Strymon launches the PCH Active Direct Interface, a clean-slated connection designed to ensure that the signal sent to your PA or recording equipment matches your intended audio quality.
The music industry has a new addition to its arsenal, and it's making waves among serious musicians. Strymon Engineering, a renowned manufacturer, has launched the PCH Active Direct Interface, a direct interface and electronically balanced line isolator that promises to revolutionise live performances and recording sessions.
The PCH Active Direct Interface is a versatile device, capable of handling inputs from two mono instruments or one stereo instrument. It's an ideal fit for pedalboard setups, particularly those with amp modellers like Strymon's Iridium. But that's not all; it also offers outputs for sending processed electric guitar signals to unbalanced outboard gear such as FRFR speakers or an acoustic guitar amp input.
One of the standout features of the PCH is its onboard hi-fidelity stereo headphones amp, perfect for monitoring sound or silent practice. According to Sean Halley, Strymon's head of marketing, the sound heard through headphones is exactly the same as what the audience will hear through the PA.
The PCH Active Direct Interface boasts a max signal-to-noise ratio of 135db and a hyper-flat frequency response of +/- 0.25db from 10Hz to 80 KHz, ensuring noise-free mono/stereo routing. It also features an onboard buffer to maintain signal clarity and sits at the end of a pedalboard's signal chain.
The PCH is designed for musicians with high-end electric guitars and well-stocked pedalboards, offering features not typically found in other DI units. It can be powered by a pedalboard power supply and is compatible with electric, bass, acoustic guitars, and keyboards.
While the PCH Active Direct Interface is not a cheap device, it offers a unique value proposition. It's particularly beneficial for instrumentalists who use amp-less live rigs to achieve good tones at low volumes.
The PCH Active Direct Interface, released in 2025, is now available for purchase, priced at $279. For musicians seeking a reliable, high-quality direct interface, the PCH is a worthy investment. It's designed to ensure that what is sent to the PA or recording rig is exactly what the player intends, making it an essential tool for any serious musician's pedalboard.
