as a second, simultaneous input. Due to its active design, the MDB-1A operates on phantom power. A sturdy steel chassis enables confident use in the studio or on the road.
Mackie MDB-1A Specs
Type | Active |
Input Connections | 1 x 1/4″ TS unbalanced |
Output Connectors | 1 x 1/4″ TS unbalanced 1 x XLR 3-pin balanced |
Input Impedance | 330 kOhms unbalanced |
Output Impedance | 150 Ohms balanced |
Impedance Ratio | 2200:1 |
Pad | -20 dB |
High-Pass Filter | 120 Hz |
Controls | Pad Ground-lift switch Merge Low-cut switch Polarity |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±0.5 dB) |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 90 dB |
Dynamic Range | 130 dB |
Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.02% at 1 kHz |
Power Requirement | 48 VDC phantom power |
Current | <4 mA DC |
Construction Material | Heavy-gauge steel chassis |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1.5 x 3.4 x 5.8″ / 38 x 86 x 147 mm |
Weight | 0.8 lb / 0.4 kg |
Package Weight | 1.05 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.9 x 5.8 x 2.9″ |