Instrument, Effect & Preamp Signals: All In The (DI) Box - Routing Setup | Studio Update, Ep.2

[@NureinePhase_Audio]

Most line level Sources have such high output that the short cable runs in a small studio are not effecting noise as much as you state here. Also especially effects, preamps and most studio grade gear will be symmetrical in output, so do not worry about it. The only real use case,( if not necessary because of impedance matching/ unsym to sym) for a DI - as you have stated- is the harmonics it provides. Also a transformer ist by nature a passive part since it works with induction, see passive DIs.

[@itdwellswithin]

Thank you for your comment and advice. That’s very insightful indeed and it looks like I have a lot to learn. I’m kinda relieved by the symmetrical in output, as you mentioned, because I was thinking that the box would kinda act also like a signal normalizer for all the various signals from different equipment fed to it since it outputs same for all at +11.5dB. So, on top of that, reading your comment about symmetrical output was a big relief. Yeah those harmonics are really standing out with this box. Perhaps, despite the passive nature of the transformers, as you stated, this one is always active regardless of the instruments active or passive pickups and that could explain the beefed harmonics. I appreciate you taking the time and clearing out many areas with your comment.

[@NureinePhase_Audio]

@@itdwellswithin I think wwe mean different things when speaking about "active". I mean "supply voltage is required to be functional" and you mean "is in the signal path". Here is a short explaination of how active DIs are intended: An active DI (Direct Injection) box is a tool for connecting high-impedance, unbalanced audio sources, such as electric guitars, keyboards, or synthesizers, to low-impedance, balanced inputs like those found on mixing consoles or audio interfaces. Its primary purpose is to maintain signal integrity, reduce noise, and resolve impedance mismatches while preserving the tonal characteristics of the source instrument. The signal enters the active DI box through a high-impedance, unbalanced input. Active circuitry, powered by an internal battery, phantom power from the mixer, or an external power supply, buffers the signal using a high-input-impedance buffer amplifier. This buffering minimizes the load on the source, ensuring that the instrument’s tone remains unaffected. The circuit then converts the unbalanced signal into a balanced one, which is crucial for reducing noise over long cable runs. Balanced cables achieve this noise reduction through common-mode rejection, which cancels out interference. Active DI boxes often feature adjustable gain controls or pad switches, allowing users to attenuate high-output signals, such as those from active pickups or synthesizers, to avoid clipping. The balanced output signal is sent to the mixer or interface via an XLR connector, providing a clean, noise-resistant connection. Many active DI boxes also include a ground lift switch to eliminate hum caused by ground loops by disconnecting the ground link between input and output. The active design enables these boxes to handle signals with exceptional clarity and headroom, but they require an external power source for their operation. Transformers in audio, on the other hand, are passive devices used for tasks such as impedance matching, signal balancing, and isolating circuits. A transformer operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, consisting of two coils of wire (the primary and secondary windings) wound around a magnetic core. When an alternating current signal passes through the primary winding, it generates a magnetic field in the core, which induces a corresponding voltage in the secondary winding. Transformers match the high impedance of sources like electric guitars to the low impedance of mixers or amplifiers, ensuring efficient power transfer, and they can convert unbalanced signals to balanced ones by producing equal but opposite-polarity voltages across the output. They also provide galvanic isolation between circuits, breaking ground loops and reducing hum or noise. Because transformers rely solely on the energy of the input signal to operate, they do not require external power. Only the buffer does. Hence active DI. Cheers

[@itdwellswithin]

Now that makes it so much clearer for me to understand. Right..so active circuitry enhances the clarity and headroom and the power is for the amp buffer. Really appreciating your time and interest to provide such an in depth explanation that has taught me a ton more in depth detail about the principle of transformer operation.

[@MorswinCzcigodny]

Bro turn on the heating

[@NureinePhase_Audio]

Also - for the love of god - please shoot out your fancy cables against somthing like a decent sommer cable.