Korena by Guitar Center
Product detailSKU #1500000256393

Radial EngineeringStageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box

Radial Engineering
Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box
1/8

Independent shopping perspective

The Korena take

StageBug SB-5 is a passive two-channel direct box for bringing playback from a laptop, smartphone, or tablet into a mixer or PA. Its attached 3.5 mm stereo lead keeps the device connection direct, while internal transformers isolate and balance the audio for longer cable runs. Use the left and right 1/4-inch TRS outputs for stereo, or select the mono XLR output when conserving PA channels. Ground-lift and pad switches address ground-loop noise and high-output sources without requiring power.

Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box product detail
Product studyRadial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box
Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box alternate view
Alternate view

Strong match

Who this is for

  • Connecting a laptop, phone, or tablet directly to a mixer or PA for playback.
  • Stereo playback feeds that need left and right 1/4-inch TRS outputs.
  • Mono PA feeds where saving mixer channels matters.

Consider the trade-offs

When to look elsewhere

  • Installations needing use outside dry locations or beyond the listed 5°C to 40°C range.

What matters in use

The specifications, translated

Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.

Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box construction detail

Detail 01

Passive, transformer-based circuit

It operates without power while using transformers for signal isolation and balancing.

Detail 02

3.5 mm input with 1/4-inch TRS and XLR outputs

The built-in device connection can feed stereo quarter-inch outputs or a mono XLR output.

Detail 03

Ground-lift and pad switches

These switches are provided for ground-loop noise and high-output playback sources.

Detail 04

14-gauge steel chassis and outer shell

The enclosure uses 14-gauge steel.

Detail 05

4.5 x 1.85 x 1.35 inches; 0.55 lb

Its listed compact size and weight suit small playback rigs.

Final check

Know before you order

  1. 01For stereo operation, use the left and right 1/4-inch TRS outputs; the XLR output is mono.
  2. 02Use only in dry locations between 5°C and 40°C.
Radial Engineering StageBug SB-5 Stereo Laptop Direct Box close-up

Product questions

Before you decide

Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.

01Does the SB-5 need power?

No. It is a passive direct box and requires no power.

02Can it connect a smartphone or tablet to a PA?

Yes. Its built-in cable terminates in a 3.5 mm stereo plug for laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

03Can it run in mono?

Yes. Use its mono XLR output when you want to save PA channels.

Reference

Full specifications

The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.

1 detailsPickups & controls
Audio circuit type
Passive, transformer based
1 detailsSize & weight
Shipping weight
0.8 lbs (365 grams)
22 detailsOther
Shipping size (L x W x D)
8" x 5" x 3" (203mm x 127mm x 76mm)
Category Source
detail
Construction
14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
Warranty
Radial 3-year, transferable
Size (L x W x D)
4.5" x 1,85" x 1.35" (114mm x 47mm x 34mm)
Dynamic range
100dB
Input Connectors
3.5mm
Korena Special
false
Weight
0.55 lbs (250 grams)
Conditions
For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C
Total harmonic distortion
0.01% @ 1kHz
Input Impedance
40k Ohms, unbalanced
Output Connectors
1/4" TRS, XLR
Tier
new
Phase Deviation
2° @ 100Hz; 5° @ 50Hz
Output Impedance
2.8k Ohms, balanced
Maximum Input
+20dB
Frequency response
20Hz ~ 20KHz (± 1dB)
Source Id
site51500000256393
Prop65
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Lead, which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Number of channels
Two channels
Power
Passive, no power required

Worth comparing

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