A DI unit or DI box is an electronic device that connects a high impedanceline level signal that uses an unbalanced cable with a 1/4" phono plug to a low impedance mic level input that uses a balanced cable and XLR connector. For example, one can connect an electric guitar to a DI box which can then be connected to a mixing console's microphone input. It performs level matching, balancing, and either active buffering or passive impedance bridging to minimise noise, distortion, and ground loops. (DI units do not perform impedance matching.)
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