DI box

A DI box converts an unbalanced, high-impedance instrument signal into a low-Z balanced signal that can feed a mixing console's microphone inputs¹. DI boxes can be active, with low-noise circuitry allowing higher input impedance than a passive DI box, or passive². They are often built into pedals alongside other functions such as preamps, EQ, or distortion³⁴⁵. A DI box output can feed the PA system while a separate instrument-level output feeds the on-stage amplifier⁶.