Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$220.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$232.00
Amazon
4.5 (43)
$220.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$121.53 New
$52.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$232.00
Gear4Music
£115.00

Average Price: $185

Standard/Professional

$119

$300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

When it comes to balancing durability with pristine sound quality, the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box stands out as a quintessential choice for musicians and audio professionals alike. Renowned for its legendary sound quality, especially on acoustic and bass guitars, the AR133 offers versatility that extends beyond traditional applications. Whether you're integrating it with keyboards, DJ consoles, or amplifier outputs, this DI box excels in converting unbalanced signals to balanced outputs, thanks to its dual input connectors – 1/4" jack sockets and an XLR socket.

The AR133 is designed with practicality in mind. Its arched casing allows for seamless cable management, running cables neatly from end to end. The unit features input attenuation settings of 0, -20, or -40dB, making it adaptable for various input levels, from instrument to amplifier. Additionally, a ground-lift switch provides an easy solution to pesky ground-loop issues.

Built to withstand the rigors of live performance, the AR133's rugged aluminum extrusion case, coupled with robust polyurethane end-cheeks, ensures it can endure the toughest conditions. Its automatic switch between phantom power and an internal 9V battery safeguards against power interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted performance.

Key Features:

  • Enhanced audio path derived from the AR-116 reference standard
  • Dual input connectors: 1/4" jack sockets and XLR socket
  • Input attenuation: 0, -20, -40dB
  • Ground-lift switch for ground-loop issues
  • Powered by phantom power or internal 9V battery
  • Rugged aluminum case with polyurethane end-cheeks for durability

Product specs

Brand BSS
Model AR-133 Active DI Box
Finish Blue
Year 2010s
Categories DI Boxes

FAQs

What type of power does the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box require?

The BSS Audio AR133 can be powered by either +48V phantom power from a mixing console or an internal battery, with automatic switchover to battery if phantom power fails.

Can the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box handle different input levels?

Yes, the AR133 features switchable input attenuation, allowing it to handle guitar-type pickups at 0dB, line level signals at -20dB, and speaker feeds at -40dB.

Is the BSS Audio AR133 suitable for long cable runs?

Yes, the AR133 is designed to drive signals over long cable lengths without loss, making it ideal for live sound and studio applications.

How does the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box handle unbalanced and balanced signals?

The AR133 includes a parallel XLR input, which converts unbalanced outputs to balanced lines, ensuring signal integrity over long distances.

Does the BSS Audio AR133 have a link output for amplifiers?

Yes, the AR133 features a parallel Link Jack output, allowing you to feed amplifiers directly while simultaneously sending the signal to a mixing console.

Thom Wettstein

Thom Wettstein

DI-Box Test - BSS-AR133 - RNDI - REDDI - Tonecraft 363

Video thumbnail for DI-Box Test - BSS-AR133 - RNDI - REDDI - Tonecraft 363 by Thom Wettstein

DI-Box Test - BSS-AR133 - RNDI - REDDI - Tonecraft 363

Thom Wettstein

Thom Wettstein

Video thumbnail for DI Box Of BSS Review In Hindi | DI Box For Guitar | DI Box For Live Sound by Rhythmic Equipment

DI Box Of BSS Review In Hindi | DI Box For Guitar | DI Box For Live Sound

Rhythmic Equipment

Rhythmic Equipment

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box.

Features and functionality

  • The BSS AR133 is praised for its proper galvanic isolation, a rare feature among active DI boxes.

    Source
  • Some users find the power indicator light difficult to see in daylight conditions.

    Source
  • Known for its stereo capabilities, the BSS AR133 is often considered for setups that require stereo input and output options, particularly in live performance settings.

    Source
  • The AR133 is often used without reliance on built-in amp DIs due to its effective ground lift feature, resolving common noise issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report these DI boxes are extremely durable, surviving over a decade of use on the road without issues.

    Source
  • It's noted that the BSS AR133 provides a consistent tone across different venues, especially when amps aren't permitted.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Several users prefer Radial DI boxes over BSS, citing personal preference and reliability.

    Source
  • It's acknowledged alongside Radial, Whirlwind, and Klark Teknik as a reliable choice, but some users mention Radial as having an edge in brand preference.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the BSS AR133 over the built-in DI outputs on amps, citing less noise and better sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The AR133 is recognized for providing an optimal angle for miking guitar amps.

    Source
  • While some users criticize its use in certain PSAV setups, it's noted that this is often due to incorrect application rather than a flaw in the DI itself.

    Source
  • The BSS AR133 is frequently recommended for use with alternative, pop, rock, and indie acts, handling keyboards like Nords and Moogs, as well as acoustic guitars and strings.

    Source
  • The BSS AR133 is favored for live use due to its durability and reliable performance in demanding environments, often not requiring a backup unit.

    Source
  • The AR133 is specifically valued in venues that emphasize low decibels, aligning with trends of minimizing on-stage sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box review on harmanpro.com

harmanpro.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via GITARRE & BASS

For the February 1999 volume of the German music magazine "Gitarre & Bass" (Guitar and Bass), journalist Stephan Neumeier had the chance to analyze Clapton's equipment for the Pilgrim tour. According to Clapton's guitar tech Lee Dickson, Clapton used the Bss Audio Ar 133 Active Di Box for his acoustic guitar during the tour.

See how Paul McCartney uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the BSS Audio AR-133 Active D.I. Box is listed in this blog

See how Kevin Shields uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Kevin Shields

Guitarist, Singer

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via YouTube

In Fender’s YouTube video Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine - Part 1: Obsession | Jazzmaster 60th Anniversary, a BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box can be seen on the mixing desk at 0:07.

See how Calum Hood uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Calum Hood

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram picture, Calum shows that he uses a Bss Audio Ar 133 Active Di Box

See how Autechre uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this image of Autechre

See how Ben Frost uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Ben Frost

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Facebook

You can see two DI boxes in front of the table where Ben is running his signal direct into the house.

See how Peter Honoré uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Peter Honoré

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post captioned "Acoustic board," Peter Honoré is shown using the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box.

See how Plaid uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Plaid

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from June 17, 2019

See how Jeremy Pritchard uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Jeremy Pritchard

Bassist

Everything Everything

...
Verified via Photo

Jeremy has been using a BSS Audio D.I. box as seen on the Instagram picture.

See how Alan Gevaert uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Alan Gevaert

Singer, Bassist

Deus

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of dEUS's rehearsal space, Alan Gevaert's pedalboard is visible, featuring the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box.

See how Toni Torres uses BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres uses the BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box during recordings and performances at HCTSound in Barcelona, as noted by HCTSound.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use BSS Audio AR133 Active DI Box, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Akai MPC 2500
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1
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Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
TC Electronic Shaker Mini Vibrato
1
Red Panda Lab Particle
Red Panda Lab Particle Delay Effects Pedals
1
Ableton Push 2
Ableton Push 2 MIDI Pad Controllers
1

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