4-Play

The 4-Play is a pedal-format active direct box that lets a performer who plays several instruments send each one to its own channel in the PA and monitor system. One instrument cable, or a wireless receiver, connects to the input, and the unit provides four balanced DI outputs. Level, EQ and effects can then be set separately on the console for each instrument.

A single footswitch cycles the active output, and a separate mute footswitch allows silent changeovers: mute, swap the instrument, select the next output, then unmute. A tuner output is shared across the channels, and ground lift switches are provided to help remove hum and buzz.

Typical uses include switching between acoustic guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo, running several basses without an amp, or using one acoustic guitar on separate channels for rhythm, fingerstyle and lead. Because the changeover is controlled from the stage, the performer does not need to ask the sound engineer to adjust anything.