What is the difference between an active and a passive DI box?

An active box contains an amplifier stage and needs power; it keeps high-impedance instruments sounding clear. A passive box uses a transformer, needs no power and suits active sources, keyboards and computers.

Is one AR-133 enough for a keyboard?

For a keyboard with a mono output, yes. If you use the stereo outputs you need two mono DIs or one stereo DI such as the Palmer PAN-04A.

What is the difference between an active and a passive DI box?

An active box contains an amplifier stage and needs power; it keeps high-impedance instruments sounding clear. A passive box uses a transformer, needs no power and suits active sources, keyboards and computers.

Is one AR-133 enough for a keyboard?

For a keyboard with a mono output, yes. If you use the stereo outputs you need two mono DIs or one stereo DI such as the Palmer PAN-04A.

DI Boxes

BSS AR-133

Active mono DI-Box

Price per 24 h rental

4 €/ 24 h

Prices are per 24 hours of rental. Longer rentals, delivery and setup are quoted on request.

Ask for a quote

The BSS AR-133 is an active mono DI box that turns the unbalanced signal of an instrument or device into a balanced XLR signal that can travel a long cable to the mixer without picking up noise or losing top end. It is rented for bass, acoustic guitar with a piezo pickup, the mono output of a keyboard and a single laptop channel. It has an input pad, a ground lift and a thru output for the instrument amp.

An active DI is especially suited to high-impedance sources such as passive bass guitars and piezo pickups, where a passive box leaves the sound dull. Power comes from the mixer's phantom supply or a battery. If the source is stereo, such as a keyboard or computer, take the Palmer PAN-04A (active stereo) or the passive Radial ProAV2. When many channels have to go to the mixer at once, the rack-mounted Palmer PAN-16 is the more compact solution.

What to consider when renting

Connect the instrument with a 6.3 mm jack cable to the DI input, an XLR cable from the DI output to a microphone input on the mixer, and switch phantom power on for that channel, or fit a 9 V battery in the box. The thru jack output feeds the instrument amp if there is one on stage. If you hear a low hum, press the ground lift. Use the pad for hot active keyboards. Easy to connect yourself.