Klotz Cables DX10 - High Performance Passive Injection Box
The Klotz DX10 is a passive direct injection (DI) box, designed and manufactured in Germany to deliver high-fidelity, noise-free signal conversion. Its primary function is to transform an unbalanced, high-impedance instrument signal (such as that from a guitar, bass, or keyboard) into a balanced, low-impedance microphone-level signal. This allows the sound to be sent over long cable runs to a mixing console or audio interface without loss of quality, hum, or interference.
The heart of the DX10 is its high-quality transformer, developed in-house by Klotz. This crucial component is made with a 100% mu-metal core, a nickel-iron alloy with exceptional magnetic permeability. The result is an incredibly clean, neutral, and distortion-free sound that respects the original tone of your instrument. The robust steel housing, 2 mm thick with a durable finish, is designed to withstand the most demanding conditions of touring and live performance, effectively protecting the internal components.
Main features
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Mu-Metal Transformer: Incorporates a hand-wired Klotz transformer with a mu-metal core, providing superior shielding against radio frequency (RF) interference and ensuring pure, uncolored signal transmission.
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Ultra-Resistant Construction: Its 2mm thick steel chassis, with durable laser engraving, guarantees long-term reliability and exceptional protection, even in the toughest environments.
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-20 dB attenuator: Includes an attenuation switch (pad) that reduces the input level by 20 dB, allowing you to connect very high signal sources (such as keyboards or amplifier outputs) without risk of saturation or distortion.
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Ground-Lift Switch: The Ground-Lift function helps to effectively eliminate hum and noise caused by ground loops, a common problem in complex audio setups.
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Versatile Connectivity: It has a 6.3 mm jack input for the instrument, a THRU (splitter) output to send the unaltered signal to an amplifier on stage, and a balanced 3-pin XLR output for connection to the mixing console.
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Passive Operation: Being a passive device, it does not require external power, such as batteries or phantom power, which simplifies its use and increases its reliability. Simply plug and play.
Benefits for the musician and the sound engineer
The Klotz DX10 is designed for both musicians seeking to preserve the integrity of their tone and sound engineers demanding a clean, reliable signal. Its ability to handle long cable runs without introducing noise makes it an indispensable tool in recording studios, on stages, and in any live sound application. The robust construction ensures it will withstand the wear and tear of constant use, while its high-end components guarantee superior and consistent sonic performance every time.
Use cases
Ideal for connecting electro-acoustic guitars, electric basses, keyboards, synthesizers, and any instrument with a high-impedance output to a mixing console or microphone preamp. It's the perfect solution for professional recording studios, home studios, live performances, rehearsal rooms, and sound rental companies that need a robust, high-quality DI box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a passive injection box?
A passive direct injection (DI) box converts an unbalanced, high-impedance audio signal into a balanced, low-impedance signal using a transformer. Unlike active DI boxes, it does not require an external power supply.
Do I need to activate the phantom power of the mixer?
No, the Klotz DX10 is a passive device and requires no power supply. In fact, it's designed to be immune to phantom power, so it won't be damaged if it's accidentally activated on the mixing console.
When should I use the "Ground-Lift" switch?
The "Ground-Lift" switch is used to troubleshoot hum (typically at 50/60 Hz) caused by ground loops. If you hear this type of noise, flip the switch to disconnect the ground from the XLR output.
What is the -20 dB attenuator used for?
The attenuator is used when the sound source has a very high output level, such as the line output of a keyboard, an audio player, or the speaker output of an amplifier. It helps prevent distortion in the DI transformer and the mixer's preamp.
Project description
Passive direct injection box with Klotz transformer featuring mu-metal core and shielding. Transformation ratio of 6+6:1. 2 mm steel housing. Frequency response of 10 Hz to 30 kHz (+/- 0.3 dB). Total harmonic distortion <0.1%. Parallel input and output (THRU) connectors in 6.3 mm jack format. Balanced output in 3-pin male XLR format. Includes a -20 dB attenuation switch and a ground lift switch. Input impedance of 20 kΩ (PAD OFF) / 40 kΩ (PAD ON). Output impedance of 200 Ω. Maximum input level +10 dBu (PAD OFF) / +30 dBu (PAD ON). Maximum output level -10 dBu.
