Direct Boxes (DI) from Inventory

General Information

The KUB uses two types of direct boxes- active and passive. Active DI boxes require an alternate power supply such as a battery or phantom power. Passive DI boxes do not require a separate power supply or phantom power. An active DI is to a condenser microphone, as a passive DI is to a dynamic microphone.

Active DI boxes are used on Computer/Laptop carts in order to provide a separate volume control.

Passive DI boxes are used for large scale sound reinforcement in order to keep an instruments volume at one level in order to balance it with other instruments.

See also 1/4" Instrument cable Vs. 1/4" speaker cable.

KUB Direct Box Inventory

Direct Box (aka DI box)

Description: DI stands for "Direct Input". A direct box changes the impedance of a signal from instrument level (+4) to microphone level (-12).

Setup Considerations: #1 - When using a DI box to connect an iPod or another device that requires combining a stereo signal to mono, USE AN ADAPTER TO COMBINE THE STEREO SIGNAL FROM THE DEVICE.

Plugging one of the cables into the DI box's 1/4" INput jack (gray cable, picture left), and plugging the other cable into the DI box's 1/4" OUTput jack (red cable, picture left) does not solve the problem! All this technique accomplishes is transmitting ONLY ONE side of the audio (in this case the left channel of a stereo signal) to the sound system. The other side of the audio signal (in this case the right channel of a stereo signal) is completely lost and will not be heard.

#2 - When setting a DI box for a large performance, connect the XLR (mic) cable to the DI box, and place a 1/4" instrument cable next to or on top of the DI box. Test the mic cable connection by unplugging the DI box and connecting a microphone. If the mic connection/cable works, then re-connect the DI box. If it does not work, a new cable will probably need to be run. If multiple DI boxes are used on stage for the same event put a piece of white board tape (see picture) on the DI box with the mic input number written on the tape.

Troubleshooting: Humming or buzzing can usually be solved (on the Whirlwind Directors (Manual) and laptop DI boxes) by activating or de-activating the ground by using the ground lift rocker switch (yellow circle, picture left).