DI box
A small box that converts a high-impedance, unbalanced instrument signal into a low-impedance balanced one suitable for a mixing desk or a long cable run.
A passive DI does the job with a transformer, which also provides isolation and removes ground loops; an active DI needs power but presents a friendlier load to a passive pickup and can add gain or tone shaping. Many also have a through output so the amplifier still gets its signal while the console receives a copy. This is how an electric guitar gets recorded cleanly without a microphone in front of a cabinet.
Example: putting a DI in front of the amp captures a dry guitar track that can be re-amped later into any amplifier in the studio.
See also
Related
- PageMicrophone
- PageBuffer
- PageAmp mic placement
- PageBalanced signal
- PageCardioid
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley
- PageAd-Rock