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RapcoHorizon DB1-SL Speaker Level Direct Box
$76.49Connect your equipment with the DB-1SL direct box which accepts speaker level input signals (400 watt maximum) too. The DB101SL includes a paralleled 1/4 inch output jack for on-stage monitoring. Run longer cable r...4 Payments of $19.12
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RapcoHorizon SL4 Passive Direct Box
$399.95The rack mount SL-4 direct box is designed for use in both live and studio applications. When you require multiple interfaces of unbalanced Hi-Z equipment to balanced Lo-Z mixer inputs (multiple keyboardists, for e...8 Payments of $49.99
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Rupert Neve Design RNDI-8 8 Channel DI Rack
$1,999.00The Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-8 is a professional 8 channel Direct Input Rack that sets the bar for recording and performing sound. With its custom transformers and discrete, Class-A FET amplifiers, the RNDI-8 captur...12 Payments of $166.58
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Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-S Class A Stereo Direct Box
$599.00A portable, powerful, larger-than-life tone, the RNDI-S is ready to make your stereo or mono direct sources shine. The RNDI-S’ signature sound is the product of custom Rupert Neve Designs transformers and class-A bi...12 Payments of $49.92
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Samson MD1 Passive Mono Direct Box
$69.99The MD1 allows clean, balanced lines to be sent from an unbalanced line or instrument signal (guitars, keyboards, unbalanced audio devices) to a microphone level balanced XLR input. The Samson MD1 Mono Passive Direc...4 Payments of $17.50
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Samson Retrack Reamp DI Box
$99.99Samson Retrack is a convenient reamplification solution with a desktop form factor. The input can be toggled to work with standard line level sources or the headphone output from an audio interface or mixer, elimina...6 Payments of $16.67
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Samson SAMDA1 Active Mono Direct Box
$49.99Combining premium sound circuitry with durable, roadworthy construction, the Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box provides high-quality signal connection solutions for live sound and recording studio applications. The...4 Payments of $12.50
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Strymon PCH Stereo Active Direct Interface
$279.00PCH is an ultra-premium stereo active direct interface with a hidden superpower - an onboard console-quality headphone amplifier. Now you can rest easy knowing that the sound of your pedalboard won’t change even a l...h m s
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Tech 21 SansAmp BSDR V2 Bass Driver DI
$269.00Much more than just a direct box, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. Three different outputs to drive power...6 Payments of $44.83
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Tech 21 SansAmp Classic Pedal Guitar DI Speaker Simulator
$289.95 - $349.00It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand the test of time. For over 30 years, the SansAmp Classic has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless ...8 Payments of $43.63
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Warm Audio Passive Direct Box
$149.95 - $338.00Whether you play guitar, bass, keyboards or another stringed instrument, you'll need a direct box that won't diminish your instrument's tone, like the Direct Box Passive from Warm Audio. Every aspect of our direct b...8 Payments of $42.25
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ART DPDB 2-Channel Passive Direct Box
$59.99The dPDB is a two-channel passive direct box for connecting unbalanced instrument, line, or speaker signals to balanced inputs. Each input signal is sent to a balanced, transformer-isolated XLR output and a ...4 Payments of $15.00
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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.
