While there is a ton of information about DI boxes for electric and bass guitars out there, keyboardists are often overlooked. In this article, we’ll explore whether you need a DI box for your keyboard setup and give you a better idea of the kind of DI box that’s suitable for your particular instrument. We’ll also provide you with some product examples to make your search easier.
Do I Need a DI Box for My Keyboard?
In many cases, you may not need a DI box for your keyboard. If the cable you’re running is short and there are line inputs on your mixer or interface, then a DI box is often unnecessary. That said, if your equipment is designed to accept balanced inputs or you’re running a long cable to your mixer or PA system, a DI box will provide that clean, balanced signal you’re looking for.
Read More: Do I Need a DI Box?
Do I Need a DI Box with MIDI Keyboard Controller?
Are you a live performer? For example, if you’re working with a midi keyboard controller and planning to send your music through your computer directly to a PA system, a DI box will also be required.
Passive vs. Active DI Box
For the most part, your keyboard or synthesizer will be best matched with a passive DI box. This is because most keyboards and synthesizers have strong outputs/low impedance and passive DI boxes can better handle high-signal levels without distortion. That said, if you’re using an old vintage style keyboard, like a Fender Rhodes piano, then an active DI box, which has a built-in preamp, is more likely to give you a sufficiently strong signal.
Mono vs. Stereo DI Box for Keyboard?
Keyboards tend to have stereo outputs. However, they can also output in mono if you connect your cable to the left/mono channel. So, while your keyboard doesn’t necessarily need to be sent out in stereo, depending on the sound you’re going for, a stereo signal can provide more sonic depth and expansiveness.
Most Common Features on DI Boxes
Here are some handy features that are integrated into DI Boxes. I’ve only listed the most common ones that you’ll find on passive models to help guide you through the product examples below.
Pad - This feature reduces the strength of the incoming signal. If you have a particularly high output source, it will help prevent any distortion or overload.
Ground-lift - Activating this switch will separate the signal ground from the DI’s chassis ground. In short, if you’re hearing some pesky ground interference, this switch will eliminate the ground noise at the output.
Thru-put - A thru-put allows you to connect directly to an instrument amplifier in addition to your main console. Basically, it gives you an extra copy of your instrument’s sound, accommodating multiple connections without degrading the signal.
giving it maximum electrical isolation. Subsequently, there’s less noise, as it approximates a balanced output.
Top Stereo DI Boxes for Keyboards
Best Budget Options
The Mackie MDB-2P Stereo Passive Direct Box is a passive DI box that offers useful features like pads to prevent overloading, as well as a ground lift switch to minimize hum. True to the Mackie brand, the build is rock solid. If you just want something simple and reliable to convert your unbalanced keyboard signal into a clean and balanced output, a no frills DI like the Mackie MDB-2P is all you really need. In addition, this unit has two ¼-inch thru jacks to allow simultaneous connection to your stage amplifier.
Another easy solution is the Palmer PAN 04 Pro Stereo DI box, which is perfect for modern keyboards and synthesizers. You’ll basically get the same end result as the above example. Although it’s very affordable, it’s constructed from sheet steel, making it rugged and durable. The PAN 04 Pro allows your keyboard to be compatible with line-level consoles and speakers, as well as speaker-level inputs. In addition to its two ¼-inch inputs and balanced XLR outputs, it also has two ¼-inch thru-puts for connecting your keyboard to a second location, like your on-stage amplifier. Finally, the Palmer PAN 04 Pro includes ground lift switches and a pad to make your signal even cleaner.
Best High-End Options
Famous for its rich and robust tone, the Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-S is a notably high-performing DI box from one of the most well-known brands in the world. Although it’s technically an active DI, it’s a highly versatile model, working as equally well for keyboards and synths as it does for guitars and bass instruments. In addition to its two ¼-inch instrument inputs you’ll also get a stereo 3.5mm auxiliary input for consumer equipment. And of course, you can expect two provided thruputs should you want to send a second signal to your onstage amp. It has the essential ground lift switch, as well as FET amplifiers that offer uber clean delivery. If you’re looking for something that can drive long cable lines with minimal loss, this DI box is probably as good as it gets.
Best DI Box for Vintage Keyboards
If you’re using an old school keyboard, the Radial Engineering J48 Stereo active DI Box is a super high-quality option. It has great signal handling and includes a built-in pad to reduce the sensitivity if required. If you’re looking for a sufficiently strong signal with the most natural sound possible for your analogue keys, the J48 will skillfully get the job done.
Best Laptop DI Box for Keyboard Controllers
If you only own a midi keyboard controller and are starting to wonder why you’re even reading this article, don’t worry. Chances are you might need a DI box too; if you’re using your midi controller for live performance, it’s likely that you’ll be accessing your sounds from the DAW on your laptop, right? Well, your computer will usually need a DI box before you hook it up to your mixing console or PA system.
The Radial Engineering USB-Pro Stereo USB Laptop DI is one of the most popular and best performing examples of a DI box designed for the above application. It employs two balanced XLR outputs, which can feed both, mic or line-level input. And the auto-sensing USB input automatically configures the USB-Pro for digital input streams up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution. Another handy feature is the integrated headphone amp, which allows you to monitor the signal at the DI.
Best DI Box for Multiple Keyboards
The Radial Engineering Key-Largo Keyboard Mixer and Performance Pedal is a fantastic all-in-one solution for stage performances where multiple keyboards are involved. Besides its balanced XLR outs (yes, it’s a DI box), it’s a tiny mixer with analogue inputs for up to three keyboards. In addition, it has USB connectivity for your laptop should you choose to include soft-synths in your stage setup. Another cool feature is that it allows you to control all your keyboards’ sustain with one footswitch. In short, it’s a multiple keyboard DI box, mixer and interface all in one package.
For more information about the listed products, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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