The best Direct-Inject boxes to buy.
DI boxes are used to connect multiple microphones that are plugged into the box to a single microphone input on a sound mixing board. This gives you one single XLR connector to plug into the sound mixer or recording device.
The Signal to Noise Ratio, referred to as S/N ratio, is the difference between the desired signal and the unwanted noise.
In short, DI boxes are used in situations where you have a lot of microphones all running into a single input or when you need to merge a number of audio connections into a single connection.
You definitely need to get your hands on one of the best DI boxes in 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal | Best Overall |  |
| Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P Professional High-Performance Passive DI-Box | Budget Pick |  |
| Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal
Pros:
- Two modes: Amp and Line
- Three-band parametric graphic EQ
- Pre/Post EQ switch, Low-cut filter
- Efficient noise floor
- Totally acceptable direct box
- Reliable and inexpensive
Cons:
- This device has a few known limitations
- You need to keep it in the middle when boosting frequencies
- No HPF
- No DI
One of the most famous and well-designed DI boxes is the Tech 21 SansAmp Driver DI Guitar Effects Pedal. It is one of the most unique pedals as it comes with both an amp and DI voicing. You can choose either of them and still get an output without any impedance.
This pedal is also designed with a three-band parametric EQ and a switch that allows you to go between a pre and post EQ buss. There is also a very useful Low Cut filter that keeps your low end in shape when you boost your highs.
The amp mode comes with a very good noise floor, allowing you to get the optimum sound in your setup. You will only need to adjust the input gain to get your best tone.
2. Whirlwind IMP 2 Standard Direct Box
Pros:
- Includes a polarity switch
- Great sound quality
- It measures 7" x 14.5" x 4.5"
- It's lightweight
Cons:
- It can be prone to feedback
- The front panel and the XLR input are prone to cracking
Aside from its convenient size, the Whirlwind IMP 2 is equipped with a polarity switch and level control. With the latter feature, it is a sure thing that it can work effectively with various other pieces of equipment. Not to mention, the overall sound quality of the IMP 2 is just as good as you would expect from Brand Whirlwind.
Another advantage of the IMP 2 is the fact that it's lightweight. Weighing at 1.4 pounds, it is not difficult to transport and set it up wherever you need it to be. This is particularly beneficial for the performers who have to use a DI when performing.
However, there are instances where the IMP 2 can be prone to feedback. Fortunately, it has a good balance in terms of the sound and output. Plus, no one will complain if the bass and treble knobs are within easy reach. The sound quality is also pretty rich, providing a warm sub-scoop and a clean boost.
3. Radial J48 MK2 48V Phantom Power Active Direct Box
Pros:
- Excellent build quality for high-quality sound
- Extremely affordable, offering excellent value for money
- The attenuation switch effectively allows the J48 MK2 to serve as three different kinds of boxes for even more versatility
- Great for use with synthesizers and electric guitars due to the low-noise signal
The Radial J48 is an extremely versatile DI box, allowing for operation in passive and active modes with an extreme flexibility. You can easily switch the box between passive and active modes by flipping a switch. This means that you can get the sound that you want out of whatever instrument you work with. It also features an attenuation switch, which offers choice over how you’re going to use it.
For instance, if you’re using it for use with synthesizers and electric guitars, it’s smart to have the attenuation knob set at a higher level. This will reduce the amount of noise that you’re going to get, and it will keep any unwanted signals from leaking through the box.
4. Radial Pro DI Passive Direct Box
Pros:
- No volume loss between the source and the amp
- Excellent build quality
- Standable design
- Includes 19 plug adapters
- External power supply
- Bass overload protection
- High-quality components
- Very responsive and transparent
- Durable
- Delivers great performance
Cons:
- A little pricey
- Small and doesn’t fit on a lot of racks
The ProDI is an active direct box that features a 1/4 input with a XLR output. This is an all-tube DI that features two transformers in its power supply. One of the transformers is positive and the other is negative with additional windings.
The ProDI has a DI input and use a SEI transformer, a Radial transformer and is built to the exact specifications that professional engineers use.
This is an all vacuum tube active direct box with a balanced DI output. It has a built in power supply with a regulated heater winding and two output windings. Its features are similar to many vintage and modern sounding tube DI’s.
5. MXR M80 Bass D.I. Pedal + Power adapter and cables!
Pros:
- 9-volt power supply
- High and low output impedance settings
- Buffered input, buffered thru, and un-buffered thru
- Dual input impedance control
- Built with high-quality components
- Comes with all necessary accessories
Cons:
- Slight distortion coupled with the low output impedance settings
- The power adapter renders the unit unsuitable for certain venue and venue configurations
It should be a no-brainer that the MXR M80 Bass DI is one of the best DI boxes you can get in 2020. Truth be told, it’s one of the best DI boxes you can get today. This unit is quite comparable to the Radial J48, except that this unit’s got a power adapter. So, if you’re a worrier about battery failure, than this unit’s for you.
6. Rupert Neve Designs Active DI Box
Pros:
- High quality
- Easy to use
- Excellent sound
- Good build quality
Second place in the best inexpensive direct boxes list goes to the Rupert Neve Designs Active DI Box.
The Rupert Neve Designs Active DI Box is excellent for recording sessions or live performances. This is clearly a winner in its price range. The sound is well-defined and is particularly noticeable through a high-quality studio monitor.
The high-quality box features an input gain control, so you can set the input level directly on the box. You can also adjust the output level if you find you are having trouble with feedback. This box also has an output mute function, which will send a sound to ground for about one-half a second when the unit is powered off.
7. Fishman Platinum Pro EQ/DI Analog Preamp Pedal
Pros:
- Great preamp – great for direct signal to PA systems
- Great bypass – allows you to keep your tone intact
- Compact – can be used as a DIY project
- Easy to see what’s going on
Cons:
- Channels are not independent
- Volume balance is hard to adjust
- Expensive
It’s fairly easy to use this DI box, especially once you figure out the controls. However, if you’re not familiar with how to adjust and use preamps and EQs, you might have a hard time determining where to place this box in the signal path.
It’s a great, versatile DI box with multiple channels and loads of functionality. If you are a hobbyist and you do not play gigs regularly, you can use this box as a practice pedal to easily get your sound out of your guitar.
It comes with a great preamp that has volume, treble, and bass controls. You can adjust it to your liking and get a fairly good sound out of it. The product is expensive, but it’s worth the price. You’ll have a hard time finding a product like this around the same price range.
8. Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal
Pros:
- Top name and excellent reputation for quality
- Features everything you need to sound and play great
- Includes a soundhole mount and a control pod
- Belt clip for easy portability
- Comes with a power supply
- Excellent customer service from Fishman
Cons:
- Low-cost plastic construction
- Battery power drains quickly when you leave the pedal in bypass mode
- This product is not very durable
- You’ll get better tone quality from a dedicated digital preamp pedal
This acoustic DI box from Fishman is a comprehensive solution for you wanting nothing but the best for your guitar playing and your listeners. If you’re into country, folk, blues, rock, or similar styles of music where you need an excellent tone and extended dynamic range, this DI box might be exactly right for you.
Fishman has designed the Aura Spectrum to add a touch of sparkle and shimmer to the sound your instrument gives off. You’ll find that even when boosting your signal with a tube preamp, your instrument will still sound clean and natural. Its high- and low-impedance switches are useful when you need to switch between instruments.
9. L.R. Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp and DI
Pros:
- A solid DI box that provides a nice amount of tonal control and is very easy to use
- Great price point
- Smooth, vintage-style tone that works well
If you’re someone looking for an affordable DI box for your acoustic guitar, this Venue DI from L.R. Baggs is likely to be a great option to consider. It’s not the most expensive, but it does have a killer vintage sound. The Venue DI can also be used with electric guitars and it’s designed for professional sound quality, so if you’re looking for a stellar acoustic DI box without breaking the bank, the Venue DI box is a solid choice.
This device features a simple, intuitive control scheme that makes it easy to use. It also provides a nice amount of tonal control so that you can sculpt the sound however you please.
10. Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P Professional High-Performance Passive DI-Box
Pros:
- Available in a low-priced pro pack
- Features a rugged metal casing
- Cat 5E Ethernet connectivity option
- Lightweight and compact
- Discharge head included
- Sturdy balanced-to-unbalanced transformer ratio
- Includes a ground lift
- Has enough power for over 100m of cable
- Versatile rubber feet to grip on many different surfaces
- Provides a HIGH and LOW IMPEDANCE switch
Cons:
- High output impedance
- Can’t deal with long mic lines
If you’re looking for a great DI box that’s easy to transport and comes in a more affordable than average pro pack, then the Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P could be the perfect choice for you.
This DI box is powered by a sturdy, reliable transformer, allowing you to easily run long cable lengths without losing the frequency response. This transformer is also the reason why this box only has an output impedance of 200 ohms, despite the fact that it is reasonably priced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best DI box for bass?
While most guitarists and engineers would suggest that your guitar be run straight into your recording interface, with no need for a DI, bassists sometimes prefer the extra gain this input can provide. One of the reasons that bass might need a DI is because it can be used to create the low-frequency end for a full-range speaker cabinet.
The DI inputs can be on either a unit or a patch bay that is then plugged into a line-level input on a studio mixing console. While most modern consoles won’t have DI inputs, many of them can be re-tweaked to provide a DI effect with very little effort. This may be the best method for bass, as the bass is sent to the board first, providing more control over EQ and effects.
Do I need an active or passive DI box?
Well, do you intend on using this interface with a bass guitar or bass amp? If so, it will be best if you go with an active DI box if possible. Bass instruments tend to output a low-impedance signal, so an active DI will do more to shape their sound, as opposed to color your sound.
Passive DI boxes are more commonly used with high-impedance instruments like electric & acoustic guitars because you want to shape your tone. The signal is typically too low to send to your PA system without help, and just a little boost every once in a while can do some good.
These boxes are also known as preamps.
How do I choose a DI box?
In the simplest terms, a DI box turns an unbalanced signal (one without a shield) into a balanced signal (one with a shield).
When you plug a guitar into a mixer or amp, you'll notice that it the volume drops and that your guitar hums a little. The reason for this is that guitars aren't balanced signals. They're just a bundle of wires that carry the signal without a shield.
The unbalanced signal, as we call it, will run through the DI box (or an XLR cable) and into your mixer or amp. The job of the DI box is to convert the signal from unbalanced to balanced. It essentially cancels the hum out and gives us a stronger, more consistent signal to work with.
What does a DI box do?
If you've ever had to setup a PA system, you probably have come across a DI box at one point or another. These devices help to isolate the instruments in your mix and usually serve the purpose of allowing your guitar player to hear himself properly with the PA.
DI boxes come in a variety of models depending on what you're using them for. These boxes can vary in terms of input and output, shielding, and even speaker options. When you're looking to find the best DI box for your particular scenario, it's important to be able to parse through the specifications to find what's best for you.
Also, these boxes differ in quality and sound, so you want to make sure to have a good idea of the quality before you buy. Keep in mind this isn't an infinitely variable category and there are only a few that are really great. If you know you need a DI box, pick the best one possible or explore other options entirely.
Conclusion
BEST RECOMMENDATION for Home Recording: The Presonus Audiobox iTwo is the best recording interface to give your home studio all the connectivity options you need and the kind of pro-level quality that’s necessary to record high-quality tracks without having to spend a couple of thousands dollars on more expensive interfaces.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal | Best Overall | |
| Behringer Ultra-DI DI400P Professional High-Performance Passive DI-Box | Budget Pick | |
| Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal | Upgrade Pick | |