Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $235
Standard/Professional
$119
$300+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I.". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI, a versatile powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance for acoustic amplification both on stage and in the studio. This robust piece of gear is not just a direct box; it's also a preamp and equalizer, designed to elevate your acoustic guitar's tone with powerful EQ shaping and a transparent signal path.
The Para DI's 5-band EQ offers unsurpassed control over your sound, letting you dial in the perfect tone with +/-12dB of adjustment, sweepable mids, and a notch filter. From boosting the mids to rolling off the highs or cutting resonant frequencies, the tonal possibilities are as endless as your creativity.
Designed for maximum versatility, the Para DI can run on either a standard 9V battery for over 200 hours or 48V phantom power, making it an ideal companion whether you're gigging at a venue or busking on the street.
But the features don't stop there. The Para DI's discrete, Class A FET input provides a crystal-clear signal path that captures every nuance of your acoustic pickup's tone. Its adjustable gain control allows you to match levels for any pickup, active or passive, and achieve up to +24dB of gain.
Key Features:
- 5-band EQ with sweepable midrange and notch filter
- Runs on either a 9V battery or 48V phantom power
- Discrete, Class A FET input for an ultra-transparent signal path
- Adjustable gain control for active and passive pickups
- Balanced XLR and 1/4" outputs
- Phase inversion switch for eliminating feedback
- Built-in effects loop
- Low cut filter for removing excess bass
- Robust, roadworthy design
- Maximum gain of up to +24dB
Product specs
| Available since | August 2004 |
| Modelling | No |
| Incl. Tuner | No |
| Expression Pedal | No |
| Headphone Output | No |
| USB Connection | No |
| MIDI Interface | No |
| Battery Operation | Yes |
| PSU included | No |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I.?
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The L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. is designed to enhance the sound of acoustic instruments when amplified, providing a high-quality preamp with EQ and feedback control features.
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Does the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. require a power supply?
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Yes, the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. can operate on battery power, but it does not include a power supply. Users may opt to use a 9V battery for convenience.
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How does the EQ on the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. improve sound quality?
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The L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. features a 5-band EQ, allowing precise tonal adjustments to enhance the natural sound of your acoustic instrument and reduce unwanted frequencies.
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Is the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. is ideal for live performances, offering reliable feedback control and sound shaping capabilities to ensure clear, balanced sound on stage.
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Can the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. be used with any acoustic instrument?
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The L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. is versatile and compatible with most acoustic instruments equipped with pickups, making it a great choice for guitarists, violinists, and more.
Videos
LeFevers Audio
Acoustic Preamp Shootout
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for boosting passive signals, especially on double bass
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Makes acoustic guitars sound rich and full in live settings
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Versatile EQ settings with sweep on two bands
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Utilizes phantom power or 9V batteries
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Great for eliminating feedback in loud venues
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Compact and sturdy design
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Provides transparent sound without coloring the tone
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Effective polarity reverse button for eliminating buzz
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Long battery life with low power consumption
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Built-in effects loop and dual XLR/quarter-inch output
CONS
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Bass control can be unresponsive and "boomy"
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Mid-range EQ not effective across all frequencies
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Presence control boosts unwanted piezo quack and high-frequency distortion
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Treble boost can sound scratchy and hissy
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Small gain knob difficult to adjust precisely
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Adds noticeable noise at higher volume settings
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XLR plug position can cause stress on the cable and risk tripping
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Limited improvement for piezo pickups that already have an undesirable sound
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High price point may not match perceived value
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No external power input, only battery or phantom power options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I..
Mods and upgrades
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K&K Pure Mini pickups are often paired with the LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI for a good tone without a preamp.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Para Acoustic DI has two volume controls: a main gain on the front and a master gain on the back for better signal management.
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The DI's volume control can be adjusted to prevent hot signals, even if running through two preamps.
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The LR Baggs Para DI includes an FX loop, allowing users to insert their pedalboard chain while maintaining a clean signal path directly to the PA.
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Users appreciate the high input impedance of active DI boxes like the Para DI, which is crucial for properly loading piezo pickups without built-in preamps.
Source
User experience
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Switching to a pickup like the Anthem can eliminate the need for the DI while maintaining excellent sound quality.
Source
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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The Para DI is considered a good investment by users, as it holds its value well for resale due to its popularity and demand among musicians.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 20 Ratings
111
Best bang for the acoustic DI buck!
This is a great piece, providing adequate eq and notch feedback control in a compact box. Only drawbacks are the tiny knobs and no input for external power. I have put larger set-screw knobs directly over the stock knobs and they work OK and I may see if I can hook a 9volt adapter from my pedal driver so I can avoid batteries entirely.
164
Great unit, Big footprint
This is probably all I need for my acoustic sets; it gives me options and makes both my guitars (Martin LM-1 and Guild D-50SB) sound that much sweeter through the usual dry house sound. I bought mine used for a killer price and I'm glad I have it.
Rolls Royce of acoustic direct box.
I use this incredible box for my piezo, makes the sound very powerful, also can equalize cause it has great mid range, it's very important tool in my live set.
169
Great D.I
This is the industry standard for a great acoustic guitar D.I. It even makes a really good active pickup sound better.
560
One thing well.
I've been using this box for acoustic guitar for probably 15 years. It does what it does very well indeed. My favourite feature is the 48v phantom power. Wish my Venue DI had that!
swiss army knife for live and recording
very well built, class a preamp with 10 Mohm impedance imput
Artist usage
Add artist
In this picture from this post http://www.voodoolab.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=4577 made by Nice Rack Canada who bild this pedalboard, we can spot a L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI.
Jesse Lacey's L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI is visible at 10:40 in this rig rundown video.
"After 15 years of using exactly the same pedal board, I am finally ripping it up and starting again. Same idea, but using the @roland_us RC30 looper plus some of their great #fx pedals with beautiful big fat pads that I can trigger without even looking down! It's just the beginning, but exciting (and scary!!) to learn new gear."
Seen here on Sharon's pedalboard for her live acoustic set up along with a Boss tuner.
In the attached YouTube video, Tyler Childers and his band are doing a rig rundown. At 41:45, you can see Tyler's pedalboard, which includes the L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI.
From the Guitar.Com interview - https://guitar.com/features/interview-billy-bragg-the-bard-of-barking/ The DI is not discussed but it is listed at the end of the article and appears in this interview picture - https://guitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/L1740134.jpg
At 6:47, you can see this on Shim's acoustic board, along with a Boss TU-3 tuner.
According to L. R. Baggs' artists section June uses this pre amp. About she said: "Playing acoustic instruments can be challenging in live settings because of feedback issues and the desire to have the warmth of the instrument translate through various PA systems. I love my L.R. Baggs DI's because they help me to keep the rich, warm sound of my instruments and eliminate the feedback issues."
Album Usage
The L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. has been featured on the following albums:
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 L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I., it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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