United Vintage Direct Box – premium-class passive DI box

The United Vintage Direct Box is a unique DI device that blends vintage tone with modern engineering. Inspired by legendary designs of the 1960s, such as the Wolfbox and Bruce Swedien’s Bass Box, it’s built around United’s massive, custom-designed 5078 transformer. This component ensures pristine audio with a broad frequency response, ultra-low noise, and exceptional headroom.

Key features

• Massive 5078 transformer with high-nickel lamination
• No pads or filters in the signal path
• 6 output levels: –42 dB to –22 dB
• Extremely low output impedance and wide compatibility
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, ±0.5 dB

Pristine signal with no compromises

Unlike most passive DI boxes, the Vintage Direct removes all tone-degrading elements before the transformer. Signal level is adjusted within the transformer’s secondary windings – using three configurations and a precision T-pad attenuator. This results in tone-preserving level control with six evenly spaced output steps. All components were selected for top-tier performance – from NASA-grade PRP resistors (USA-made) to the rugged anodized aluminum enclosure.

Applications

The United Vintage Direct Box is ideal for studio and live use. It’s a professional tool for engineers working with bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, or any instrument requiring clean, uncolored tone. Features like ground lift and phase reverse ensure flexibility and clean integration into any system.

Technical specifications

• Input impedance: 80k Ω (unbalanced)
• Output impedance: 50–250 Ω (balanced)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, ±0.5 dB
• Max input level: +10 dB
• Output gain levels: –42, –38, –34, –30, –26, –22 dB
• Auxiliary functions: Ground Lift, Phase Inverse
• Dimensions: 149 × 155 × 52 mm (with feet)
• Weight: 0.95 kg / 2.1 lbs

Materials and build

The 5078 transformer was engineered in the spirit of classic UTC A12 units from the 1960s. The housing is made of rugged anodized aluminum, and recessed panels protect the front and rear connections. Detachable rubber feet offer flexible mounting. Every component, from switches to internal circuitry, is built for maximum reliability – even in the harshest touring environments.

Included in the box

• United Vintage Direct Box
• Multilingual user manual (PDF)
• Original packaging with foam padding

Summary

If you’re searching for a truly uncompromising passive DI box that delivers vintage character with audiophile clarity, the United Vintage Direct Box is the one. Transparent, rich, and dynamically accurate – this is a serious solution for serious professionals.