Jumbo Sunshade, Ezine - What's the difference between a preamp and an active DI?

Jumbo Sunshade - Ezine

What's the difference between a preamp and an active DI?

        This question usually comes up in reference to Acoustic Guitar equipment 
        because of what players read in manufacturers' sales copy when comparing 
        equipment before a purchase.

        Some things are labeled "preamp", others "DI", and then others 
        "preamp/DI".
Well, an integrated amplifier is any unit that houses 
        both a preamp and a poweramp.  The poweramp deals with 
        current amplification, and the preamp deals with voltage 
        amplification.

        Therefore, an active DI is by definition also a preamp because voltage 
        amplification is occurring.  That any particular active DI design 
        may or may not also feature buffering and/or equalization makes no 
        difference whatsoever; a preamp is a preamp.
Some devices are 
        specifically designed to boost while others are designed to attenuate.
When dealing with music equipment, there are so many more preamps than 
        just those in your mixer - they're everywhere!

        *
        Onboard active electronics (if there is a 9v battery in 
        your acoustic or electric guitar or bass, it is powering a preamp).

        * Guitar/bass amplifier FX Send; POD, V-Amp, GNX, G-System... all 
        pedal FX.

        * Output from a keyboard, sequencer or sound module; sampler or MPC; drum machine; or any other powered electronic device that produces 
        sound.
As with all preamps, some are better (sonically) than others 
        and the same holds true for active DI's/preamps.  With regard to 
        how active DI's are typically used with electric and acoustic guitar; 
        there is a point of diminishing returns.

        Don't assume that a $400  Radial MK3 is going to have your 
        acoustic guitar sounding any better on stage than it would with a 
        $160 LR Baggs Para DI.