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Before 2013, I had minimal touring experience and zero idea on keyboard amps VS PA’s. I quickly realized that once you hit a certain level, you will pretty much exclusively be using a D.I. box and running your keyboards through the PA.
While amps can still be used in certain situations such a pop-up shows or coffee house gigs for acoustic events, you will come to love the power of the PA.
One of the nice advantages to not using a keyboard amp is the fact that you don’t have to set it up night after night and find additional power for it.
Playing live gigs is all about coming up with a quick and effective set up that can be replicated each night. What this does is shows the other bands you’re playing with that you’re prepared.
It is my opinion that yes, you should definitely use a D.I. box for your keyboards when playing shows. Even if you don’t have your own sound engineer, venues will provide you with someone to help you get set up and dialed in.
This will allow for someone to dial your keyboards in during the set, rather than you trying to guess and control your own volume from your amp.
*If you’re looking to run your keyboards in stereo, you will need a 2-channel D.I. box.
Passive VS Active
Now that you know you need to use a D.I. box, you will likely see passive VS active. The easiest way this was ever explained to me from sound engineers was that “if your source requires power, such as a keyboard, then you use passive.”
If you’re using an old school instrument such as a Fender Rhodes, then you could use an active box. The purpose is to reduce the gain stages in the signal path, which will ultimately reduce noise.
Best D.I. Box For Keyboards
Below are my top picks in 2025 for your keyboard setup.
Radial ProD2 2-Channel Passive Instrument Direct Box
The Radial ProD2 is a versatile 2-channel passive direct box designed for keyboardists, multi-instrumentalists, and audio engineers who need clean, isolated signals for live and studio applications. With dual inputs and outputs, it can accommodate two mono keyboards simultaneously or a single stereo keyboard, making it an excellent solution for complex setups. Built with custom-wound transformers, it ensures superior signal isolation, reducing noise and preventing ground loops. The ¼” thru-puts allow for direct connection to amplifiers while sending a clean, balanced signal to a mixing console or interface. Since it’s a passive DI box, it requires no external power, making it reliable and hassle-free. Its rugged steel construction ensures durability for professional touring and studio use, delivering consistent, high-quality performance every time. I have personally used the ProD2 on tour for the last 10 years, and it has never let me down.
Radial ProDI 1-Channel Passive Instrument Direct Box
The Radial ProDI is a single-channel passive direct box ideal for guitars, basses, and mono keyboards. It features a high-performance transformer that eliminates unwanted noise and distortion while preserving the instrument’s natural tone. The ¼” input and thru-put connections allow for easy signal splitting, sending one output to an amplifier and another to a mixer or interface. With exceptional signal isolation and dynamic range, the ProDI is a go-to DI box for professional musicians and audio engineers. Its road-ready steel housing provides exceptional durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of live performance and studio use while maintaining pristine audio quality. Like the ProD2, I have relied on the ProDI on tour for the last decade, and it continues to perform flawlessly night after night.