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Whirlwind pcDI

Item ID: pcDI

Direct Box with 1/8" and RCA Inputs, XLR Outputs, Ground Lift, 20dB Pad, and Stereo/Mono Switch.

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From Our Research Team:

A DI That Lets You Plug in Your Music Players and More!

The Whirlwind pcDI direct box is ideal for plugging CD players, iPods and other MP3 players, computer sound cards, tape decks, and more into balanced, low-impedance gear. Using two separate DIs (one uses a stereo 1/8" jack input, the other uses RCA), the pcDI lets you plug in an array of sources you wouldn't normally be able to implement with your balanced rig. The input jacks are color-coded, as are the XLR output jacks. You also get a ground lift switch, Stereo/Mono switch, and a 20dB pad switch for hot input signals. Bring your consumer gear up to speed with the pros when you use the Whirlwind pcDI!

Whirlwind pcDI Direct Box Features:
  • Color-coded RCA phono in/through jacks
  • Color-coded XLR output jacks
  • Ground Lift switch to help eliminate hum and buzz
  • Stereo/Mono switch for stereo operation or safely combine both inputs into a mono signal sent to both outputs
  • 20dB pad switch for connection to "hot" input signals
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformers with metal shield

The Whirlwind pcDI lets you plug your consumer-grade players into balanced inputs for great results!
Specification Detail
Type Passive DI
Channels 2
Inputs 2 x RCA, 1 x 1/8" TRS
Outputs 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA thru
Manufacturer Part Number PCDI

pcDI Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 8 reviews

Minor upgrades keep up the great tradition

by David Crone from Columbus, OH
September 13, 2012
Music Background: One-man entertainer and long time live sound guy
I've used earlier versions of this device for years and I bought another one based on its reliability and performance. None of those aspects of changed. This is still one of those devices every sound... read more [+] dude should have on hand.

The latest model includes the addition of a 1/8" stereo line input, complementing the RCA inputs. This saved me on a recent gig where I ran short (by one) of 1/8" to RCA cables. I just happened to have an 1/8" to 1/8" on hand that usually sits idle in my bag of tricks. It let me get the presenter's laptop connected in to the sound system and everyone was happy. close [-]

Laptop Sound Converter/Enhancer

by DJ Robb Roberts from Palm Springs, Ca.
June 5, 2012
Music Background: Nightclub DJ & VJ, Sound Installations.
This is the perfect approach if you are experiencing sound issues while connecting your laptop to a professional sound system.* Laptops and their sound cards can be noisy and introduce hum and rumble ... read more [+]to everyday RCA inputs on a mixer board. This Di box coverts your RCA or Mini Plug into the proper balanced XLR type input that can be connected to a professional or club sound system. close [-]

Great Stereo DI

by Aaron Scantlen from Winona Lake, IN
January 3, 2012
Music Background: Pro Musician
We have had one of these at the church for several years and I just got one for our new auditorium. It's great for iPods, iPads, iMacs, and even a electric piano that we have that has stereo RCA outs ... read more [+]instead of 1/2". close [-]

Very versatile directbox, but needs a slight redesign

by Paul Shaver from North Little Rock, AR
March 30, 2013
Music Background: Live bar gigger for decades.
This is the most versatile directbox I've ever used. I play live with a computer running VSTs, and I usually just use the computer's 3.5mm audio out. No venue expects a keyboardist to give them a mini... read more [+] headphone jack, and many expect balanced XLR. I've used little submixers a lot to provide them with a 1/4" unblanced, and then a directbox after that if needed. Also, the mono/stereo was an absolute must for me, a lot of venues aren't running in stereo, and a lot of bands don't run their PA in stereo. Mono is almost always what I need, and this box does a very good job of outputting mono XLR.

The way I use it is this:
stereo laptop -> 3.5mm input
electric piano -> one of the 1/4" inputs
mono switch pushed in (mono mode)
one XLR out to the PA
one XLR out to my personal powered speaker for monitor

This box mixes the laptop output plus my electric piano output, thus removing the need for a mixer, and it sends the same output out of both XLRs so that my personal monitor gets the exact same signal that I'm sending to the house PA.

The issue that Michael Massura mentioned is for real though - the XLR outs have a weird perimeter around them that prevents a lot of XLR cables from being able to get all the way into the socket. If not addressed, it can be very frustrating. I fixed it pretty easily though with a pocket knife and some wire cutters. I just trimmed that little margin down so that it's flush to the point that most XLR sockets would be. It accepts and locks-in all XLR cables just fine now.

The "thru" outputs are a little quirky, but very acceptable. If you plug an instrument into the left 1/4" input, the left RCA does NOT act as a thru. However, if you put it into "mono" mode, you can plug an instrument into the left 1/4" input and the right 1/4" jack will function as a thru. I think it's probably asking too much to have all five of the inputs capable of being inputs and thrus, depending solely upon what's stuck into them.

Every live keyboardist that uses a combination of VSTs on laptop, and hardware keyboards, needs one of these directboxes.

Whirlwind - you need to use a different XLR port. The one you're using is just goofy, like it's from some alternate universe that always uses skinny cable connectors. close [-]

Easy to use, a most have!!!

by Michael Massura from Orland Park, IL
October 19, 2012
Music Background: CEO, Recording Engineer
pcDI is a great product to get if you really need to get rid of the sound from your computer for PC application. I bought this for a Dance Program, because I wanted to run my I-Mac thought my PA. Cli... read more [+]cking the ground relief switch on both channels removed all computerize noises.
I also use it to connect computer to my studio monitors works the same.

Well built!

One downside the (2) XLR does not work with all XLR cables because it has a smaller plug, it worked with my GLS XLR cables and most of my cables that have a normal smaller around heads, but the bigger XLR connectors on my Shure XLR cables would not fit.

Other then the Shure XLR Connecters this DI box is solid and for the price and how clean it sounds it is well worth it, I consider it a steal.

Also the Pad on the DI works like it should.

Simple to work, and has all the connects that you will ever need for your computer or digital devices. close [-]
Read more reviews

Sweetwater's sales engineers are the most knowledgable and helpful in the industry. Your product selection and prices are unbeatable.


Mario, Indianapolis, IN

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See Also: DI Units , Whirlwind , Whirlwind Direct Boxes

Whirlwind pcDI

Today's Payment: $53.00
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