Guitar Direct Box
November 18th, 2009 | 
Author: 
Active vs Passive Direct Boxes?
Why do you need a direct box if you can plug a guitar or keyboard directly into a mixer with no problems? That’s a great question! It’s easy to ignore DI’s, but they play a vital role in the recording process, both in the studio and especially in live recording. There are several different types of direct boxes, but they all serve two main purposes: they function as impedance-matching devices, which change line level signals into a microphone level signals and they provide ground-lift capabilities to avoid that nasty ground-loop hum caused by faulty wiring.
More importantly, a direct box allows you to get a fatter cleaner sound than plugging directly into a mixing board. This is because a balanced signal can be run for long distances without picking up EMI (electro-magnet interference) or RFI (radio frequency interference). If you’ve ever heard a radio station suddenly coming out of your speakers, then you know what I’m talking about.
A DI will generally have a ¼” input, an XLR output and a ¼” thru jack that can be used to route the input signal to another sound source. This configuration allows a balanced microphone signal to be sent to the mixing console via the XLR output and, at the same time, allows you to plug your instrument into an on stage amplifier via the thru jack. DI’s are also equipped with a ground lift switch, which will allow you to safely lift the ground without the fear of shocking yourself. This method lifts the audio signal’s ground, but not the electrical ground which we do not recommend.
DI’s come in two types – passive and active. The most obvious difference between them is, one needs power and the other does not. A passive DI is ready to use straight out of the box and needs no external power. They are very easy to set up – just plug in and play. However a DI with active electronics needs some sort of external power to run the internal circuitry. They can be run from standard 48 volt phantom power directly from the mixing board or, if phantom power is not available, they can be operated via a 9 volt internal battery. Active DI’s can accept many different types of input signals, which make them much more versatile than their passive counterparts, but they are also more expensive.
Applications:
• Keyboard – direct boxes provide the cleanest sound possible
• Electric Guitar – direct box signals need to be run through an amp simulator, like a Line 6 POD, for some extra processing to fatten them up
• Acoustic Guitar – a direct box provides a clean, but sterile sound. The DI signal can be blended with a microphone signal to add warmth/depth
• Bass Guitar – a direct box provides the cleanest sound. The DI signal is usually blended with a microphone signal to add a beefier bottom end
I Recommend:
Radial and Countryman direct boxes for their ruggedness and quality.
Role of the direct box in recording active n passive direct injection guitar bass plug in lesson 5
|
|
LR Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Direct Box EQ Tuner ! $299.00 |
|
|
LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI Guitar Direct Box EQ Preamp! $169.00 |
|
|
LR Baggs Venue DI Direct Box Acoustic Guitar Preamp EQ L.R. Baggs NEW $299.00 |
|
|
LINE 6 POD ULTIMATE GUITAR DIRECT BOX VERSION 2.0 $125.00 |
|
|
LR Baggs Para DI Para Acoustic Guitar DI Direct Box L.R. Baggs NEW $169.00 |
|
|
Boss DI-1 Direct Box Guitar Effects $0.99 |
|
|
Line 6 Pod Ultimate Guitar Direct Box Used $19.99 |
|
|
MXR M80 Bass Direct Box w/ Distortion Guitar Pedal NEW +FREE 6″ Cable! $139.00 |
|
|
Line 6 POD Guitar Multi Effects Direct Box w/ Power Supply Model 2.0 $64.95 |
|
|
BBE Acoustimax Acoustic Instrument Guitar Preamp DI Direct Box Acousti-Max Pedal $149.99 |
|
|
VINTAGE DOD 265 STAGEHAND DIRECT BOX STAGE HAND N BOX EXCELLENT GUITAR BAND DJ $26.00 |
|
|
Seymour Duncan Paranormal Bass Direct Box DI SFX-06 Guitar Effects Pedal $68.00 |
|
|
LR Baggs Para DI Acoustic Guitar Direct Box EQ Preamp $169.00 |
|
|
UltraSound DI PLUS Guitar/Bass Preamp/EQ Direct Box w/XLR & 1/4″ Out, Notch, NEW $124.95 |
|
|
Fishman PRO EQ Platinum Acoustic Guitar Preamp – EQ – DI (Direct Box) – New $99.99 |
|
|
Takamine DI-Plus Acoustic Guitar 5-Function Direct Box $199.00 |
|
|
Takamine DI-Plus Acoustic Guitar 5-Function Direct Box $199.00 |
|
|
LR Baggs PARADI Acoustic PARA DI Guitar Direct Box EQ/ 5- Band Preamp BRAND NEW! $169.00 |
|
|
Behringer Guitar Amp Modeler/Direct Recording Preamp/DI Box NEW $55.99 |
|
|
Eden WTDI World Tour Direct Box and Bass Guitar DI Preamp Variable Compression $149.99 |
|
|
UltraSound DI MAX Stereo 2 Channel Guitar/Bass Preamp/EQ Direct Box, XLR Out NEW $159.00 |
|
|
Hartke VXL Attack Bass Guitar Pre-Amp/Direct Box Pedal $109.00 |
|
|
Line 6 XPS-Mini Direct Box for Variax 300 Series Guitar $69.95 |
|
|
BBE ACOUSTIMAX Guitar Preamp DI Direct Box Pedal $199.99 |
|
|
MXR M80 Bass Direct Box W/ Distortion Guitar Pedal NEW $139.99 |
|
|
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live $19.99 To mark its 25th anniversary, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame released this incredible three-disc compilation of induction ceremony musical performances. Among the featured artists are Bruce Springsteen and U2 (“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”), Cream (“Sunshine of Your Love”), The Doors with Eddie Vedder (“Light My Fire”), and much more, including Springsteen, Billy Joel, Mick Jagger, … |
|
|
Metallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax: The Big Four – Live From Sofia Bulgaria $18.31 Save BIG when you buy today!… |
|
|
Pornograffitti $2.55 Extreme’s best recording displays this band’s considerable talents to their best advantage, particularly those of guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and vocalist Gary Cherone (as of this writing, sounding a lot like Sammy Hagar as the current singer for Van Halen). The album’s success has mainly been due to the soft-spoken hits “More Than Words” and “Hole Hearted,” but there’s plenty to like on this album… |
|
|
Tom Kolb: Beg Modes for Lead Guitar [VHS] $3.75 Modes For The Lead Guitarist features Tom Kolb, one of rock’s most talented musicians and an instructor at the world renowned Guitar Institute of Technology, presenting an in depth study of modes. He takes you step by step through major and minor modes,… |
|
|
Rock & Roll Rhythm Guitar, Volume 1 [VHS] $23.52 Covered in this lesson are the styles of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, James Nolen and others, including damping techniques, alternate chord shapes, two-guitar drills and much more. 90-MINUTE VIDEO * INCLUDES CHORDS * LEVEL 2/3…. |
|
|
Quality Colorful Guitar Straps for Acoustic electric guitar Strap $0.99 |
|
|
Nickle Plated Steel Standard Tension Guitar Strings for Electric Guitar $0.99 |
|
|
2pcs Quality 75CM Colorful Guitar Straps for Acoustic electric guitar Strap $0.99 |
|
|
1PC Quality Leather&Cotton Guitar Strap for Acoustic guitar Electric guitar $0.99 |
|
|
2PC Quality Cotton&Leather end Guitar Strap for Acoustic guitar Electric guitar $0.99 |
|
|
Quality Guitar strap with Hook strap for Acoustic guitar Electric guitar $0.99 |
|
|
Crescent NEW BLUE-C Electric Guitar+15w Amplifier+ACC+ Electric Digital Tuner $109.99 |
|
|
NEW!! DR Tite-Fit MT-10 Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 $6.99 |
|
|
Vintage MIJ Teisco Electric Guitar **Mirror Pickguard** *Vibrato* **NICE** $69.95 |
|
|
6pcs Electric 150XL/.009in Guitar Amp Strings Set for Fender New $1.97 |
|
|
ESP LTD M-10 White Electric Guitar (less than one year old) $99.00 |
|
|
DR Black Beauties Coated Electric Guitar Strings 9-42 $10.99 |
|
|
Fender Custom Masterbuilt ‘62 Ultimate Relic Telecaster Electric Guitar Black $6,499.99 |
|
|
Fender Kurt Cobain Mustang Solidbody Electric Guitar Seymore Duncan New $925.99 |
|
|
Yamaha FG Series FGX720SCA Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black $419.99 |
|
|
New Capo Trigger for Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar $0.99 |
|
|
BEGINNER ELECTRIC GUITAR NEVER USED washburn soloist $75.00 |
|
|
ELECTRIC GUITAR ROUTING TEMPLATES- EXPLORER $65.00 |
|
|
Dean Markley 2556 Blue Steel REG Electric Guitar Strings (10-46) x 6 Sets $39.99 |
|
|
“Squire” by Fender Affinity Stratocaster Maple Electric Guitar w/Peavey Amp $190.00 |
|
|
NAVY BLUE GUITAR STRAP 55″ ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC HERO BASS $4.99 |
|
|
G&L Tribute L2500 5 String Electric Bass Guitar $0.99 |
|
|
Electric Bass Guitar String Set Nickel Plated Steel New $4.39 |
|
|
Washburn Hollowbody Natural Electric Guitar J7VN w/Case $899.99 |
|
|
NEW ADULT Crescent BLACK Electric Acoustic Guitar+Acc+STAND $99.69 |
|
|
Fender Custom MB ‘69 Ultimate Relic Stratocaster Electric Guitar Seafoam Green $6,499.99 |
|
|
Black Stratocaster Boat-Style Plate Electric Guitar 1/4 Input Output Jack $0.99 |
|
|
IBANEZ AEB10BBEbanez AEB10BBE ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR PLUS CASE $69.99 |
|
|
NEW PRO DBZ by DEAN Z IMPERIAL AB ELECTRIC GUITAR $749.00 |
|
|
Dean Dave Mustaine Zero Electric Guitar metallic silver $999.00 |
|
|
Harmony 6 String Electric Guitar W/Gig Bag $99.99 |
|
|
Martin Darco D9300 Nickel Plated Electric Guitar Strings Ex Lt D9300 x 12 Sets $34.99 |
|
|
Black Trigger Capo Clamp For Acoustic Electric Guitar $2.99 |
|
|
Solo DIY Double Neck Electric Guitar and Bas Guitar Combo Kit DJMBK-1 UNIQUE KIT $256.49 |
|
|
100 Mixed Acoustic Electric Guitar Picks Plectrums NEW $1.00 |
|
|
Cabel for electric guitar or Bass guitar, new $4.25 |
|
|
Tacoma Roadking DM8C Acoustic Electric Guitar Sounds and Plays Amazing $375.00 |
|
|
Ibanez AX120 Electric Guitar Silver Finish with Gig Bag $149.99 |
|
|
Ibanez AEF18LE-DVS Dark Violin Sunburst Left-Handed Acoustic-Electric Guitar $319.00 |
|
|
Fender CD160SE-12 12-String Black Acoustic-Electric Guitar $369.00 |
|
|
Jackson USA Quilted Archtop Soloist Electric Guitar Ebony Fretboard Natural $2,299.00 |
|
|
Easy Install 12 Hole Magnetic Clip Pickup for Acoustic Electric Guitar $4.99 |
|
|
DEAN VENDETTA ELECTRIC GUITAR $39.99 |
|
|
Indiana MAD-QTGR Madison Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Green Sunburst Quilt $159.95 |
|
|
Schecter Diamond Series C-1+ 6 String Electric Guitar W/Gig Bag $259.99 |
|
|
ESP LTD M-53 Electric Guitar, Black, Black Satin Finish, 22 Extra Jumbo Frets $120.00 |
|
|
Single Coil Pickup for 6 Strings Electric Guitar Black $1.00 |
|
|
Fender® Roland VG American Stratocaster® Strat Electric Guitar – BLACK $1,699.99 |
|
|
NEW BLUEBURST BEAUTY THINBODY ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR $134.95 |
|
|
Crescent NEW WHITE Electric Guitar+15w AMPLIFIER+ACC+ Guitar STAND $109.99 |
|
|
Ron Thorn R/S Electric Guitar SoCal #45 Excellent Condition $1,700.00 |
|
|
Reverend Flatroc Charger HB Electric Guitar Rare and Unique Hybrid Prototype? $550.00 |
|
|
Acoustic Electric Guitar Green Clamp Trigger Capo New $0.94 |
|
|
Taylor Custom Baritone acoustic electric guitar Walnut $0.78 |
|
|
Vintage Gibson Les Paul Personal Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
1968 Fender Custom Telecaster Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
Parker USA Refined Fly Supreme Natural Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
GIBSON CUSTOM 1957 LES PAUL GOLDTOP VOS ELECTRIC GUITAR $0.78 |
|
|
2009 TAYLOR PSGA WALNUT Acoustic-Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
2003 Gibson Custom L-4 L4 CES Archtop Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
1973 GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM ELECTRIC GUITAR $0.78 |
|
|
Gibson SJ-200 Standard Acoustic-Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
Vintage Gibson ES 335TDC+ 1966 Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
Gibson Custom 1960 Les Paul Std VOS Electric Guitar $0.78 |
|
|
Fender Vintage 1969 Jazz Bass Electric Guitar USA NR $0.78 |
|
|
Vintage 1962 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar Strat $0.78 |
|
|
Ibanez gio electric guitar plus amp $0.99 |
|
|
Music Man BFR Luke NEW Electric Guitar 6 String $0.78 |
|
|
Squier Bullet Strat 6 String Electric Guitar W/Gig Bag & Whammy Bar $109.99 |
|
|
Vintage 1960’s Supro White Holiday Reso-Glass electric guitar by Valco $1,125.00 |
|
|
ESP / LTD B-415 SM 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Natura $829.00 |
|
|
VEX Double Cutaway Electric – MICHAEL KELLY -Guitar – New $350.00 |
|
|
Electric Guitar cable, 8′ $3.94 |
|
|
Dean Axcess Performer Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Silverburst $249.00 |
|
|
MICHAEL KELLY – VEX – Double cutaway Electric Guitar – New $350.00 |
|
|
New Fretless electric Bass Guitar, 6 string, neck through body $325.00 |
|
|
Fender Redondo Acoustic Electric Guitar – New $279.99 |
|
|
USA Made Ovation Balladeer Special Acoustic Electric Guitar with Case $500.00 |
|
|
Fender Pawn Shop Fender ’51 – Electric Guitar w/ Gigbag (Blonde), STORE DEMO! $619.00 |
|
|
Fender Blacktop Stratocaster HH – Strat Electric Guitar (Black), STORE DEMO! $499.99 |
|
|
Jackson RR3 Randy Rhoads Signature Electric Guitar (Trans Black), NEW! $899.99 |
|
|
Hofner CT Club Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar (Cherry Finish), NEW! $399.00 |
|
|
Fender FSR Classic Series ‘72 Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar (Aqua), NEW! $699.99 |
|
|
Dean Vendetta 4.0 Floyd – Electric Guitar w/ Floyd Rose (Trans Black), NEW! $489.00 |
|
|
Fender Blacktop Jaguar HH – Electric Guitar (Silver Finish), STORE DEMO! $499.99 |
|
|
Dean Rusty Cooley RC7X Wraith – 7 String Electric Guitar with Case, NEW! $1,099.00 |
|
|
Dean VMNT Dave Mustaine End Game – Signature Electric Guitar, NEW! $379.00 |
|
|
Schecter Gary Holt V-1 – Signature V1 Electric Guitar w/Red EMG’s, NEW! $999.00 |
|
|
Jackson DKMG Dinky Electric Guitar w/Active EMG Pickups (Satin Black), NEW! $849.00 |
|
|
10ft 3m Electric Patch Guitar Amplifier AMP Cable Cord $4.79 |
|
|
EVH Wolfgang Eddie Van Halen Electric Guitar AA Maple Fingerboard, Black $2,995.00 |
|
|
3 SETS Elixir Polyweb Super Light 9-42 Electric Guitar Stings (12000) $28.99 |
|
|
4pcs New Electric Guitar EPIPHONE METAL CAP BELL Volume + Tone KNOB GOLD GSVT $9.98 |
|
|
Chrome Electric Guitar Tune-O-Matic Bridge for Les Paul $0.99 |
|
|
Fender American Special Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar – Rosewood $785.00 |
|
|
ESP LTD SC-607B 7-string Baritone Electric Guitar $900.00 |
|
|
~Sale New Crescent RED METALLIC Electric Guitar+Strap+Gigbag and WARRANTY $69.99 |
|
|
Reverend Guitars Jetstream HB Electric Guitar 3-Tone Sunburst Pristine Condition $550.00 |
|
|
Gibson 490R Neck Pickup Chrome Black Mounting Ring Electric Guitar $55.00 |
|
|
Gibson 490T Bridge Silver Bobbin Electric Guitar Humbucker Pickup $50.00 |
Posted in