What Is A DI Box (Direct Box)? | When & How To Use One

Do you need a DI box? A DI box (or direct box) is one of the most essential tools in audio production. In this video you'll learn what a DI box does and when you need one. I've included some audio demonstrations so you can compare the sound quality when recording with and without a DI box.

Whirlwind IMP 2 Passive Direct Box

Radial ProDI Passive Direct Box

Countryman Type 85 Active Direct Box

BSS AR-133 Active Direct Box

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[WrvrUgoThrUR]

The rare YouTube video where the guy gets right to the point. No intro before, no sponsor before, not telling me to like and subscribe .0004 nanoseconds into the vid, no snark just CONTENT. Bravo, good sir,

[JayHelmus]

This video is actually secretly an instructional video for how to make instructional videos. Straight to the point, well explained, no fluff. Bravo sir, well done.

[rakhimberdiyevt]

I'm a guitar player who got a job at a music store that mostly sells live and studio equipment. While i knew some stuff, there was a shit ton to learn still to be a better salesman. Your videos help immensely

[vasst]

As a student of audio engineering, your channel is a true blessing. You've helped me improve in both knowledge and practical skill. Thank you so much for what you do!

[ajsmith]

Why can’t more instructional videos be like this….brilliant mate. Thank you.

[JD-kfnz]

Dude your videos are GOLD. I've been watching this channel on and off since it was very young, and I am not surprised at all but so thankful and glad for you that you're now over 100k subs.

[MRxr]

for a guitarist who understands buffers, it's like adding an incredible buffer to your signal to retain all your sonic, frequency detail over long runs of cable, and using hum resistant balanced/shielded xlr cables. one thing to remeber, is if your producing noise pre the di box with your gear, a di won't fix it. you ned to fix your the week link in your signal chain first. same goes with a mic'd cab.

[manueltg]

While is a subtle difference by using a DI box the real reason for them to exist is to eliminate the noise catchup effect in high impedance cable runs, so if your purpose is to clarify or enhance the quality of the sound DI is not the tool but equalizers, compressors and filters.

[randomgeocacher]

Connecting phones/computers: Radial Pro AV2 (stereo DI box) I keep in my bag as a rarely used problem solver but when I need it, it delivers! Usually you can connect monitor/line outs directly into camera line/mic combo inputs and you’ll get excellent or at least usable sound. Some equipment you get really noisy audio even over short cables, you put that DI box in between, and you’ll mount your XLR input box, and suddenly the audio is pristine. So really great thing to have in the bag if you don’t know equipment at the venue or if any weird / unexpected connection request may emerge.

[christopherharv]

Man these videos are such a blessing, thank you. Would love to hear you get into ground loops. I'm just a guitarist who is trying to make his own awesome music, but I realize I need to understand deeper electrical things.

[johnwolmack]

Solid explanation! I had never understood exactly why the DI box is used the way it is. This is really going to help me moving forward. Thank you!

[Slurkz]

Excelent video. Next level basics. So well explained, with proof. Thanks a lot! 💜

[gmkbass]

So, the point of this video I believe is that it never hurts to own one or two DI boxes. And so is the point taken. Thank you for this awesome clarification!

[Abihef]

I use them though for recording anything that isn't a mic to protect my mixer. Especially the 20db boost and 20db attenuate are very useful when connecting loud devices and instruments or low level stuff.
It allows me to connect line level and keyboard phones connection for example to my mixer side by side.
Great stuff.
And hot into the mixer but below Max mic level gives a great noise to signal ratio as you don't need any/much gain

[grandrapids]

I never knew such a thing existed. As usual, we have here excellent teaching and selection of subject matter.

[deltavistastudio]

I learned something new about eliminating ground-loop buzz with the old DI box. Thanks!

[alexworman]

You've explained the cause of why I've always taken issue with how a guitar plugged directed into an interface sounds. Apparently it had to do with impedance. Didn't even know that was a thing

[rheung]

wow wow among the most professional explanation with examples I’ve longed for. Thanks so much.

[stowe]

Thank you for making my life easier here. Endless blogs were confusing the hell out of me. This made it simple.

[venusssharman]

Have a couple DI boxes but never really understood the total science behind them until i watched your video - Thanks for expanding my understanding