Active Di Box Vs Passive

The biggest difference between an active di and a passive di is that an active di includes a preamplifier.

Active di box vs passive.

Active versus passive di box the di box for direct injection or direct input also known as a direct box is a device who s main basic function is to convert the unbalanced high impedance output of an instrument s signal into a balanced low impedance one which in turn allows longer cable runs without adding noise among other benefits. Passive does not have active electronics and therefore does not require an external power source. Typical turns ratio is about 500 1 to match a nominal 50 kω signal source such as the magnetic pickup of an electric guitar to a 100 ω input. A passive di unit typically consists of an audio transformer used as a balun.

The most basic definitions of the two different kinds of di boxes are likely what you d expect. Active di units and passive di units. For an in depth look at choosing active or passive direct boxes please check out the free guide on our blog. In contrast active boxes do have active electronics which are powered by external power sources.

Active di boxes require a power source usually batteries or phantom power over an xlr jack. The most obvious difference is that passive di boxes don t need to be powered. But the differences go deeper than that.