Whirlwind

Whirlwind DIRECTOR Passive Direct Box Instrument DI

4.8 (41 reviews)
4 inch

Convert and Enhance Your Audio SignalThe Whirlwind Director Passive Direct Box is a premium solution for converting unbalanced signals to balanced mic levels. With its robust features and high-quality components, this direct box ensures clear and reliable audio performance. Input/Output: 1/...

$109.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

Convert and Enhance Your Audio Signal

The Whirlwind Director Passive Direct Box is a premium solution for converting unbalanced signals to balanced mic levels. With its robust features and high-quality components, this direct box ensures clear and reliable audio performance.

  • Input/Output: 1/4" parallel wired in/out jacks.
  • Ground Lift: Eliminates hum and buzz.
  • Pad Switch: 30dB pad for line/instrument or speaker level input.
  • High Cut Filter: Eliminates amplifier noise.
  • Transformer: Whirlwind's TRHL-M with mu metal shield.
  • Input Impedance: 20k Ohms.
  • Output Impedance: 150 Ohms.
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB.
  • Level Change: -20dB (pad out), -50dB (pad in).

Specifications

  • Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
  • Item model number: DIRECTOR
  • Color Name: Black

Key Features

1/4 inch parallel wired in/out jacks

Ground lift switch to help eliminate hum and fuzz

30dB pad switch for selecting between line/instrument or speaker levle input signals

Switchable high cut filter to eliminate amplifier noise

Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with metal shield

Specifications

Product Type
Passive Direct Box
Model Name
DIRECTOR Instrument DI
Input/Output Jacks
1/4 inch parallel wired
Noise Reduction
Ground lift switch
Input Attenuation
30dB pad switch
Filter
Switchable high cut filter
Transformer
Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with metal shield

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Equipped with 1/4 inch parallel wired in/out jacks, allowing for flexible signal routing.
  • Features a ground lift switch, effectively helping to eliminate hum and buzz often caused by ground loops.
  • Includes a 30dB pad switch, providing attenuation for selecting between line, instrument, or speaker level input signals.
  • Incorporates a switchable high cut filter, which can help in eliminating unwanted amplifier noise from the signal.
  • Uses Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer with a metal shield, designed for reliable audio signal integrity and noise rejection.

👎 Cons

  • As a passive direct box, it requires a robust input signal and may not provide sufficient gain for low-output instruments.
  • The 1/4 inch parallel wired jacks are standard, but the absence of XLR inputs for direct instrument connection might require adapters for some setups.
  • The 30dB pad is a fixed attenuation, potentially limiting fine-tuning for signals that require more specific level adjustments.
  • The high cut filter is switchable, but does not offer variable frequency control, which could be less flexible than parametric EQ.
  • Relies on a transformer for isolation, and while shielded, it still has inherent limitations of passive components in terms of frequency response compared to active DIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Whirlwind DIRECTOR Passive Direct Box features 1/4 inch parallel wired in/out jacks for versatile signal connection.
It includes a ground lift switch designed to help eliminate hum and fuzz often caused by ground loops, and a switchable high cut filter to reduce amplifier noise.
Yes, it is equipped with a 30dB pad switch, which allows you to select between line, instrument, or speaker level input signals for proper signal attenuation.
The direct box utilizes Whirlwind's TRHL-M transformer, which includes a metal shield for improved signal integrity and noise rejection.
The Whirlwind DIRECTOR is a passive direct box, meaning it does not require external power for operation, relying on the input signal to drive the transformer.