Digital effects pedal giant Strymon is making waves with an analog solution for modern musicians. The company has launched the Strymon PCH Active Direct Interface, an ultra-premium stereo DI box designed to be the final piece of the puzzle for players using amp-less rigs. This new utility pedal promises pristine, noise-free sound and a unique secret weapon: a built-in, console-quality headphone amplifier.
Strymon PCH Active Direct Interface
“As the music world continues to embrace quiet stage volumes, instrumentalists increasingly turn to amp-less live rigs to achieve good tones at low volumes,” says Sean Halley, Strymon’s head of marketing. “With a PCH at the end of your signal chain, you get a pristine direct interface and a killer built-in headphone amp to make sure that what you’re sending to the PA or recording rig is exactly what you intend to – and it makes silent practicing a joy.”
Crystal-Clear Tone and Unmatched Headroom
While there are many passive DI boxes on the market, the PCH is an active direct interface that takes your 9V DC pedalboard power and internally converts it to 24V. This innovative design provides a significant boost in headroom, ensuring your signal remains “virtually unclippable” and crystal clear.
Strymon highlights that this extra voltage allows the PCH to achieve a maximum signal-to-noise ratio of 135dB and a hyper-flat frequency response from 10Hz to 80kHz (+/- 0.25dB). This level of audio fidelity is crucial for musicians who demand their sound remains transparent and true to their intent.
Monitor Your Sound with Confidence
The standout feature of the PCH is its powerful onboard headphone amplifier. This console-quality amp lets musicians monitor their entire stereo rig or pedalboard directly, no matter the pedal order. The dedicated volume control ensures that what you hear is exactly what your audience will hear through the main PA or recording interface.
This eliminates guesswork and provides players with the confidence that their carefully crafted tone is being delivered flawlessly. The headphone amp is powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones up to 600 ohms without distortion.
Key Features for the Modern Musician
Designed for versatile use, the PCH works with a wide range of instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and keyboards. Its robust feature set makes it an essential tool for live performance and studio recording:
- Two-Channel Design: Use in stereo or dual-mono configurations.
- Mic/Line Level Operation: Switchable XLR outputs for seamless integration with any system.
- Defeatable Ground Lift: Eliminates hum and noise issues.
- Defeatable Sum: Allows for flexible routing to other gear like FRFR speakers.
- Galvanic Isolation: The internal power supply features a custom transformer to eliminate ground loops.
- Ultra-Low THD: The PCH boasts extremely low total harmonic distortion, maintaining signal purity.
Price & Availability
The Strymon PCH Active Direct Interface is now available for preorder, priced at $279/£259.99/€299, offering a high-quality, professional-grade solution for a growing number of musicians who are embracing the convenience and control of amp-less rigs.
Available at Andertons
Available at Sweetwater
Available at Thomann
More Information
#Strymon #Strymon PCH
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