On-Stage DB1100

What it is

The DB1100 converts high-impedance instrument signals (guitar, bass, keyboard) into a low-impedance balanced-style XLR signal that can feed a microphone preamp input or travel over a long cable run to a mixer, PA, or recording interface. It runs on 48 V phantom power supplied by the receiving preamp or mixer, so it needs no batteries or adapter. Its distinguishing feature relative to On-Stage's simpler DB1000 is the Merge function: with Merge on, the two 1/4" inputs are summed to mono on the single XLR output, and with Merge off, the right input acts as a thru jack for passing a signal on to an amplifier or pedalboard. Its low-cut and polarity switches also appear on the DB1100 but not on the DB1000 page. The notes contain no independent published reviews, lab measurements, or history of the model beyond its current retail listings, so the era and development of the design are not documented here.

Specifications

Inputs

2 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced

Output

3-pin XLR male

Input impedance

220K ohms

Frequency response

10-40k (no units in one listing; not confirmed for this model)

Pad

Selectable -15 dB

Power

48 V phantom power, with 48V indicator

Construction

Metal with nylon bumpers

Dimensions

6 in x 3.5 in x 1.5 in

Weight

0.70 lb

Warranty

3 years (one retailer listing)

How it's used

Commonly used to feed a keyboard, guitar, or bass into a microphone preamp input, to run a stereo keyboard into a single channel by summing to mono, to send a direct signal over a long cable to a mixer or PA, and to pass a guitar or bass through to an amp or pedalboard with Merge off.

Suggested usage

• Confirm phantom power

  The box requires 48 V phantom power from the receiving preamp or mixer. Check that the input supplies it before connecting.

• Engage the pad for hot sources

  Use the -15 dB pad for high-output sources such as drum machines or guitars and basses with active electronics.

• Use the ground lift for hum

  The ground lift is provided to reduce hum caused by ground loops.

• Check levels after summing

  With Merge on, two stereo inputs are summed to mono on one output, so check the mixer input level after summing.

• Try polarity when phase seems off

  The polarity switch can help when cables have swapped conductors or when aligning the phase of a DI channel with a microphone channel.

Sources

• On-Stage DB1100 Active DI Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing DB1100
• On-Stage - Active DI Box - On-Stage
• USER MANUAL On-Stage DB1100 Active DI Box with
• Direct Boxes (DI’s) with Stereo to Mono Summing
• On-Stage DB1100 Active Direct Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing - Event-Technology Portal
• On Stage DB1100 Active DI Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing - The Music Den
• On-Stage Audio DB1100 Active Direct Box
• OnStage DB1100 Active Direct Box
• On-Stage DB1100 Active Direct Box
• On-Stage DB1100 Active Direct Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing. Actual pics!
• On-Stage DB1100Active Direct Box - Sims Music
• On Stage Stands DB1100 Active Direct Box
• On-Stage DB1100 Active DI Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing - Walmart.com
• On-Stage DB1100 Active Direct Box with Stereo-to-Mono Summing