OWNER’S MANUAL

MONO
ON/OFF PHONES POWER
USB INPUT
LEVEL

GROUND
LEFT OUTPUT LIFT RIGHT OUTPUT
 Important Safety Instructions
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

1. Read these instructions. 13. This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set
2. Keep these instructions. forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device should be
3. Heed all warnings. installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between
4. Follow all instructions. the radiator & your body.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 14. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
with the manufacturer’s instructions. regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
registers, stoves, radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas)
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique
manufacturer. édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.
10. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is 15. This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such standard(s).
as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been (1) this device may not cause interference, and
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has (2) this device must accept any interference, including
been dropped. interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
11. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie
no object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
be placed on the apparatus. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
12. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en
interference received, including interference that may cause compromettre le fonctionnement.
undesired operation. 16. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and level exposures shown in the following chart.
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these
interference to radio communications. However, there is no permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound
installation. pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels
television reception, which can be determined by turning the use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation.
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must
interference by one or more of the following measures: be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set
• Increase the separation between the equipment forth here:
and the receiver. Duration, per Sound Level dBA, Typical Example
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit day in hours Slow Response
different from that to which the receiver is connected. 8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV
4 95 Subway Train
technician for help. 3 97
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly 2 100 Very loud classical music
approved by LOUD Audio LLC could void the user's authority to 1.5 102
operate the equipment under FCC rules. 1 105 Ryan screaming at Troy about deadlines
0.5 110
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, 0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE
directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due
to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product
will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

2 MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

Contents Introduction

Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Instructions.........................................2 With the bus-powered MDB-USB Stereo DI, the days of
Contents............................................................................3 relying on your headphone jack to get audio from a computer
Features.............................................................................3 into analog gear are over.
How To Use This Manual..................................................3
Combining a high-resolution audio interface with a noise
Introduction......................................................................3 and distortion-free stereo DI, MDB-USB converts your digital
Getting Started.................................................................3 audio into clean, balanced, stereo output.
Things To Remember........................................................3
Hookup Diagram...............................................................4 Featuring an output level control, headphone output, and
mono sum for maximum versatility. Analog outputs are dual
MDB-USB: Front Panel Features.....................................5 XLR with ground lift.
1. USB Input................................................................5
2. Power LED..............................................................5
3. Level Knob..............................................................5
Getting Started
4. Headphone Output................................................5 The following steps will help you set up the MDB-USB Stereo
5. Mono On / Off Switch............................................5 Direct Box quickly.
6. Mono On / Off LED.................................................5
MDB-USB: Rear Panel Features......................................6 1. Turn down all level knobs on all connected gear.
7. XLR Output Jacks..................................................6
2. Connect cords from the XLR outputs of the MDB-USB to
8. Ground Lift Switch................................................6 the inputs of a mixer, powered speakers or studio monitors.
Appendix A: Service Information..................................... 7 3. Push the USB cable securely into the MDB-USB’s USB
Appendix B: Technical Information.................................8 input connector and plug the other end into any open USB
MDB-USB Dimensions..............................................8 slot of the computer.
MDB-USB Block Diagram.........................................9
4. Turn the computer on. Make sure the MDB-USB powers
up, as well, indicated by the power LED.
Limited Warranty............................................................ 10
5. Turn the mixer, powered speakers or studio monitors on.

Features 6. Be sure that the volume of the input is the same as it

would be during normal use.
• Connect your computer directly via USB 7. Slowly raise the level knob to a comfortable listening level.
• High-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz interface
• Balanced, low-impedance XLR outputs with Ground Lift
• Output level control with Mono switch Things to Remember
• Headphone output for easy monitoring
• Noise-free operation • Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
• Powered by computer Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
• Plug-and-play operation, no driver required information on hearing protection.
• Built-Like-A-Tank™ construction
• Save the shipping boxes and packing materials!
You may need them someday. Besides, your hamster
will love playing in them and jumping out at you
How to Use This Manual unexpectedly. Remember to pretend like you
After this introduction, a getting started guide will help you are surprised!
get things set up fast. The hookup diagram shows a typical
setup. • Save your sales receipt in a safe place.
This icon marks information that is critically
important or unique to the MDB-USB.
For your own good, read and remember them. Like us
Follow us
Part No. SW1225 Rev. B 01/19
©2019 LOUD Audio, LLC All Rights Reserved. Watch our dang videos
Owner’s Manual 3
 Hookup Diagram
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

MONO
ON/OFF PHONES

USB INPUT
POWER PC / MAC
LEVEL

STEREO DIRECT BOX

GROUND
LEFT OUTPUT LIFT RIGHT OUTPUT

As you can see in this hookup diagram, the MDB-USB is a convenient stereo direct box to add to the chain.
Let’s look at the front panel connections first. Start by simply connecting a USB cable from the computer’s
USB slot to the MDB-USB input jack. And end by simply connecting a pair of headphones to the phones
1/8" output jack. Front panel connections made!

The rear panel connections are as straightforward as the front panel connections. Here we connected
the XLR L/R line output jacks of the MDB-USB to the inputs of a Mackie 1202VLZ4 mixer. The outputs
of the mixer are then connected to the inputs of the house PA loudspeaker system.

That was our part. The next part is up to you... crank up and get the floor shakin’!

Typical MDB-USB Setup

4 MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

MDB-USB Stereo DIrect Box: Front Panel Features

Owner’s Manual
1. USB Input 4. Headphone Output
The built-in USB interface allows you to stream This 1/8" TRS connector supplies the output to
audio from a computer and route it to the outputs stereo headphones. It is the same signal that is routed
and headphones. It will show up automatically on PC to the outputs. The volume is controlled with the level
and Mac, no driver required! knob.
Fortune: Next full moon brings an enchanting evening. The phones output follows ­standard conventions:
Lucky numbers: 52–16–34–56–15–37
Tip = Left channel
Ring = Right channel
Sleeve = Common ground
2. Power LED WARNING: The headphone amp is loud,
This LED will illuminate green when the computer is and can cause permanent hearing damage.
powered on and connected successfully and securely Even intermediate levels may be painfully
(via USB) to the MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box. loud with some headphones. BE CAREFUL! Always turn
the level control all the way down before connecting
Fortune: Listen to yourself more often. headphones or doing anything new that may affect the
Lucky numbers: 1–49–28–9–6–35 headphone volume. Then turn it up slowly as you listen
carefully.

3 1 2
Fortune: Make a wise choice every day.
5 Lucky numbers: 1–10–12–13–20–36
MONO
ON/OFF PHONES POWER

4 USB INPUT

5. Mono On / Off Switch

LEVEL

STEREO DIRECT BOX

6 With this switch in the OFF position (up), the left

and right sides are in stereo.
With this switch in the ON position (down), the stereo
3. Level Knob signal is summed to mono.
The level knob adjusts the overall volume to the XLR Fortune: Never cut what you can untie.
outputs and headphones. Lucky numbers: 8–6–7–5–3–09
Fortune: The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Lucky numbers: 28–36–34–29–37–10
6. Mono On / Off LED
This LED illuminates when the Mono On / Off switch
is on (in mono mode).
Fortune: It’s tough to be fascinating.
Lucky numbers: 26–44–20–31–49–7

Owner’s Manual 5
 MDB-USB Stereo DIrect Box: Rear Panel Features
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

7. XLR Output Jacks 8. Ground Lift Switch

These XLR connectors provide a balanced line-level The ground lift separates the chassis ground from
signal that is designed to connect to the inputs of a the signal ground at the balanced output jacks. The
mixer, powered speakers or studio monitors. default position is ground. You may attempt to remedy
system ground loop hum by moving the switch to lift.
They are wired as follows, according to standards
specified by the AES (Audio Engineering Society): Fortune: Spring has sprung. Life is blooming.
Lucky numbers: 6–11–19–23–26–28
Balanced XLR Output Connector
Pin 1 – Shield (ground)
Pin 2 – Positive (+ or hot)
Pin 3 – Negative (– or cold)
SHIELD 1

COLD 3 2
HOT
SHIELD GROUND
1
LEFT OUTPUT LIFT RIGHT OUTPUT
3 COLD
2
HOT 7 8 7
Fortune: A feeling is an idea with roots.
Lucky numbers: 12–46–79–40–2–34

6 MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

Appendix A: Service Information

Owner’s Manual
If you think your MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box has a problem, Hum
please check out the following troubleshooting tips and do your
best to confirm the problem. Visit the Support section of our • Use balanced connections throughout your system
website (www.mackie.com/support) where you will find lots of for the best noise rejection.
useful information such as FAQs and other documentation. You
• Whenever possible, plug all the audio equipment’s line
may find the answer to the problem without having to part with cords into outlets which share a common ground.
your MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box. The distance between the outlets and the common
ground should be as short as possible.

Troubleshooting
No power Repair
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in? Make sure For warranty service, refer to the warranty information
the USB cable is securely fastened to both the on page 10.
MDB-USB and computer.
Non-warranty service is available at a factory-authorized
• Our next favorite question: Is the computer’s power
switch on? If not, try turning it on. service center. To locate the nearest service center, visit
www.mackie.com/support/service-locator. Service for
• Is the power LED on the front panel illuminated? MDB-USBs living outside the United States may be obtained
through local dealers or distributors.

No sound If you do not have access to our website, please call our Tech
Support department at 1-800-898-3211 (normal business hours,
• Is the level knob for the input source turned all the way Pacific Time), to explain the problem. They will tell you where
down? Verify that all the volume controls in the system the nearest factory-authorized service center is located in your
are properly adjusted. Look at the level meter to ensure area.
that the mixer is receiving a signal.

• Is the signal source working? Make sure the connecting

cables are in good repair and securely connected at both
ends. Make sure the output level control on the mixing
console is turned up sufficiently.

• Make sure the mixer does not have a mute on or a

processor loop engaged. If you find something like this, Please write the serial numbers here for future reference
make sure the level is turned down before disengaging (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization,
the offending switch. make dad proud, etc.)

Poor sound
Purchased at:
• Is it loud and distorted? Make sure that you’re not
overdriving a stage in the signal chain. Verify that
all level controls are set properly.

• Be sure all connections are secure. Date of purchase:

Owner’s Manual 7
 Appendix B: Technical Information
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box Specifications

Audio Performance Display LEDs
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz , ±0.5 dB Front power on/off,
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.01% Front Mono on/off

Dynamic Range 88 dB
Stereo Channel Separation <–78 dB
Physical Properties
Height: 1.5 in / 38 mm
Width: 3.4 in / 86 mm
Input / Output
Depth: 5.8 in / 147 mm
Input Type Female Type-B USB Weight: 1.0 lb / 0.5 kg
Input Impedance 330 k balanced
Output Type 2x Male XLR Balanced
1/8" Stereo Unbalanced (Phones)
Disclaimer
Output Impedance 600 balanced (XLR)
Since we are always striving to make our ­products better by incorporating new
150 balanced (1/8")
and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods, we reserve
Level Control Rotating knob the right to change these specifications at any time without notice.
The “Running Man” figure is a registered trademark of LOUD Audio, LLC.
All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or ­registered trademarks
Requirements of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
USB Bus powered 90mA ©2019 LOUD Audio, LLC
Format USB 2.0 All Rights Reserved.
Compatibility Windows 7, 8, 10
Mac OS
Supports WDM, MME, CoreAudio,
DirectSound, .WAV
Sample Rates (set by computer) 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
16 / 24-bits

MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box Dimensions

5.8 in / 147 mm
WEIGHT
1.0 lb
0.5 kg
3.4 in
86 mm

1.5 in
38 mm

8 MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

 OUTPUT LEVEL

3 XLR OUT L
FIXED RESISTANCE
6
1 5
LA 4
2

5
LINE AMP
USB LEFT OUT MONO GND
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box Block Diagram

RECEIVER RIGHT OUT

4
6
3

FIXED RESISTANCE XLR OUT R 3

LA 1 2
1
2

LINE AMP

LA

LINE AMP FIXED RESISTANCE

FIXED RESISTANCE
LA HEADPHONE
PHONE JACK
LINE AMP

Owner’s Manual
9
Owner’s Manual
 Limited Warranty
MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.

This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Audio, LLC (“LOUD”) and is applicable to products
purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend
to anyone other than the original purchaser of the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”).

For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.com to find contact information for your local
distributor, and information on any warranty coverage provided by the distributor in your local market.

LOUD warrants to Customer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use
during the Warranty Period. If the product fails to conform to the warranty then LOUD or its authorized service representative
will at its option, either repair or replace any such nonconforming product, provided that Customer gives notice of the
noncompliance within the Warranty Period to the Company at: www.mackie.com or by calling LOUD technical support
at 1.800.898.3211 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) during normal business hours Pacific Time, excluding weekends
or LOUD holidays. Please retain the original dated sales receipt as evidence of the date of purchase. You will need it
to obtain any warranty service.

For full terms and conditions, as well as the specific duration of the Warranty for this product, please visit www.mackie.com.

The Product Warranty, together with your invoice or receipt, and the terms and conditions located at www.mackie.com
constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes any and all prior agreements between LOUD and Customer related
to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Product Warranty
will be valid unless set forth in a written instrument signed by the party to be bound thereby.

Need help with the MDB-USB?

• Visit www.mackie.com/support to find: FAQs, manuals, addendums, and other documents.

• Email us at: www.mackie.com/support-contact

• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support chaps
(Monday through Friday, normal business hours, Pacific Time).

10 MDB-USB Stereo Direct Box

16220 Wood-Red Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
Phone: 425.487.4333
Toll-free: 800.898.3211
Fax: 425.487.4337
www.mackie.com