Tapco DB-1P Passive Direct Box

The DB-1P Passive DI box converts unbalanced line-level signals to balanced mic-level output and provide signal and impedance matching for the direct connection of instruments like guitars, basses and keyboards to amplifiers and mixers. A 1/4" input jack is provided for connecting instrument or speaker-level signals, and a separate 1/4" thru jack allows the unbalanced signal to be sent to an onstage amplifier while the balanced signal is sent to a mixer. A ground lift switch helps eliminate hum and buzz problems in musical instrument hookups.

Not every instrument is made to connect directly to a mixer. Guitars and basses have a lower output signal level, and their output is not balanced. If you plug them straight into a mixer, you have to jack the preamp level to the max just to get a quiet, wimpy sound. Most keyboards have unbalanced outputs, which means if you try to use long cables, they can pick up all sorts of noise. Direct Injection Boxes solve these and other sticky studio and live difficulties.