Direct Box Basics - Radial Engineering JDI Mk3 User Manual

True to the Music
Part 4 – Direct Box Basics
What is a direct box anyway?
The name 'direct box' comes from 'direct insertion box'. This is why these marvelous contraptions are also called DI's. 'Direct
Insertion' means exactly that: To insert a signal directly or take an audio signal from the source and send it directly to a
mix point or recorder. We take this very seriously with all our direct boxes and as such, have designed them to reproduce
the most accurate 'picture' of the source no matter what the instrument.
Direct boxes perform the important function of impedance matching and signal balancing. This means that they take the high
impedance output from a guitar or keyboard and 'transform' it to the low impedance signal used in balanced sound systems.
Balanced signals inherently cancel noise and due to their lower impedance, can travel much further without degradation.
Balanced signals are the norm in professional recording, broadcast and live sound. By properly matching the impedance
you will enjoy better sound, less noise and an extended frequency response.
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Radial Engineering JDI User Guide