Palmer River Spree - Active Stereo USB-C Media DI Box

The Palmer River Spree is a compact, active stereo USB-C media DI box that lets you feed pristine audio from your laptop, smartphone or tablet straight into any professional mixer, stagebox or PA. With high-resolution 32-bit / 192 kHz conversion, galvanically isolated XLR outputs and flexible power options, it is a rock-solid solution for modern playback, backing tracks, streaming rigs and live production.

Designed as a robust alternative to repurposed recording interfaces, the SPREE delivers clean, linear sound with excellent noise performance, while its rugged metal housing and clear status LEDs make it ideal for touring, theatre, houses of worship and corporate AV work.

USB-C to Stage in One Box

The River Spree is purpose-built to get audio from USB-C devices into professional sound systems without fuss. Simply connect your laptop, tablet or smartphone to the USB-C input and you get two balanced XLR outputs ready to plug into a mixer or stagebox. There is no need for extra adaptors or consumer-level dongles, and the optimised impedance matching ensures lossless, linear transmission so what you hear from the PA is exactly what you sent from your device.

High-Resolution, Low-Noise Conversion

With D/A conversion up to 32-bit / 192 kHz, the SPREE preserves the full detail and dynamics of your audio. A minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB and extremely low THD+N figures keep playback clean and transparent, even in demanding live environments. Whether you are running high-quality backing tracks, reference audio or show cues, the result is a professional, studio-grade signal at the console.

Professional Outputs and Monitoring

The SPREE provides two galvanically isolated, balanced XLR outputs to minimise hum and interference over long cable runs. A switchable Mic / Line level output makes it easy to interface with any input stage, from mic preamps to line inputs, while the ground-lift switch offers additional noise control when dealing with problematic power or complex stage wiring. A dedicated 6.3 mm TRS headphone output allows direct monitoring of your USB-C audio or can serve as an extra output feed when needed.

Flexible Power and Rugged Design

Power the SPREE directly from your USB-C device or use the included external power supply. When the external supply is connected, USB-C power pass-through can charge or power your device at the same time, which is particularly useful for long shows with tablets or phones. Status LEDs for SIGNAL, SYNC and POWER give instant visual feedback during setup, and the powder-coated metal housing in aluminium and steel is engineered to withstand the rigours of touring and stage use.

• Dedicated USB-C to XLR Media DI - The SPREE converts USB-C audio from laptops, tablets and smartphones directly into two balanced XLR outputs, giving you a clean, professional connection into any mixer or PA without relying on consumer adaptors or makeshift interface solutions.
• 32-bit / 192 kHz High-Resolution Audio - With up to 32-bit / 192 kHz D/A conversion, a minimum 112 dB SNR and very low distortion, your backing tracks, show audio and reference material retain their clarity, punch and detail in any live or studio setting.
• Galvanically Isolated, Switchable Mic / Line Outputs - Galvanically isolated XLR outputs with a switchable Mic / Line level and a ground-lift switch help eliminate hum and interference, while ensuring you can match the SPREE to virtually any input stage on stageboxes, mixers and installed systems.
• Flexible Power with USB-C Pass-Through - Run the SPREE bus-powered from your device or use the included power adaptor, which also enables USB-C power pass-through so your connected device can be powered at the same time, ideal for long sets and permanent installations.

General

• Product Type: Active stereo USB-C media DI box
• Application: USB-C audio to balanced XLR for studio and stage
• Number of Channels: 2
• Isolated Transformer: Yes
• Transformer Ratio: 1:1
• Ground Lift: Yes
• Frequency Response (±0.5 dB, rel. Avg): 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
• Colour: Black
• Included Accessories: External power supply, Tour label, Rubber feet, USB-C to USB-C cable
• Engineered in: Germany

Inputs

• Number of Inputs: 1
• Input Signal Type: USB audio
• Input Connector: USB-C socket female
• USB-C Audio Port: Bidirectional power supply

Outputs

• Number of Outputs: 2 line outputs, 1 headphone output
• Output Signal Types: Balanced line, Headphone
• Line Output Connectors: XLR 3-pole male (Left / Right)
• Headphone Output Connector: 6.3 mm TRS jack female
• Max. Line Output Level (<1 % THD, 20 Hz - 20 kHz): 18 dBu
• Balanced Output Impedance (1 kHz): 600 Ω
• Output Level: Switchable Mic / Line

Signal Processing

• D/A Conversion: Up to 32-bit / 192 kHz
• Minimum Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 112 dB
• Max. THD+N (1 kHz, +4 dBu, unity, unweighted): 0.015 %
• Max. THD+N (30 Hz, +4 dBu, unity, unweighted): 0.015 %
• Max. IMD (SMPTE, 60 Hz, 4:1, +4 dBu): 0.001 %

Power and Indicators

• Power Options: USB bus powered (5 V DC / 1 A) or external power supply
• Operation Voltage: 18 V DC (external power supply)
• Rated Power: 5 W
• USB-C Power Pass-Through: Yes (when using external power supply)
• Status LEDs: SIGNAL, SYNC, POWER

Housing

• Cabinet Material: Aluminium, Steel
• Coating: Powder coated
• Design: Metal housing for touring and stage applications

Environmental

• Ambient Temperature Range: -10 °C - 70 °C
• Maximum Air Humidity (non-condensing): 80 %

Dimensions and Weight

• Width: 140 mm
• Height: 50 mm
• Depth: 128 mm
• Weight: 575 g