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Whirlwind pcDI Stereo Line Interface

BH #WHPCDI • MFR #PCDI
26 reviews
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Whirlwind pcDI Stereo Line Interface
Key Features
  • RCA, 3.5mm TRS, 1/4" TS Inputs
  • XLR Outputs
  • Per-Channel Ground Lift
  • 20 dB Pad
The pcDI from Whirlwind is a dual-channel direct box with RCA phono, 3.5mm TRS stereo, and 1/4" TS connectors, designed to interface unbalanced stereo line sources with professional, balanced low-impedance equipment. Output is via corresponding color-coded XLRs.
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Whirlwind PCDI Overview

The pcDI from Whirlwind is a dual-channel direct box with RCA phono, 3.5mm TRS stereo, and 1/4" TS connectors, designed to interface unbalanced stereo line sources with professional, balanced low-impedance equipment. Output is via corresponding color-coded XLRs.

The pcDI features a ground-lift switch per channel to help eliminate hum, a 20 dB pad switch for connecting "hot" signals and is perfect for interfacing the outputs of CD players, computer sound cards, MP3 players, etc. A stereo/mono switch allows for stereo operation or for combining both inputs into a mono signal that is sent to both outputs.

Color-coded RCA phono In/Thru jacks
3.5mm stereo mini input
Two 1/4" TS unbalanced line inputs
Color-coded XLR output jacks
Per-channel, ground-lift switches to help eliminate hum and buzz
20 dB pad for connecting "hot" input signals
Stereo/mono switch for stereo operation or for combining both inputs into a mono signal sent to both outputs
UPC: 692465011983

Whirlwind PCDI Specs

General
Item Type
Standard DI
Number of Channels
2-Channel
Active/Passive
Passive
Circuitry
Solid-State
Preamp
Pad
-20 dB
Ground Lift
Yes
Polarity Reverse
No
EQ & Tone Shaping
Low-Cut/High-Pass Filter
No
Connectivity
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Stereo Input
1x Stereo 2RCA Unbalanced Phono In or Thru
2x 1/4" TS Unbalanced Input
2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Output
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB
Power
Operating Voltage
No Power Required
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.1 x 6.9 x 1.95"

Whirlwind PCDI Reviews

Audio POP on Laptop Sleep

By Spencer
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2024-08-02

I had high hopes for this USB DI from Whirlwind, especially with how great their normal DI Boxes function. I purchased 2 of these to use in-tandem on a computer. Out of the box, everything functioned perfectly. Device detected as USB DAC 1 and USB DAC 2 - output routing, audio quality & toggle button functions worked as intended (although one of the units had all 3 embedded buttons, the other had 2 embedded & 1 that was external - different models?). Unfortunately that's all the good I can say about this product. As soon as the laptop went to sleep or the lid was closed, both pcDI's would lose power every 30-60 seconds causing a loud POP noise to hit the XLR audio outputs. When the unit's power was lost or received from the host device, I would expect audio to not pass through the XLR paths (even a simple Apple USB-C1/8 functions properly). I definitely expected better...

Seemed okay at first..

By Michael
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-29

Needed to clean up some noise from source. This seemed perfect solutions. Connected and source noise seemed to be resolved. At the time there wasn't a big need for much high volume, which means you wouldn't hear small details. Now I'm needing to boost the levels up to get high enough signal to the amp for more volume. Doing some testing and moving some equipment around a little. The Whirlwind had been sitting untouched since installation. I went to move it after 14 months and the second I touched the metal housing BUZZ max volume through my mixer into the power amp. Guessing a short in the Whirlwind. The ground lifts took away most of it, but it's still there. Touch and buzz. Turned down the gains on the mixer pre's to lower the noise floor and with the Whirlwind still connected, still getting noise from the Whirlwind. Couldn't hear it before with the low staging to limit the pre's gains noise. Removing the Whirlwind removed the noise completely. The ground noise from the source has since been resolved, so the need for the DI box doesn't exist, but since it's already setup and cables and equipment provisioned for it, would have been nice to leave as it's been. My temp work around switching the interface type and input on the mixer leaves me without enough boost to deal with for the short term, but now I've got equipment and cables that weren't free collecting dust and had to provision different cables for the work around which of course aren't free either. The remaining setup is usable for the short term, but that input on the mixer doesn't have enough boost and I'm going to have to add another interface in that line will get the levels up at probably another $400. In the end it'll be 100% clean and level matched. The Whirlwind seems like a decent product, but I just have bad luck and got a bad one.

See any errors on this page?

question

Can you use an additional inline barrel pad on top of this in case you need to knock a signal down to mic level?
Asked by: DNN
The output on the pcDI is mic level. There is no need a use a pad.
Answered by: Whirlwind Expert
Date published: 2018-11-12

Can you have two stereo devices connected to this ...

Can you have two stereo devices connected to this at the same time? We would only pass signal to one stereo input at a time.
Asked by: Dean
The Whirlwind pcDI Stereo Line Interface (BH # WHPCDI) is a two-channel stereo device only. But it features a "STEREO / MONO" switch to combine stereo sources into a mono signal and a “20dB PAD” switch for connecting to "hot" signal sources. Separate ground lift switches for each output help eliminate hum and buzz.
Answered by: Mark S
Date published: 2024-10-30

question

do you have to have a mixer to use this?
Asked by: Anonymous
A mixer is not required. It depends on what you want to do. See this instructional video:https://youtu.be/zKrWZKSw4AU
Answered by: Tom V. TeachLogic Expert
Date published: 2018-08-27
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