Music

Top 9 Injection Boxes of 2022

Injection Box – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis

When you want to eliminate those noises and hums that occur when interconnecting different devices with a plug connection, to enjoy a clearer sound, you can use an injection box. A good option to buy is the Img Stage Line DIB-100 box, which can help prevent sound dropouts when connecting basses or guitars. Its design is compact and easy to use. Another alternative is the Donner DI-Box, a compact proposal with parallel output, with which you can effectively control the sound in your presentations.

The 9 Best Injection Boxes – Opinions 2022

We know that there are many injection boxes on the market, but here we present the most outstanding ones and those that can be adapted to different types of projects. We invite you to meet them.

Bass Injection Box

1. Img Stage Line Injection Box

For some players, this model could be the best injection box of the moment, since it solves sound problems efficiently and without taking up much space. Its size is only 13 x 7.4 x 4.5 cm, so you can use the box discreetly in a studio or presentation.

In addition, this bass box could help you achieve a faithful and interference-free sound, to send it to a mixer or amplifier. On the other hand, it has a frequency range of 15 to 30,000 Hz, which can give you great versatility when connecting your instrument to other devices, for various purposes.

Among other technical data, you should know that it includes a triple attenuation switch, to choose between 0, -20 or -40 dB, as well as a ground switch. Also, its metal casing allows you to use the box with confidence for a long time, without worrying about its deterioration.

Before making a purchase decision, take a look at our summary of features.

Pros

Design: It is a very compact passive injection box, but it supports a wide frequency range.

Capacity: It can offer an output impedance of up to 600 Ω, for the purposes that best suit it.

Gain switch: Allows you to play with parameters of 0, -20 and -40 dB, for an even more controlled sound.

Cons

Types of uses: It may not be the best box if you need a device for presentations that require a high volume of amplification.

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Direct injection box

2. Donner DI-Box Passive Direct Injection Box

A product that competes to become the best injection box is the one presented by the Donner brand, since it is a professional-type passive box, which will be useful both for the stage and for recording studios, so which is considered versatile.

On the other hand, this direct injection box is one of the cheapest in the selection, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good sound anywhere.

It should be mentioned that its efficiency is due to its included Donner LAB-S1 transformer, which provides a hum-free sound, and its circuit can convert the unbalanced signal into a low impedance signal, which you can send directly to your amplifier or to any system. of connection. In addition, you can have all this in a small and easy to transport device.

If this product has caught your attention, we invite you to review its pros and cons.

Pros

Resistance: It is a device built with a case resistant to accidental shocks and frequent transportation.

Sound quality: Its LAB-S1 transformer performs the impedance adaptation correctly, balancing the signal for a smooth and pleasant sound.

Ground lift switch: Thanks to this quality, you can obtain professional-type results, free of annoying sounds.

Cons

Non- slip: Although it includes a lower sponge to prevent it from slipping, being small it may wear out in a short time.

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Behringer injection box

3. Behringer Ultra-Di DI100 Active Direct Injection Box

For many musicians, this proposal is one of the best injection boxes of 2022. This is because it can connect with speakers of up to 3000 W, so you can meet the needs of presentations that require high volume and sound control.

Plus, it features switchable input attenuation. Thus, you will be able to have better control, according to your needs, without forgetting to mention that its Behringer OT-1 transformer provides a high-quality response, to eliminate interference.

In other qualities, its ¼ Link connector allows you to send the signal compatible with most mixers on the market. Also, the design of its case, robust and with rubber on each corner, helps to keep the device in good condition and stack it if necessary, without damaging other surfaces.

This active Behringer snare drum can complement your guitar or keyboard for high-end performances. Learn more about her below. 

Pros

Automatic power off: It has an internal battery, which automatically turns off when phantom power is applied.

Capacity: It is compatible with speakers of up to 3,000 W, so you have no limitations in your sound project.

Versatility: It is capable of adapting signals and impedance to connect directly to amplifiers or mixers.

Cons

Size: Compared to other boxes, it can be a bit larger, which could make it difficult to carry discreetly.

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Passive injection box

4. Proel Db1p passive injection box

This is a high-quality passive injection box, ready to be combined with other injection boxes or audio devices. For this reason, it can be a good complement for your studio or for large sound projects, where the priority is to achieve interference-free acoustics.

Among its qualities, it should be noted that it includes a filter button and two additional buttons to control attenuation levels of 20 dB and 40 dB. In fact, by pressing them together, you will be able to get a level of 60 dB. This will allow you to have several settings available, to get the sound you are looking for.

In addition, it includes an RCA input, which makes it even more versatile, so you can connect other media, if necessary. Similarly, it is worth knowing that its MU-Metal transformer allows the use of long cables without generating interference, making it a fairly efficient injection box.

Proel could be the best brand of injection boxes and other sound devices, so you should take this product into account in your comparison. Read more, in the summary below.

Pros

Robustness: It is a box made of very resistant materials, in addition to rubber protection on both sides.

Filter: Thanks to this quality, you will be able to eliminate whistles or buzzes that come from basses and electric guitars.

Control level: You can choose a level of up to 60 dB of attenuation, thanks to its configuration panel.

Cons

Rubber bands: A special key is needed to remove the rubber bands and be able to place the boxes in series, but this complement is not included in the purchase.

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Other products

5.Samson S-max Mda1

We know that it is difficult to determine which is the best injection box. However, if you are looking for a cheap device that can solve the problems of unbalanced connections, you can turn to this active mono injection box, which could be the best option to connect instruments with passive pickups.

Starting with its exterior, it is a robust model, made with a 14-gauge steel cover, to withstand constant transport and frequent connections. In addition, it works with batteries or phantom power, to provide greater practicality, with a very smooth frequency response, which will allow you to use long cables without any inconvenience.

In addition, the box has a 2-position switch, which will allow you to choose between 0 and -15 dB, to give the final sound the nuance you want. On the other hand, you will always know if the box is working or not, thanks to its light indicator, which is right next to the connections.

This box has several attractive qualities and a low cost. Analyze if it is the device you need in our summary of pros and cons.

Pros

Active: Thanks to the fact that it is a box with power, you will be able to obtain a good response in your connections, even when the cables are very long.

Attenuation levels: Allows you to control the signal to adapt it to 0 dB or -15 dB, which offers more options regarding the sound.

Robustness: It is a box made of very resistant materials, for proper use for longer.

 

Cons

Additional connections: Unlike other models, it has fewer levels of attenuation, which could be a disadvantage.

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6. Mackie Di injection box Mdb-1p

Distributing the signal to send to a mixing desk and speaker system will not be a problem with this passive box. This is because it has an input connection, but also a Thru type, so it is versatile.

Also, you should know that it is compatible with high impedance systems, and if you connect it to equipment with a high level of amplification, you will be able to control noise and distortion even more, thanks to its -15 dB switch.

Regarding its design, it is a compact model, 8.64 x 14.73, 3.81 cm, weighing less than 400 grams. Thus, it becomes an injection box that you could carry with you without inconvenience, to always have it at hand. Plus, its rugged casing and side guards keep connections secure, so it stands up to constant use and transportation.

If you want to know more about this model, we invite you to consult our pros and cons section.

Pros

Portability: With a design the size of a common pedal, it is very easy to include it in your guitar or bass connection accessories.

Sound balance: You can connect this injection box to high impedance systems, offering good performance.

Attenuation pad: It has a lever to choose between 0 dB and -15 dB and better control the sound.

Cons

Amplification: If you want to boost the signals of a bass with a passive pickup, it may not be the best device.

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7. Palmer Pan02 Active Injection Box

This might be the best value for money DI box, if you want a good sound balance in high amplification projects, thanks to its button that allows you to reduce the noise by -30 dB.

In addition, it is an active injection box, designed to connect 6.3 mm jacks, so you will not have compatibility problems with connection standards. On the other hand, it offers a high frequency range, which goes from 10 to 20,000 Hz, so you don’t have problems balancing signals and sending them without any type of distortion to your mixing control or amplification systems.

Design-wise, it’s a sturdy case, with a metal casing and an easy-to-stack design. Therefore, you can take it to your presentations without any inconvenience.

Here’s more information on this box, which could be what you need to achieve a sound free of hum and noise.

Pros

Active balance system: Thanks to its active design, you can adapt this box to high amplification projects.

Input attenuation: You can choose up to -30 dB to eliminate noise in your connection.

Power: It can work with phantom power or a 9V battery, for greater practicality.

Cons

Non- slip design: Unlike other boxes, this one does not offer a rubber system that cushions any accidental fall.

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8. Stagg 2 Channel Passive DI Box with Mono/Stereo 

Among the passive devices that we have chosen for our selection, this is one of the cheapest. However, it offers advantages that you should take into account.

Its design includes two channels, each with its corresponding balanced output connection and another Thru type, so you could solve your problem if you need to connect two instruments and balance their signals. Similarly, each of the channels has its ground switch. In addition, it has a mono / stereo switch, which gives greater versatility. Another advantage is its effectiveness in helping to reduce hum in your sound connections.

As for its durability, you will have no problem taking this passive box everywhere, since it is very resistant and adds rubber to its lower section, to provide better adherence to the ground and prevent slipping.

Before making your purchase, you should read the following highlights of the model.

Pros

Two in one: It can be a practical solution if you need to balance the signals of two instruments and you are looking for an attractive cost device.

Durability: The box is made of a metal casing, which gives it resistance to use and accidental knocks.

Compact design: Despite being a dual-channel box, its size of 9 x 13.7 x 5 cm is quite practical and easy to transport.

Cons

Fixing of the transformers: It is possible that the transformers inside need to be reinforced with adhesive, to prevent them from falling out of their place.

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9. Klotz Dx-10 DI Box Passive Injection Box

If you have not yet decided which injection box to buy, we present you the proposal of the Klotz brand, which specializes in high-quality sound projects.

As for its signal balance, you should know that it has a mu-metal passive transformer, which allows you to obtain a clean and clear sound, to transmit it to your mixer without interference. In addition, it offers an adjustable -20 dB attenuation function, so you can better adjust the signal.

Also, it has a Thru-type connection, so you can diversify the signal and make two simultaneous connections, starting from the injection box, which provides greater versatility. Likewise, it offers a ground lift switch, which will help you eliminate hum. On the other hand, it is a compact and robust box, measuring 16 x 10.5 x 7.5 cm. Thanks to this quality, it is discreet and fits in your accessory pocket.

So that you can determine if this is the device you need, we have provided a summary of the most important in this product.

Pros

Transformer: Thanks to its high permeability design, it is a device that can effectively balance signals, to deliver them without interference.

Durability: This box is made with a robust structure, which prevents deterioration and allows you to transport it with confidence.

Adjustable attenuation: Thanks to its -20 dB switch, you can regulate the signal even better, to adapt it to the sound project.

Cons

Not suitable for stacking: As it does not have any type of rubber to help it be fixed, it may slide if it is placed on other sound devices.

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Shopping guide

An injection box aims to eliminate those noises, distortions and hums that occur when we connect a cable with a jack type output to an amplifier or mixer, since the signal from this type of cable is not balanced. In the following lines of our guide to buying the best injection box, we will help you identify the most relevant aspects when selecting a device of this type.

active or passive

Injection boxes can be active. That is, they need to be connected to a power source, through an adapter, or carry batteries inside. Otherwise, if they do not need to be connected or do not require batteries, they are said to be passive.

In general, it is recommended to use an active injection box for instruments such as electric guitars, passive basses, vintage pianos. This is because the signal emitted by such instruments can be weaker and the cabinet can give them more amplification when connected to a mixer or speakers. Also, they tend to provide well-balanced signals suitable for both recording studios and live concerts.

On the other hand, passive cabinets are often a good alternative for instruments like acoustic guitars, electronic drums, and keyboards. They are usually more limited than the active ones, since they do not amplify the signals, they only adapt the impedances to achieve a cleaner sound signal.

If it is observed from the point of view of the sound project, we could say that in a live presentation, where you work on a stage, it could be more advisable to use passive boxes, since you will not have problems to be able to provide energy to all of them, or have all the batteries that will be needed ready for them to fulfill their function. However, everything will depend on the level of sound you want to project.

If you’re wondering how much an active box costs, compared to a passive one, you should know that it’s not necessarily a trait that defines its price; you will be able to find a good and cheap box of either type.

Design and type of use

Since we have talked about the two main types into which the injection boxes are divided, we are going to deal with their physical characteristics. This is because one of the first questions you should ask yourself when making your comparison of injection boxes is what type of project do I need it for? For example, if you want to clean up the sound of your electric guitar when you plug it into an amp, but also take it with you to all your gigs, then you need a cabinet that is compact.

On the other hand, we cannot ignore the fact that these types of devices are usually at ground level, for this reason, they could be accidentally hit and it is necessary that they are made of resistant materials. In this sense, make sure that the injection box has a robust casing and some rubber system that allows it to be better fixed to the ground.

In addition, it is common to use several injection boxes in projects with many instruments, so a convenient feature is that they can be stacked, so that they take up less space and, in this way, help to have a well-organized stage that will be used. during a presentation. To facilitate this, some boxes have designs that can be docked, but also interconnected with each other, if necessary. Such features offer an added convenience that some musicians greatly appreciate.

connectivity

In instrument hookup projects you will likely need the signal from the cabinet to go to both the mixer and an amplifier at the same time. For these cases, you will need it to have two outputs, one parallel or “Thru” and another type XLR.

Also, depending on your problem, you may need to connect a computer or small device to a mixer or amplifier. In these cases, it may be convenient for the box not only to have a plug-type input, but also one that is RCA-type. In this way, you will have more options to use your box.

Dimming levels

There are some instruments that overdrive the audio channel by being loud, so it might be useful to tone it down a bit before it hits the mixer. In these cases, it is very useful to connect the instrument to an injection box that contains one or more attenuation buttons.

The reverse case can also occur. If the instrument sounds too low, its volume can be increased a little from the injection box, which helps to play with more possibilities at the time of a presentation, granting greater versatility.

Frequently asked questions

 

Q1: Which is better, active or passive injection box?

This will depend on the type of project the injection box is being used for. If it is used, for example, with an instrument that has a passive pickup, then it will be better to combine it with an active body. Also, it may be a good idea to resort to a box of this type if you want to further enhance the sound of the instrument. Similarly, the fact of having a power supply allows an active injection box to have more functions available, in addition to adapting the impedances. 

However, a passive box also has its advantages, as it allows you to use the device without relying on a forced connection. Thus, depending on the model, it could even be a small and portable device that you carry in your guitar or bass case, to always have it at hand. Also, it could be the best choice when you want to make live presentations, where practicality is preferred.

On the other hand, you have to take into account the necessary connections to have enough active boxes, when you want to connect many instruments, which can be a problem. In these cases, it might be more convenient to use passive boxes.

Q2: How to use an injection box?

The way to use an injection box is very simple. It will suffice to connect the plug type cable that comes from the instrument to the box, verifying that it is in the connection that, generally, is marked with a message such as “input”. If it’s an active box, then you’ll need to check that it has batteries or that phantom power is present.

Next, connect the balanced cable, which will go to the mixer, and finally check if the fade level setting is what you expect. If not, you can press the buttons or activate the corresponding switches. This way, you should get a cleaner sound from your amps, without hearing the annoying hum and buzz.

 

Q3: How does an injection box work?

Often the devices that are connected to a mixer can have different impedances. This causes the sound channels to become saturated, causing undesirable buzzing and noise to be heard, derived from the electrical signals that travel through the cables. These hums can be really annoying if the amplifiers used are of high capacity.

The injection box, then, has the purpose of adapting the audio output impedances of some instruments, which are unbalanced and usually high, to regulate them and make them more compatible with the mixer, which is low impedance and balanced. Similarly, it is considered that the injection boxes act as an insulator for the line to be connected.

Broadly speaking, this is how they work. However, they could have many more uses, depending on how complete they are. Some can add filters, give a vintage or more colorful tint to the sound, or re-amp. Everything will depend on the model and functions available in it.

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