D I Boxes; one of the most under rated pieces of audio equipment!

A DI Box is used to connect an Instrument to a PA system via a Microphone input.
D I stands for Direct Input or Direct Injection.
With smaller systems (Vocal PAs) instruments such as keyboards can be plugged straight into the mixer with a guitar lead, but if the mixer is not nearby then using a D I Box with a mic. lead is the solution.

Input is usually 2 Jack sockets (1/4 inch / guitar) the 2nd socket allows for a link lead if you are also connecting to an amp on stage. Output is a mic socket (balanced 3 pin XLR / canon) which connects to a microphone channel.

Two of the main functions of D I Boxes are:

1. Transform the signal to a balanced signal
2. Drop the signal down to Mic level

other aspects of D I Boxes are:

1. Impedance matching
2. Breaking an earth loop (ground switch)

Main applications are:

• Acoustic Instruments that have pick-ups
• Bass guitar
• Keyboards, Drum machines, Samplers, etc.

A Passive D I Box uses a transformer and needs no external power.
An Active D I Box uses electronic circuitry and will need Battery or Phantom Power.

We also have the ARX USB Stereo DI, input for this is the USB connection from a Computer.
This is ideal for Lap-top DJ applications or Power-Point AV presentations as the signal is much more reliable than the mini-jack headphone socket.
(This will not work with just a USB memory stick, it must be connected to a computer)

For hire costs please refer to our Component Hire page (under Price Lists).