Direct Box Basics

What is a DI box?
A DI box aka Direct Inject or Direct box is a tool we use in the studio to bring a signal from an instrument (guitar, bass, keyboards) directly into our recording system.

An audio engineer (or home recording enthusiast) will use the DI box for silent recording, as a backup or to process along with a microphone on an amplifier.

Connections
The DI box typically has 3 input and output connections.

1. 1/4" TS instrument input - electric guitar or bass connects here
2. XLR-M balanced output - connects to mic preamp
3. 1/4" TS Thru - Continues the input path to connect to an amplifier.

For example, the DI box would be connected between an electric bass and audio interface mic input. The clean bass signal can be recorded without the need for an amp.

Functions
The DI box has a few functions.

1. Impedance change - The instrument circuit will react correctly as if it was connected to an amp, and the mic preamp on the other side of the box will react as if a mic was connected.
   Without this the tone would be wimpy.
2. Level change - An electric guitar outputs a signal that is relatively low level but significantly higher than the average microphone. The DI box steps the signal down from instrument to mic level.
3. Unbalanced to balanced connection - Changing the unbalanced guitar signal to balanced mic level allows much longer cable lengths without signal loss or noise.
4. Pass through - The instrument signal is split and can be continued to an amplifier.

The Hi-Z/instrument input on your audio interface preamps do most of these functions well but a high quality DI box tends to work a bit better and allows you to split the signal to continue to pedals and amplifier.

DI Box options
There are a wide variety of DI boxes on the market today in passive, active, multi-channel, and vacuum tube designs. You can browse our DI box category here: DI Boxes & Re-amps.

A passive DI is just a transformer with a few jacks connected, it doesn't require any power. The Radial JDI is a very popular professional Passive DI Box.

An active DI is a more complex design that requires phantom power (supplied by the mic preamp).
The Radial J48 is a very popular professional Active DI Box.
Different designs, same price. Both proven professional tools used in studios worldwide.

Generally speaking, they both do the same job well. In specific uses or if you are looking for less transparency, one may type may be better than other.

There are also many designed specifically for bass recording with tone controls and overdrive or amp simulation circuitry.
The Radial Bassbone is an exceptional Bass DI/Preamp.