Your stage or studio is incomplete without a direct signal or DI box. Its primary function is to reduce noise, hum, and distortion, or even the ground loops. A DI box converts the unstable high-impedance tool output signal in the balanced and low-impedance input microphone signal.
A stage DI box receives and splits the instrument signal. Then, it will convey a balanced output to a mixer over the PA, going to and out of the amp. A recording studio DI box, however, just connects your musical instrument to the console microphone input jack. The studio box separates the instrument signal and transmits a balanced output to an audio interface.
Active vs. Passive
A DI box can be active or passive. A passive DI box is functional as it does not require an exterior power supply. An active DI box, however, gives enhanced functionality and sound but should have phantom power or battery or its power supply so that it can operate.
An active DI has more choices. You can add it to the instrument signal. The passive type converts the signal and sends it on its way. A passive DI is used on instruments that have active pickups and electronics. An active DI is used for adjusting the instrument’s frequency with the passive pickups.
Your Top Choices for Direct Boxes for Stage and Studio
1) Best in Quality: Active DI Box by Rupert Neve Designs
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Versatile – it is an active DI box designed to work with any kind of instrument. The unit looks highly versatile and efficient.
- Solid Construction – the unit looks great as it goes with a decent and solid construction. The device is made of high-quality steel that adds more power to all sorts of FOH sound.
- Bigger and Better Sound Quality – if you want a more energetic, full, bigger, and better sound, then you will never go wrong with this active DI box. The unit delivers a strong direct sound that efficiently reproduces a full and harmonic deepness of the sound produced by guitars and acoustic and bass instruments.
- FET Amplifiers – the unit’s response and sound are the blends of the class A-partial and distinct FET amplifiers with the brand’s custom-designed low-impedance transformers. These transformers will add some dimensional harmonics and give greater passive seclusion.
- Other Features – the product also has a ¼-inch instrument input coupled with the thru-put jack networks. It has the XLR output linking plated with gold.
Pros:
- Improved sound quality
- Durable
- Solid construction
- Ground lift knobs for instruments and speaker
Cons:
- Might be too simplistic for some users
2) Best in Versatility: Radial J48
Editor’s Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- Best for Stage and Studio – Radial Engineering has been one of the most popular brands of DI boxes throughout the years. It’s an active 48 volts phantom-powered DI box that can mix two signals into a mono 80Hz rumble strainer.
- Good Performance – this Di box can do top transients to 9V without chokes. The result will be minimal harmonic distortion, which is half the inter-modulation alteration and improved a lot the dynamics compared to what other DI boxes can do.
- Durable – the unit has been designed to manage the abuse. To make that happen, the manufacturer used the original welded I-beam structure.
Pros:
- Excellent clarity and simplicity
- Ideal for acoustic guitars, bandolin, banjo, and bass instruments
- Can even help in capturing clean guitar lines
Cons:
- Nothing special to offer
3) Best Performance: Radial SGI TX or RX
Editor’s Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Complete Package – this Di box comes as a complete package that includes a receiver and a transmitter. If you need to be at a distance from your amplifier, the signal being transmitted to the amplifier should be clear, pristine, and free of extreme impedance frequency roll-off.
- Incredible Use – as a DI box is used in creating low noise, high-fidelity, and balanced signal in a mixer or an interface, this product is designed to preserve the tone at a maximum distance of 330 feet. Meaning, you will be able to use the unit as the signal preserve in sending the tone of your guitar to the off-stage amplifier.
- Drag Control – this feature will let you twist the load on the signal chain so that it can compensate for various buffers, cables, and pedals.
Pros:
- Guarantees minimal loss of signal
- Can be added when constructing a studio space
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Cannot be used as a solo direct box
4) Samson MDA1
Editor’s Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Straightforward and Affordable – Samson MDA1 is cheap and pretty straightforward. It can get you from point A going to point B. It claims to convert the unbalanced 1.4-inch instrument signal level to the balanced line signal level. Samson Technologies said though it is affordable, the unit is still capable of delivering impressive performance.
- Just the Basics – the unit has no any special controls. It is complete with the basics. These include the 15-decibel input attenuator and the ground lift button. These two are smart and practical additions that are not causing disturbances to the unit’s key function.
- Good Battery Life – this DI box requires a 9-volt battery on the Phantom Power.
Pros:
- Offers great value for the money
- Clear and impressive sound quality
- Guaranteed to last long
Cons:
- Basic features might be insufficient for some
5) Best in Design: Radial JDI
Editor’s Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Jensen Transformers – this unit is a passive DI box that goes with quite special features. One of these is the Jensen transformers designed to help the unit deliver good performance and satisfying sound quality.
- 15-decibel Input Pad – Radial Engineering is confident enough that you will not be disappointed with this product. That will be enough to make the unit efficient and powerful.
- Good Quality – the unit also comes with impressive quality. You will enjoy how the product looks with the welded I-beam built.
- Portable – do you often work in different places? That is not a big deal to this DI box. It is portable, weighing only 2.2 lbs.
Pros:
- Eliminates ground noise and hum
- Lets your amplifier or musical instrument signal to reach the PA while having the finest sound quality
- It works effectively with various electric musical instruments
Cons:
- A bit expensive
6) Most Budget-Friendly: Whirlwind IMP2
Editor’s Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Widely Used – this unit is famous and among the widely used entry-level DI box. Whirlwind believes a quality DI box does not have to be that so expensive. They claim this product can deliver good performance despite its price tag.
- Good Performance and Quality – the unit also comes with a sturdy metal insert. It uses the TRHL transformer, which is designed to give a great audio performance. This transformer is engrossed in a chassis to ensure secure transport as well as a god sound operation.
- Other Features – apart from those things, this DI box also has the standard Hi-Z input link, 1.4-inch input/thru connectors, ground lift production switch, and the XLR output.
Pros:
- Basic and solid construction
- Affordable
- Portable
- Reliable and versatile
Cons:
- Looks basic for others
7) Best in Quality: BSS Audio AR-133
Editor’s Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- Good Performance – the AR-133 could be the ultimate for you when it comes to functionality and performance. According to Boss, this DI box provides improved audio performance and the best in terms of functionality at a reasonable cost. The unit is using the identical upgraded version of the audio path found in AR-116. It’s the accepted reference standard.
- Durable Construction – the product comes with a sturdy and robust aluminum extrusion casing. Besides, it features solid end-cheeks made with polyurethane designed to provide a distinct look for the unit. The arched casing of this device lets the long cables and signals run flawlessly under the box.
- Long Life – this DI box is running on the battery power or phantom in the console. When the radiation power originating in the console shuts off or fails by accident, the power will automatically switch over to the built-in 9V PP3 battery.
- Switchable Input – the AR-133 will allow you to switch the input anytime you want. It comes with a ¼-inch jack coupled with the unbalanced XLR holes. The corresponding connection jack output will directly feed the amplifiers, and the XLR input sockets will convert the unbalanced signals into the balanced output.
Pros:
- Clear and crisp sound
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Can be basic for some
8) Best High-End: Behringer DI400P
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Best Performance and Quality – a quality product is coming from a trusted German brand. The DI400P is a professional, high-performance, and multipurpose passive direct box. The brand is claiming it to be highly suitable for studio and stage use. The device looks compact, sturdy, and long-lasting as it comes with a rugged and road-ready metallic travel case.
- Good Signal Matching and Impedance – the unit also claims to provide the best in terms of signal matching and impedance. You can use it well for various musical instruments: guitars, keyboards, and basses. These instruments might be connected straight to amplifiers and mixers with the help of this DI box. Impedance mismatching will no longer be a big problem. Long cables will not ruin and compromise the tone anymore. Long cables don’t trigger high-frequency loss.
- OT-2 Transformers – the DI400P ensures ultra-flat and superb frequency response. The ground lift knob will eliminate the ground loop hum. It also converts the line-level, unbalanced signals into balanced and mic-level ones. The unit’s 1/4-inch TRS & the gold-coated XLR connectors will let you transmit the unbalanced signals to the amplifier and the balanced signals to your mixer.
Pros:
- Solid and sturdy construction
- High-quality components
- Lightweight and compact design
- Solid and portable metallic travel case
Cons:
- Fewer features
9) Best Overall: BBE DI50X
Editor’s Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Best in General – if you are looking for a DI box that can stand out in many ways, then it might be the BBE DI50X. this unit comes with an ergonomic and sturdy 14-gauge solid steel frame.
- Versatile – the device looks professional, versatile, simple, and in excellent quality. It works well for recording studios and road sounds. It attains exceptional results for both active and passive bass guitars, keyboards, and electric and acoustic guitars. It also does well in transferring the musical instrument signals to the mixing console.
- Good Power Source – this unit is powered by the 48V phantom power. In case of unexpected power loss, the device will quickly switch to its built-in 9V PP3 battery.
- Other Features – the DI50X input comes with the electrically well-adjusted XLR output. the device is using a high-end two-way 15-decibel pad switch. It has pots, ground lift knobs, and connectors that are connected straight to the military-grade PCB circuit panel rather than being fly-wired to a PC panel. It lets the legs of the board-mounted gears to become thicker compared to narrow conductors that are typically used in different audio designs.
Pros:
- Clean and clear sound
- Cost
- Easy and quick to use
- Highly versatile and durable
- Ergonomic chassis
Cons:
- Expensive
10) Best Value: Radial ProD2
Editor’s Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Easy to Use – the DI box is easy to use. It is simple and without any form of frill. Despite that, it can efficiently provide the key economic DI box line transmission and instrument-level balancing process for the signal, making it in the balanced level with low impedance
- Efficient – this DI box is operating transparently. No parameters that may require adjustment. Therefore, you can easily use it on just about any kind of musical instrument and amplifier that you want to plug into the PA.
- Good for Live and Studio Performance – this DI box has been claimed to be effective for both live and studio performance. With this, you will notice that the conventional bass and acoustic guitar sound has been renowned. Also, you can use the unit together with other electric musical instruments like the keyboard, amplifier output, and DJ console. It can also serve as your active balancing tool.
Pros:
- Good performance
- Good quality
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
What is the Best DI Box?
A direct box is widely known as the DI box. The acronym stands for direct injection. That means their key purpose is converting the unbalanced or/and high impedance signals of the musical instruments into the format that is more acceptable for the direct connection going to the mic input of the mixing console. It works without the microphone.
The DI box started to gain popularity in the 1960s. In that period, the musicians used them in dealing with the rising demands in studios. This particular device solves the common problem in the studios when the musicians are recording various kinds of musical instruments.
Benefits of Direct Boxes for Stage & Studio
Direct boxes play a very important role. They are capable of converting the high-impedance signals to the low-impedance type. It means the DI boxes can improve the signals and their strength from those musical instruments that have pickups, which include the electric guitar and bass instruments. This will be very helpful and beneficial for sound engineers. With this, they get a great source of audio to deal with and reduced noise to struggle with. That can be achieved because the DI boxes can handle the ground loops.
What to Look for When Buying DI Boxes
Whether you’re searching for the active or passive DI box, you must be sure to choose the one that has good transformers. Also, it has to be with a wide dynamic range. The benefit of having good transformers and a wide bandwidth will be improved spatial localization and definition. That two help the musical instruments assume their space within the mix.
In buying a DI box (regardless of the type), you should consider the following:
• Input and Output Ports
The ports in a DI box are basic requirements. The basic DI box has 1 input jack and 1 output port, which goes straight to a mixer. Those two might be enough for one instrument like an acoustic or electric guitar. A lot of amenities in a DI box means a more expensive price tag. A more expensive, high0end active DI box comes with a separate output intended for monitor or amp or two input or output options for complex rigs and more instruments.
This is necessary for ensuring a clean sound and noise-free studio. Noise and hum are more likely to come by when you add two or more musical tools. The more devices, the more voltage variances will exist between them.
The passive DI box, which is a transformer, provides an auto ground lift, which minimizes the hum and noise. An active DI box has a transformer and a ground lift controller that segregates the chassis ground of the unit from signal ground.
A passive DI box is inexpensive as it needs only the instrument input, the ground life controller, and the stable XLR output. A higher-end bass amplifier has a built-in DI box. The bass amp output signal might be connected straight to the mixing panel. Other remarkable features that may improve the sound and make the connections easier are:
Pads – they decrease the power or voltage level of the signal at a specific amount. For instance, a very hot signal might be connected with no overload.
Thru-put – it enables the connection between the console and the amplifier.
Polarity Reverse – you need to use it if you need to combine the out-of-phase sounds.
• Budget
Before choosing any DI box, whether it’s active or passive, consider which sound that you like and how big or small your budget is. The general rule recommends you invest a dollar on a DI box for every 5 dollars you’re spending on a musical instrument.
• Durability
The more durable and rugged the DI box is, the pricier it can be. However, you need to consider how frequently you will be using it. For such reason, your DI box should be much sturdier compared to other tools or equipment.
• Sound
You have to determine first how a DI box would be used within your setup. Various combinations of preamp and microphone provide a range of sound qualities. Likewise, various DI boxes offer various tones. For example, the passive DI box usually provides a preamp or fuller and often used on the low-output tools. The passive DI box is often used on a high output instrument wherein hum is a crucial factor.
FAQ’s
• What is the best DI box for bass?
The bass DI box is a crucial kit that allows one to connect the high output impedance musical instruments and transmit the signals through low impedance connections, usually from TS/TRS to XLR, which is frequently reserved for the microphones.
• What is the best DI box for acoustic guitar?
There’s no definite answer to this question because the best DI box for you is the one that can fulfill your needs. Everyone has different needs. Therefore, be sure the DI box you choose is something that matches your needs and even your budget.
• When would you use a direct box?
You should use a DI box when you have to plug the passive instrument to the mic preamp or mixer. The device will protect your signal against those unexpected and unwanted sound while keeping all the details present in the tone, particularly the high frequencies.
• How do you set up a DI box?
To connect a DI box, you have to identify the output jack of your instrument. Then, connect the ¼” instrument cable to the output of your musical instrument. Next, you need to link the other tip of the instrument cable to the input jack of your DI box. Lastly, link the female tip of the XLR cable to the output jack of your DI box.
Conclusion
Buying a DI box can be challenging, especially if you will be doing it for the first time. The market has so much more to offer. Your choices are nearly unlimited, which makes it harder to pinpoint the best unit for your needs. Hopefully, this review and buying guide will let you come up with a sure and worry-free choice.
