DI BOX 101: What is a DI Box and How to Choose the right model

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Has the function of a DI Box ever confuse you? Never really knew how to choose the right one?

It may not seem like much, but a DI box is one of the most essential piece of gear to have in a live or recording situation.
In its simplest form, a DI box converts a line level, unbalanced signal into a mic level, balanced signal. It might not sound much, but in a live or recording situation having a DI box could save you from a lot of headaches while mixing.

So why is having a balanced signal so important in a mix?
Music instruments such as guitars, keyboards and electronic drums transmit an unbalanced signal. These cables only carry a live signal (hot line) and have a ground (insulation). Usually, these cables transmit the signal via the hot line, and the ground helps to shield hums and noise as the signal travels through the cable. However, this method is only partially effective at shielding external interference. The longer the cable gets, the more susceptible the cable is towards noise and hums. Hence in a live and recording situation, sound crews will often use D.I boxes to convert unbalanced signals into balanced signals.

Balanced connections on the other hand, transmit a hot line, a cold line and a ground. The cold signal mirrors the hot signal in reverse, in other words they run out of phase with each other. As hums and noise are present in both signals, they are considered as in phase signals. These two signals run on a differential input which ignores in phase signals, which can cancel out most if not all incoming hums and noises.

What is the difference between passive and active DI boxes?
DI boxes are separated into two types, Passive DI and Active DI.

A passive DI box is the most common form of DI boxes. This is used to convert an incoming line level or instrument level signals and convert them to output as mic level signals. It uses a transformer to change the signal impedance from the incoming signals, and output them to match the mic level signal impedance.

A passive DI is more resistant to distortion as the signal travels through the DI box. However, a passive DI box will be less sensitive to low level signals and does not have much dynamic range.

An active DI box however has its own active circuitry. This type of DI box requires power to operate, usually using phantom power or 9V batteries. An active DI box amplifies the incoming signal, which produces a wider frequency response. However, if the incoming signal becomes too hot, the signal will be distorted.

Which DI box should I buy for my instrument?
As a general rule of thumb, you should go for the opposite type of DI box for your sound source.
1. If your instrument outputs are passive, you should go for active DI boxes.
2. If your instrument outputs are active, you should go for passive DI boxes.

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