DBX Di1 Active Direct Box

The dbx DI1 Active Direct Box is a professional active DI box designed to connect instruments and other unbalanced audio sources to professional mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and sound reinforcement systems. It provides impedance and level matching while converting an unbalanced instrument signal to a balanced XLR output for clean, reliable connections over longer cable runs.

The DI1 is well suited for guitar, bass, keyboards, electronic instruments, and other line-level or instrument-level sources in live sound, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, houses of worship, and touring applications.

Active DI Box for Professional Audio Systems

The dbx DI1 helps solve a common problem when connecting instruments directly to a mixing console: instrument outputs are typically unbalanced and may not provide the appropriate impedance or signal level for a console input.

The DI1 provides the necessary level and impedance matching while delivering a balanced output through its XLR connector. This helps integrate instruments and other unbalanced sources into professional audio systems while reducing the potential for noise and signal problems.

Flexible Input and Signal Pass-Through

The DI1 features parallel 1/4-inch connections, allowing the incoming signal to be passed through to another piece of equipment while simultaneously sending a balanced signal to the mixing console.

This makes the DI1 particularly useful for applications such as:

• Connecting an electric bass to a mixing console while feeding a bass amplifier
• Connecting keyboards directly to a professional sound system
• Sending guitar or electronic instrument signals to a console
• Integrating unbalanced equipment into balanced audio systems
• Recording instruments directly into studio equipment

Attenuation and Ground Lift Controls

The DI1 provides selectable input attenuation to accommodate a range of signal levels. The available settings allow the unit to handle higher-level sources while helping prevent unwanted overload at the DI output.

A ground lift switch is also provided to help address hum caused by ground-loop problems when connecting equipment powered from different sources.

Phantom or Battery Powered

The dbx DI1 can operate from +18V to +48V phantom power supplied by the connected mixing console or other compatible equipment. It can also operate from a 9V battery, providing flexibility for live performance and situations where phantom power is unavailable.

LED indicators provide convenient visual confirmation of battery and phantom power status.

Rugged Construction for Live and Studio Use

Built for professional audio applications, the DI1 features a durable metal chassis designed to withstand the demands of regular stage, studio, and mobile use.

Its compact design makes it easy to place in a pedalboard, equipment rack area, stage setup, or recording environment without taking up unnecessary space.

Applications

The dbx DI1 is ideal for:

• Electric guitar and bass
• Bass amplifier signal connections
• Keyboards and electronic keyboards
• Electronic instruments
• Live sound systems
• Recording studios
• Rehearsal spaces
• Houses of worship
• Touring and mobile production
• Connecting unbalanced sources to balanced audio systems

dbx DI1 Features

• Professional active direct box
• Level and impedance matching
• Balanced XLR output
• Parallel 1/4-inch input and pass-through connections
• Selectable input attenuation
• Ground lift switch
• Phantom power operation from +18V to +48V DC
• 9V battery operation
• Battery and phantom power LED indicators
• Input impedance greater than 250 kΩ
• Output impedance greater than 600 Ω
• Low distortion of less than 0.005% THD
• Frequency response of 10 Hz–70 kHz
• Output noise below -100 dB unweighted
• Rugged metal chassis
• Compact design for stage and studio applications

dbx DI1 Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Active Direct Box
Input Impedance	>250 kΩ
Maximum Input	+12 dBu @ 0 dB / +32 dBu @ -20 dB / +52 dBu @ -40 dB
Input Connectors	Two parallel 1/4-inch jacks and parallel XLR connector
Input Configuration	Unbalanced
Output Impedance	>600 Ω
Output Connector	Balanced XLR
Distortion	<0.005% THD @ 1 kHz, 0 dBu
Output Noise	<-100 dB unweighted
Frequency Response	10 Hz–70 kHz, +0/-3 dB
Phantom Power	+18V to +48V DC
Battery	9V
Attenuation	0 dB / -20 dB / -40 dB
Ground Lift	Yes

Why Choose the dbx DI1?

The dbx DI1 Active Direct Box is a straightforward solution for connecting instruments and unbalanced audio equipment to professional balanced audio systems. Its high input impedance, selectable attenuation, balanced XLR output, parallel signal connection, ground lift, and flexible phantom/battery power options make it useful for both live sound and studio recording.

For musicians and audio professionals who need a reliable way to connect instruments directly to a mixing console while maintaining a clean, properly matched signal, the DI1 is a practical professional DI solution.