Behringer DI10A Active 1-Channel DI Box

On a cramped stage, a keyboardist plugs into the Behringer DI10A, converting a high-impedance instrument signal into a balanced, low-impedance XLR output that travels cleanly to the mixing console 30 meters away, with no hum or high-frequency loss. This active direct injection box is built for touring musicians, live sound engineers, and project studios that need reliable signal conversion in a rugged, road-ready metal chassis.

Key specifications

• Active DI box with 1 channel (mono) for instrument-level signals
• Input: 1 x 1/4" TS jack (unbalanced, high-impedance 250 kΩ)
• Outputs: 1 x XLR male (balanced, low-impedance 600 Ω) and 1 x 1/4" TS jack (link/thru for parallel connection to an amplifier or monitor)
• Switchable attenuation pad: 0 dB, 20 dB, 40 dB for handling hot signals up to +20 dBu
• Ground lift switch to eliminate hum from ground loops
• Power: 9V battery or +18V to +48V phantom power from mixer
• Battery life: up to 15 hours with a 9V alkaline battery
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 50 kHz (±3 dB) for full-range clarity
• THD+N: <0.005% @ 1 kHz, +4 dBu for transparent sound
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >100 dB for quiet operation
• LED indicator for phantom power / battery status
• Rugged metal chassis for stage durability

Why choose it

The DI10A delivers pristine audio conversion without coloration, thanks to its high input impedance that preserves the natural tone of passive pickups and its low output impedance that drives long cable runs without signal degradation. The switchable pad and ground lift make it adaptable to any live or studio scenario, while dual power options (battery or phantom) ensure it works even on stages without available outlets. Its metal construction withstands the rigors of touring, and the link output lets you feed a stage amp simultaneously without affecting the direct signal.

Ideal use cases

• Connecting electric guitars, basses, or keyboards directly to a PA mixer in live performances
• Recording instruments in a home or project studio with a balanced interface
• Eliminating ground loop hum in complex stage setups with multiple power sources
• Splitting signal to both a stage amplifier and front-of-house console
• Using with acoustic instruments with piezo pickups that require high-impedance input

Good to know

The DI10A is an active DI, meaning it requires power (battery or phantom) to operate; if phantom power is available, the battery is automatically bypassed to conserve life. The 40 dB pad allows connection of speaker-level signals (up to +20 dBu) from an amplifier output, making it versatile for line-level sources as well. Always engage the ground lift if you encounter hum, but note that it disconnects pin 1 of the XLR, which may affect phantom power in some configurations. The link output is a parallel, unbuffered connection, so it should not be used for long cable runs. The unit comes with a quick start guide and safety sheet; no external power supply is included, but a 9V battery can be installed for standalone use.