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Radial Pro D2 Stereo Passive Direct Box
$209.99The Radial Pro D2 is a pro-quality compact stereo passive DI. Following in the footsteps of the JDI Duplex, the Radial Pro D2 is a high-quality compact passive 2-channel stereo direct box designed for keyboards, ...6 Payments of $35.00
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Radial Pro DI Passive Direct Box
$119.95 - $134.99The Radial Pro DI is a high quality passive direct box that employs a proprietary transformer for both impedance conversion and isolation. The heart of the ProDI is a custom wound Radial transformer. It features an ...6 Payments of $22.50
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Walrus Audio Canvas Stereo Direct Box and Line Isolator
$224.95 - $249.99You are the artist. Your sound is the paint, and this is your canvas. Canvas Stereo is a Direct Box/Line Isolator designed to remove any resistance between you and your audience by giving a pristine sonic foundation...6 Payments of $41.67
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Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-M Active Transformer DI
$199.00The RNDI-M brings the stunning tone & clarity of its award-winning counterparts to an even more compact and pedalboard-friendly format, with the exact same custom Rupert Neve Designs transformers and discrete FE...6 Payments of $33.17
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Radial USB Pro Stereo Direct Box
$259.95 - $289.99The Radial USB-Pro is a high-resolution stereo direct box designed to convert sound files from a laptop computer and seamlessly transfer them to a pair of balanced audio outputs to feed a PA, recording or broadcast ...6 Payments of $48.33
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Hosa DIB443 Sidekick Passive DI Box 1/4" TS to XLR3M
$49.95Preserve your sound with the Sidekick Passive DI Box. Easily connect your guitar, bass, or keyboard directly to a mixing console! Featuring an isolation transformer, the Hosa SideKick transforms an instrument-level...4 Payments of $12.49
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United Studio Technologies Vintage Direct DI Box
$399.00When you need the very best, the Vintage Direct delivers! Vintage Direct is an old-school DI box done right. This DI is a vintage-style large-transformer direct box. United’s Vintage Direct bridges the gap betwee...8 Payments of $49.88
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Radial Highline Passive Mono Line Isolator
$184.99Amp simulators are more popular than ever, but they present a unique set of problems for guitar and bass players who want to interface them with a PA system. While amp sims can produce line-level outputs, they often...6 Payments of $30.83
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Rupert Neve Designs RNDI Active Transformer DI
$399.00The RNDI delivers a powerful and vibrant direct sound capable of reproducing the full harmonic depth of basses, guitars, acoustic instruments, and professional line level sources. The RNDI’s signature sound is the p...8 Payments of $49.88
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RapcoHorizon LTIBLOX Laptop Interface Direct Box
$89.99The RapcoHorizon LTIBLOX is a consumer to pro interface. It converts input from consumer grade equipment (laptop computers, MP3 players, CD players) to a mic level balanced output. Gives operator volume control of ...4 Payments of $22.50
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ART DualZDirect Dual Passive Direct Box
$55.99The DUALZDirect provides two independent high quality totally passive interfaces that let you connect instrument, line, or speaker level signals to a mixer or other balanced inputs through high performance audio iso...4 Payments of $14.00
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Whirlwind DIRECT2 Passive Dual Direct Box
$203.00Perfect for converting unbalanced signals from stereo keyboards, acoustic guitar preamps, CD and tape players, computer sound cards, etc. The DIRECT2 combines features found on two of Whirlwind's DIRECTOR ® direct b...6 Payments of $33.83
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Direct Boxes
Whether you're a guitarist going straight to the board, a keyboardist running stereo into the PA, or a sound engineer trying to eliminate a stubborn ground hum, a direct box is one of the most useful tools you can have in your kit. AMS carries a wide selection of DI boxes for every instrument and application.
Direct Boxes: Clean Signal, Zero Compromise
A direct box is one of the most essential and most overlooked pieces of gear in any live or studio rig. Also called a DI box (short for "direct injection"), a direct box takes an unbalanced instrument-level or line-level signal and converts it to a balanced, low-impedance mic-level signal that feeds cleanly into your mixer or recording console. The result is a stable connection over long cable runs, no ground hum, and no signal degradation, just the purest version of your instrument hitting the board.
At AMS, we carry direct boxes from Radial, Rupert Neve Designs, Samson, ART, Whirlwind, Warm Audio, Hosa, and more, with options for every instrument, every application, and every budget.
Whether you're running direct to the house at a gig, tracking in the studio, or connecting a laptop and DJ gear to a PA, there's a direct box built for exactly that job.
What Does a Direct Box Actually Do?
A DI box solves a fundamental mismatch between instruments and professional audio equipment. Here's what's happening inside that small metal box:
- Impedance conversion: Instruments output high-impedance signals; mixers and consoles want low-impedance. A DI bridges that gap so your tone translates accurately.
- Balanced output: Converts unbalanced signals (1/4" TS) to balanced XLR, which rejects noise and hum over long cable runs.
- Ground lift: Eliminates ground loops that cause that infamous 60-cycle hum in live and studio environments.
- Parallel thru output: Most DIs include a parallel 1/4" output so you can send signal to your amp on stage while also running direct to the board.
- Level matching: Many models include a pad switch to handle hot line-level signals from keyboards, DJ mixers, or playback devices without overloading the input.
Types of Direct Boxes
The right direct box depends on your instrument, your signal source, and how much control you need over your tone. AMS carries all four main types, so you can find the right fit without compromise.
Passive Direct Boxes
Passive DIs require no power. They use a transformer to handle impedance conversion and isolation. They're incredibly reliable, road-tough, and transparent-sounding, making them a go-to for guitar, bass, and any application where you want your natural tone to come through uncolored. Models from Radial are staples on professional stages for exactly that reason.
Active Direct Boxes
Active DIs run on phantom power, battery, or AC power and include a buffering amplifier that gives them more headroom and a stronger output signal. They're especially useful for instruments with passive pickups, such as a standard electric guitar or bass, where the added gain helps preserve low-end and high-frequency detail. Radial, Rupert Neve Designs, and Warm Audio active direct boxes are strong options in this category.
Direct Box for Acoustic Guitar and Orchestral Instruments
Acoustic instruments, particularly those with piezo pickups, have unique impedance requirements that a standard DI can struggle with. A specialized direct box for acoustic guitar, like the Radial PZ-DI, lets you match the input impedance to your specific pickup type (magnetic or piezo) and dial in a variable low-cut filter to tame unwanted low-frequency resonance. If you're running acoustic guitar, violin, upright bass, or any orchestral instrument direct, this is the category to shop.
Stereo Direct Boxes
Keyboards, synths, DJ mixers, laptops, and playback devices all output stereo signals, and a direct box stereo model handles both channels in a single compact unit. The Radial Pro D2, Samson MD2 Pro, and Samson MCD2 Pro are all purpose-built for this, giving you two transformer-isolated channels, ground lift on each, and a clean balanced output for both left and right feeds.
What is a D.I. Box and why do I need one?
This video explains the function of a direct injection (DI) box and showcases several options available at American Musical Supply. A DI box is essential for converting unbalanced, high-impedance signals (like from a guitar or bass) into balanced, low-impedance signals suitable for mixers and mic preamps.
How To Choose the Right Direct Box
With so many options on the market, narrowing it down is easier when you focus on a few key variables:
- Instrument type: Passive pickups benefit from active DIs; line-level sources and keyboards work well with passive models; acoustic instruments with piezo pickups need impedance-selectable designs.
- Mono vs. stereo: If your source outputs a stereo signal, get a two-channel DI; a single-channel box will only capture half your signal.
- Power source: Passive DIs need no power; active DIs run on 48V phantom, battery, or AC. Confirm your mixer provides phantom if you're going that route.
- Application: Live stage use calls for rugged, road-worthy construction; studio use can prioritize maximum transparency and tonal character.
- Channel count: If you need to DI an entire band's worth of sources, look at multi-channel rack-mount options like the ART PDB4.
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Boxes
Do I need a direct box for electric guitar?
It depends on your setup. If you're running your guitar through an amp, you may not need one; your sound engineer can mic the cabinet. But if you want to go straight to the board without an amp, a direct box is essential. It gives the mixer a proper signal level and impedance match, and you'll typically get a cleaner, more consistent result than a poorly placed mic on a loud stage.
What's the difference between an active and passive direct box?
A passive DI uses a transformer and requires no power. It's highly reliable and typically very transparent. An active DI uses a buffering amplifier and needs phantom power, a battery, or AC power. Active DIs tend to offer more headroom and output level, making them a better fit for instruments with passive pickups that produce a weaker signal.
Do I need a special direct box for acoustic guitar?
If your acoustic guitar uses a piezo pickup, a standard DI can sometimes produce a harsh or thin tone because of an impedance mismatch. A dedicated direct box for acoustic guitar, like the Radial PZ-DI, lets you adjust the input impedance to suit your pickup type, which makes a noticeable difference in how natural and full your acoustic tone sounds through the PA.
Shop Direct Boxes at American Musical Supply
AMS carries direct boxes for every instrument, every signal source, and every stage of the signal chain, from compact single-channel passive DIs to full stereo and multi-channel solutions. Every direct box ships VERY fast and free, comes backed by our Gold Lock Extended Warranty at no extra cost, and is available on 0% interest payment plans.
Questions about which DI is right for your setup? Call our gear experts at 800-458-4076. We'll help you find the right box for your rig.
