ART Pro Audio XDirect User Manual

Professional Active Direct Box

Artcessories

User's Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION – READ FIRST

This symbol, whenever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside enclosure-voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute risk of shock.

Read Instructions: Retain safety and operating instructions for
future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the
equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this us er
guide.

Do not open: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer
any service work to qualified technical personnel only.

Grounding: Only connect the unit to equipment with properly
grounded mains power. Do not defeat the grounding and
polarization means of the power cord plug of the connected
equipment. Do not remove or tamper with the ground
connection on the power cord of the connected equipment.

Environment: Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and
vibration when operating and stori ng. Avoid tobacco as h, drink
spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke
machines.

Handling: Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use
adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to
yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when lifting,
moving or carrying the unit.

Servicing: Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel.

This symbol, whenever it appears,
alerts you to important operating
and maintenance instructions in
the accompanying literature.
Please read the manual.

Installation: Install the uni t in accordance with the instructions
printed in the user guide.

INTRODUCTION:

Thanks for purchasing Applied Research and
Technology’s Xdirect. The Xdirect is a high quality
interface that lets you connect instrument, line, or
speaker level signals to a mixer or other balanced input.
The high impedance single-ended ¼” and XLR inputs
are buffered and converted, by very low noise active
electronics, into an isolated balanced low impedance
signal source. The Xdirect has an extremely flat and
wide frequency response and can handle high signal
levels while still maintaining an isolated balanced low
impedance output. This gives the Xdirect a very clean
and neutral sound with a wide variety of signal sources
and over long signal runs in high noise environments.

INSTALLATION AN OPERATIONS:

The Input Attenuator switches allow for a wide range of
signal levels and the Input Link jack allows for tapping
off of your signal chain. The Ground Lift switch lets you
totally separate the input and output signal grounds,
when appropriate, to isolate two systems, thereby
reducing hum and ground-loop noise.

What further sets the Xdirect apart from other “active DI”
boxes are its extended features and versatility.

We have added a switchable low pass Filter that cuts
out all very high frequency interference. This Bessel
filter on the input is placed out of the audio range and is
primarily intended to reduce radio frequency
interference before it gets into the main system. The
filter is also very effective in reducing any digital
computer noise artifacts when using the Xdirect as an
interface between a computer based audio workstation
and your monitors.

A Phase Invert switch, while not normally included with
your run of the mill D.I. box, has been added to allow
you to switch signal polarity right at the source. This
feature is especially handy when you are combining a
direct tap with a microphone feed in the mix.

The Xdirects active circuitry is powered by an internal
9volt battery, when external power is not available. In
this mode it draws 3.5 ma which should give you more
than 250 hours of operation off of a new battery. If

phantom power is available, then the Xdirect will
automatically draw its power from the external source.
The Battery on/off switch lights dim when the unit is
running off of the battery, lights brightly when it is
running off of phantom power, and is off when the unit is
inactive.

The compact black anodized all aluminum case and it’s
flexible power design allow the Xdirect to provide years
of trouble free service in Live Sound, Permanent/Fixed
Install, D.J., and virtually any PA application. It’s full
feature set, rugged construction, and high-end
specifications make the Xdirect the obvious choice
whenever you have to inter fac e high impedance sour ce s
with a low noise balanced system.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency Response: 10Hz –100kHz, +/-.5dB @

+0dBu
Maximum Output Level: +6dBu (battery powered),
+14dBu (phantom powered)

Maximum Input Level: +4/+24/+44dBu
Dynamic Range: >100dB typical
Input Connections: ¼-inch TRS and XLR

female unbalanced, 470k
Ohm
Output Connection: XLR male balanced, <600
Ohm

THD: <.05% Typical
Filter Type/Response: Switchable, Low Pass, -3dB

@ 30kHz
Input Attenuation: Switchable, (0dB, -20dB, -
40dB)

Output Phase: Switchable, Normal/Invert
Ground Lift: Switchable, fully isolates

inputs from chassis and
output.
Power Requirements: 9volt @3.5ma (internal
battery) or 18VDC–48VDC
@9.5ma (phantom power)
Dimensions HxWxD (in): 1.75 x 4.2 x 3.5
HxWxD(mm): 44.5 x 107 x 89

Weight (lbs/kg): .75 / .34

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Limited Warranty (USA only)

Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty
and service for this unit in accordance with the following
warrants:
Applied Research and Technology, (ART) warrants to
the original purchaser that this product and the
components thereof will be free from defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of three years
from the date of purchase. Applied Research and
Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at its
option, defective product or component parts upon
prepaid delivery to the factory service department or
authorized service center, accompanied by proof of
purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.

Exclusions

This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or
abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized
alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial
number is altered, defaced, or removed.
ART reserves the right to make changes in design or
make additions to or improvements upon this product
without any obligation to install the same on products
previously manufactured.
ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages,
including without limitation damages r esulting from lo ss
of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental

or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you
specific rights and you may have other rights, which
vary, from state to state. The warranty terms listed
above are only valid within the United States of America.
For units purchased outside the United States, an
authorized distributor of Applied Research and
Technology will provide service. For information on
warranty and service policies outside of the U.S., please
contact your local distributor.

Please fill in the following information for your reference:

Date of purchase: _________________________
Purchased from: _________________________

SERVICE:

The following information is provided in the unlikely
event that your unit requires service.

1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem.
Check to make sure that the unit has power
supplied, that all cables are connected correctly,
and that the cables themselves are in working
condition. You may want to consult with your dealer
for assistance in troubleshooting or testing your
particular configuration.

2. If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to

www.artproaudio.com. Select "Support", then

"Return Authorization Request" to request a return
authorization number.

3. If you are returning the unit for service, pack the
unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute.
The original packaging may not be suitable as a
shipping carton, so consider putting the packaged
unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA
number clearly on the outside of the shipping box.
Print your return shipping address on the outside of
the box.

4. Include with your unit: a note with the RA number
and your contact information, including a return
shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box)
and a daytime phone number, and a description of
the problem, preferably attached to the top of the
unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.