The Strymon PCH X2 is a two-channel active DI box for getting guitars, basses, acoustic and piezo instruments, keyboards, pedalboards and amp or cab simulators into a mixer, preamp or audio interface. It runs on 48V phantom power and isolates each channel with its own transformer, so it works on stage, in the studio and at home.
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Two transformer-isolated channels: a custom transformer on each channel provides galvanic isolation and removes most ground-loop problems.
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Mono, stereo or dual mono: two buffered high-impedance 1/4" inputs feed two balanced, low-impedance active XLR outputs.
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Passive Thru outputs: two unbuffered 1/4" outputs feed amps or effects independently of the XLR outputs.
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Per-channel tone and hum tools: a three-position high-pass filter (off, 80Hz, 240Hz) and a ground lift switch on each channel.
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Phase and Sum/Stereo switches: flip the polarity of the left XLR output, or sum both inputs to a single mono feed.
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Phantom powered: each channel draws power through its XLR output, so no batteries or power supply are needed. A power LED on each channel shows when phantom power is present.
Each channel has its own high-pass filter on the XLR output. The 80Hz setting removes stage rumble, and the 240Hz setting cuts deeper into the low end to make space for other instruments in the mix. With the filter off, the frequency response is flat within half a dB from 10Hz to 80kHz. The Sum/Stereo switch decides how the two inputs are routed. In Stereo mode, left and right stay separate on their own Thru and XLR outputs. In Sum mode, both inputs are mixed to the left Thru and left XLR output, and the right XLR output is muted.
Strymon's quick start guide describes two typical setups. Live, a guitar pedalboard with an amp and cab simulator sends its XLR feeds to front of house while the Thru outputs drive the stage amps. In the studio or at home, instruments go straight to an audio interface while the Thru outputs still feed an amp. The circuitry sits in a compact 3mm extruded aluminium chassis. A single-channel version, the PCH X1, is also available.