How To Connect DI Box Directly To Powered Speaker

This video explains how you can connect a DI Box directly to a speaker without using an audio mixer. We also quickly review balanced vs unbalanced cables and line-level vs mic-level signals.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - Price & Specs
0:37 - Why Use A DI Box
1:27 - How A DI Box Works
2:20 - Radial DI Boxes
2:50 - How To Connect DI Box To Speaker
3:45 - Line Level vs Mic Level
4:42 - Final Thoughts
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[@jorgealbertoam]

Hi Jordan, I'm an amateur DJ and I've been looking for a video like this, thanks for the time in explaining it. One quick doubt, I've got:
- A DJ Console/Mixer (Stanton RM-80) with both RCA & XLR (Line) outputs.
- Two powered speakers (Aiwa AW915 PRO) with inputs both RCA (Line) & XLR (Mic).
Since the later one is Mic level only, which is the best way to go for long cable runs?
A) From the Mixer to the speakers with XLR-XLR cable and use a mic attenuator or PAD at the speaker input?
or
B) RCA or XLR to 1/4" plugs into a DI-BOX and then run the XLR-XLR cable to the speakers?
Wonder what would be your recommendation, thanks in advance!

[@benjaminjacksoncevasco8286]

Hey fellas! I want to transform the unbalanced stereo signal audio coming out of the RCA master output on my pioneer ddj 400 controller to a balanced mono signal that I can use as input to my focusrite scarlett 2i2 TRS/XLR input ports. How could I do so? What piece of hardware would you recommend and how’s the connection diagram?

[@robertlarkin9488]

Thank you! I can now do a gig without feedback issues.

[@hassannassereddine6021]

Thank you for the videos you are making they are so helpful. I have a question please if I want to take out from speaker A to speaker B should I flip the mic switch on speaker B as well ?

[@rardy713]

Can you connect a instrument cable to thru and Insert it as a input on a mixer?

[@jonnicklison449]

Hi good info
But will a D I box improve the quality even with a short cable 👍🏼

[@jccivil5360]

Could I connect 12inch electrovoice active speaker with 8inch osl oliver powered speaker....

[@carlosnolasco2087]

Is necessary Use a Direct Box for Unpowered Speakers? If yes , Box is the correct Active Box or Pasive Box ?

[@splootyvision]

Hi there I’m running an MODX8+ synth to the powered mixer on a Yamaha stagepas400bt, which then feeds 2 passive speakers. Question is, if I plug the l+r keyboard outputs to a di box like shown, should I then run two XLR outputs to 2 of the XLR inputs on the Stagepas mixer, or just to one xlr input ? Thanks. (PS the Stagepas does have 1/4 inch line inputs but tend to find get a lot of noise at higher volumes, hence thinking a di box running into the balanced xlrs on the stagepas might be bettter ?

[@sonicosonicollc271]

Hi! And what if my speakers doesn’t come with the microphone button? I own Alto Professional TS310 & TS315. Thanks.

[@robertlarkin9488]

??? Following for answer

[@adamsturdevant6121]

I don't have a switch on my Powered Speaker to select Mic Level what do I do?

[@buxxxa1]

Thank you 1

[@sankarn.s5645]

is the line level output of laptop +4 dBu or -10dBV??

[@kettnercreative]

It's not standardized and can vary widely between manufacturers/models.

[@DJBRAIT_]

what if the speaker don`t have mic/line button

[@kettnercreative]

I don't know if I've seen a powered speaker in the last 10 years that doesn't? Yamaha, JBL, QSC, EV, Mackie all have it. What speaker are you using?

[@jonnicklison449]

Behringer112mp3 I also don’t have a line to mix switch ! Do I still need a DI box ?

[@stelianolteanu664]

How about the fact that DI Boxes are pasive or active ?

[@kettnercreative]

Good point, I missed talking about that. Generally this will work best with passive di boxes since active DI boxes will need phantom power (typically).
If you do manage to power an active DI box, you can keep your speaker on line-level since the input higher on those devices.