Skip to main content

Direct Boxes (DIs)

Example​

Here is an example of standard passive direct box:

Direct Boxes

Connections​

Input​

DIs have 1/4" Female TS Input that is used to connect instruments like acoustic guitars or electric pianos with an instrument cable.

Thru​

Some DIs have 1/4" Female TS Thru that is used to relay the input signal to a guitar amp or on stage monitor. We rarely use these.

XLR​

DIs have Male XLR Out that is used to connect the DI to a snake input with an xlr cable.

Buttons​

Ground Lift​

Should typically be off unless you are getting a ground loop hum. In which case flip the switch to hopefully remove the hum.

Pad​

Used to pad (or reduce the gain) of the input. Should be "off" unless input signal is too strong for sound board.

Types​

Passive vs Active​

Active DIs require +48V of phantom power to operate. The phantom power must be turned on at the sound board for the channel it is connected to. On Behringer brand and many other sound boards, the phantom power button is labeled "+48V on the channel strip." Passive DIs can be used without phantom power.

Mono vs Stereo​

Standard Mono DIs have one TS inputs and one xlr outputs. Stereo DIs have two TS inputs and two xlr outputs.