Details

---

Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Compact Stereo Laptop DI Box for Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets & Multimedia Devices

Product Introduction

The Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 is a professional passive stereo direct box specifically designed for laptops, smartphones, tablets, media players, and other consumer audio devices. Featuring a built-in 3.5mm stereo cable, transformer isolation, and multiple output options, the SB-5 provides a simple and reliable way to connect portable devices directly to professional PA systems, mixers, audio interfaces, and recording equipment.

Compact enough to fit inside a laptop bag yet rugged enough for professional use, the StageBug SB-5 is the ideal audio interface for corporate presentations, conference rooms, houses of worship, schools, hotels, live events, and broadcast applications.

Product Description

Connecting laptops and mobile devices directly to professional sound systems often introduces hum, buzz, ground loop noise, and signal quality issues. The StageBug SB-5 solves these problems by providing transformer isolation and balanced outputs that ensure clean, professional audio transmission.

The integrated 5-foot cable with 3.5mm stereo connector plugs directly into laptops, smartphones, tablets, and media players without requiring additional adapters. Inside the SB-5, a pair of custom-wound transformers isolate the audio signal, eliminating unwanted electrical noise while balancing the signal for long cable runs.

For maximum flexibility, the SB-5 offers left and right 1/4" TRS outputs for true stereo operation, or a mono XLR output with sum-to-mono functionality that saves valuable mixer channels during presentations and events.

Additional features include a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loop noise and an input pad switch to prevent distortion from high-output audio devices. Best of all, the passive design requires no batteries or external power supplies, making setup quick and hassle-free.

Key Features & Benefits

✔ Professional passive stereo DI box for laptops and mobile devices

✔ Built-in 5-foot cable with 3.5mm stereo connector

✔ Compatible with laptops, smartphones, tablets and media players

✔ Transformer isolation eliminates hum, buzz and electrical noise

✔ Left and right 1/4" TRS outputs for stereo operation

✔ Mono XLR output with sum-to-mono functionality

✔ Ground lift switch removes ground loop interference

✔ Input pad switch prevents signal overload and distortion

✔ Balanced outputs support long cable runs without signal loss

✔ Plug-and-play operation with no power required

✔ Compact design fits easily into laptop bags and equipment cases

✔ Heavy-duty steel construction for professional reliability

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: Hum and Buzz When Connecting a Laptop to a PA System

Direct connections between laptops and mixers often create ground loops that produce unwanted hum and buzzing noises.

Solution:

The SB-5 uses transformer isolation and a ground lift switch to eliminate ground loop noise and deliver cleaner audio.

Problem: Audio Signal Becomes Noisy Over Long Cable Runs

Consumer devices typically output unbalanced audio signals that are prone to interference.

Solution:

The SB-5 converts the signal to balanced outputs, allowing long cable runs with minimal noise and signal degradation.

Problem: Limited Mixer Channels During Presentations

Stereo audio sources often require two mixer channels, reducing available inputs for microphones and other devices.

Solution:

The mono XLR output combines stereo signals into a single output, helping save valuable mixer channels.

Problem: Distortion from High Output Devices

Some smartphones, tablets, and laptops can overload mixer inputs.

Solution:

The built-in pad switch reduces signal levels and prevents clipping or distortion.

Problem: Complex Setup and Additional Power Requirements

Many audio interfaces require external power supplies or batteries.

Solution:

The SB-5 features a passive design that requires no power, ensuring quick and simple setup anywhere.

Ideal Applications

• Corporate Presentations

• Conference Rooms

• Video Conferencing Systems

• Houses of Worship

• Schools and Universities

• Hotel Ballrooms

• Live Events and Productions

• DJ and Multimedia Playback Systems

• Broadcast Studios

• Podcast Production

• AV Rental Companies

• Professional PA Systems

Technical Specifications

• Audio Circuit: Passive Transformer-Based Design

• Channels: 2 (Stereo)

• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (±1dB)

• Dynamic Range: 100dB

• THD: 0.01% @ 1kHz

• Input Impedance: 40kΩ Unbalanced

• Output Impedance: 2.8kΩ Balanced

• Maximum Input: +20dB

• Input Connector: Built-in 3.5mm Stereo Plug

• Output Connectors: Dual 1/4" TRS and XLR

• Features: Ground Lift, Input Pad, Mono Sum

• Construction: 14-Gauge Steel Chassis

• Weight: 250g

• Power Requirement: Passive – No Power Required

Highlights

✅ Stereo DI Box for Laptops & Mobile Devices

✅ Built-In 3.5mm Audio Cable

✅ Transformer Isolated Audio Outputs

✅ Hum & Ground Loop Elimination

✅ Stereo & Mono Output Options

✅ No Batteries or External Power Required

✅ Plug-and-Play Operation

✅ Ideal for Presentations & Conference Rooms

✅ Professional AV & Live Sound Solution

✅ Trusted Radial Engineering Audio Quality