Radial Engineering R8000120 SB-2 Passsive, DI for Bass & Keyboards with Stereo to Mono mix

Small size and big performance
The compact design begins with a ¼" input and thru-put to feed the on-stage amp. This connects to the custom made Eclipse ET-DB3 transformer which performs the impedance matching and balances the signal. When using extra high output instruments, a -15dB pad can be inserted into the signal path. This enables the SB-2 to be used with active basses and digital pianos that often tend to overload the input side of the interface. An innovative stereo-to-mono merge function provides a convenient way to connect stereo keyboards and computers without having to reset the source for mono operation, saving time and input channels on the PA. The SB-2 output features an XLR wired to the AES standard with pin-2 hot. Once connected, the SB-2 delivers a smooth warm sound reminiscent of older vintage gear. The Eclipse ET-DB3 transformer is magical in its ability to handle extreme signal levels with a natural compression that is pleasing to the ears. The transformer also helps eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops by isolating the input from the output. This is augmented with a ground lift switch that lifts pin-1 on the XLR for quiet, professional results.

Using the SB-2 with Acoustic guitar
Plug your acoustic guitar into the SB-2 Passive and it will smooth out the peaks and warm up your tone with a vintage vibe. The compact design makes it perfect for traveling between gigs.
Using the SB-2 with electric bass
Connect your bass to the StageBug SB-2; send the thru signal to your amp and the output to the PA system. Transformer isolation eliminates nasty hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
Using the SB-2 with a keyboard
The Passive SB-2 is a perfect go-to direct box when you need to take the output from a keyboard and send it to the PA system. Input and thru jacks automatically merge the stereo signal to mono to save channels while the SB-2 balances the signal to drive distances of 100 meters (300 feet) without noise!

• Passive DI for bass, acoustic and keyboard
• Ultra compact to fit in your guitar case
• Plug & play easy to use feature set
• Transformer isolation eliminates noise

How does the StageBug SB-2 compare to the Radial ProDI?
The SB-2 uses the more affordable Eclipse ET-DB3 transformer and reduces the feature set in order to make it smaller and less expensive. The ProDI is flat from 20Hz to 18kHz while the SB-2 is flat from 30Hz to 17kHz.

Which StageBug is better for an acoustic guitar: the active SB-1 or the passive SB-2?
This is like comparing a dynamic mic to a condenser mic. Both will work well, but due to the extra ‘air’ in the high end, most acoustic guitarists tend to prefer an active direct box like the SB-1.

Does the SB-2 need power to make it work?
No. You do not need a battery or 48V phantom power. You merely plug & play.

How long of an XLR cable can be used?
When driving the SB-2 with an active source, you can easily extend 100 meters (300′) without loss. With a passive instrument like an old Fender bass, a shorter cable will result in less loading. You would probably want to keep this down to 30 meters (100′) so that the audible effects are minimized.

What is loading?
When using a passive bass like an old Fender, the output signal from the instrument is generated by the pickup. As such, there is no ‘power steering’ to drive the signal as there is in an active bass. When you load the pickup with the direct box and hundreds of feet of cable, some of the energy that normally would be sent to the stage amplifier will be lost. This effect is called loading.

Can I still use the SB2 with a passive bass?
Yes of course. You will only notice a drop in level when you have a super long cable attached at the XLR output.

Can I use the SB-2 with a stereo keyboard?
You will need to take the mono output as the SB-2 is a single channel device. For stereo use, we recommend the Radial ProD2 or the Duplex.

• Audio circuit type: Passive, transformer based
• Transformer: Eclipse ET-DB3, 12:1 ratio
• Number of channels: 1
• Frequency response: 20Hz ~ 20KHz (± 0.5dB)
• Dynamic range: 115dB
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% @ 1kHz
• Phase Deviation: 3° @ 100Hz; 8° @ 50Hz
• Input Impedance: 140k Ohms, unbalanced
• Output Impedance: 1k Ohms, balanced
• Maximum Input: +20dB
• Features
• Input pad, Ground lift
• Input Connectors: 1/4"
• Output Connectors: XLR
• General
• Construction: 14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
• Size (L x W x D): 4.5" x 1,85" x 1.35" (114mm x 47mm x 34mm)
• Weight: 0.55 lbs (250 grams)
• Shipping size (L x W x D): 8" x 5" x 3" (203mm x 127mm x 76mm)
• Shipping weight: 0.8 lbs (365 grams)
• Power: Passive, no power required
• Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C
• Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable