Strymon PCH X1 Mono Active DI Isolator

The Strymon PCH X1 is a transformer–isolated active direct interface engineered to protect signal integrity across the full frequency spectrum. Unlike standard direct boxes that often introduce distortion—particularly in the low–frequency region—the PCH X1 remains sonically transparent by design, maintaining a remarkably flat response from 10 Hz to 80 kHz (±0.5 dB) with total harmonic distortion of just 0.0007% at 1 kHz. Built from 3 mm extruded aluminium with 5 mm ribs, it's compact enough for compact pedalboards yet rugged enough for touring stages.

The PCH X1 runs on phantom power (5 mA @ +48 VDC) and features a custom audio transformer per channel that provides true galvanic isolation and eliminates ground loops. A three–position high–pass filter offers flat response, 80 Hz reduction for taming stage rumble, or 240 Hz for carving space in dense mixes. The ground lift switch addresses hum issues, whilst the non–buffered ¼" thru output (0 Ω impedance) allows parallel routing to monitors or amplifiers without affecting the balanced XLR main output. Output impedance sits at 100 Ω with a maximum output level of +0.5 dBu, making it compatible with mixing consoles and professional preamps.

Features

• Custom audio transformer per channel for galvanic isolation and ground loop elimination
• Frequency response ±0.5 dB from 10 Hz to 80 kHz with HPF disengaged
• Total harmonic distortion 0.0007% at 1 kHz output level
• Three–position high–pass filter: off, 80 Hz, or 240 Hz reduction
• Ground lift switch per channel to eliminate hum on XLR outputs
• Phantom power operation: 5 mA @ +48 VDC
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced ¼" thru outputs for flexible routing
• 3 mm extruded aluminium chassis with 5 mm ribs for stage protection