DI-50X

The DI-50X is an active direct box that takes a high-impedance signal from a pickup or keyboard output and converts it to a balanced XLR feed a mixer or interface can use over a long cable run. Frequency response at the balanced XLR output runs 10Hz to 50kHz within +/- 1dB, well past the audible band, so the low end of a five-string bass and the top harmonics of an acoustic guitar both pass through intact.

A 1 MEG Ohm high-impedance input keeps passive pickups from loading down, which preserves attack and top end that a lower-impedance input would dull. A 12k Ohm line input handles keyboards, preamp outputs, and other line-level sources. Outputs sit at 600 Ohms on the XLR and 1k Ohm on the line side, matching standard mixer and stage box inputs.

Noise performance is the reason to reach for an active box on a quiet stage or in a tracking room. THD measures under 0.0005% at -10dBu input across 20Hz to 20kHz and noise sits at -115dBu, so the box adds effectively nothing to the signal. Signal-to-noise reaches 115dB running on a 9V battery.

Power comes from a 9VDC inlet at 200mA minimum or from a 9V battery with roughly 15 hours of life, which covers a rehearsal, a session, or a night of sets without a power drop nearby. A thick military-grade circuit board holds the electronics steady through load-in, load-out, and life on a pedalboard. It suits active and passive bass, keyboards, and acoustic or electric guitar.