The SM Pro Audio DI8E is a 1RU, 8-channel active direct box. Each of the channels is equipped with a 1/4" Line input, a 1/4" Link output (pass-through), a ground lift switch, and a 20 dB pad switch. Eight balanced XLR outputs reside on the rear panel.

The unit does double duty as a line mixer. Volume and pan knobs are provided for each channel and control the signal output to the 1/4" master output and 1/4" headphone output. A rear-panel, 1/4" stereo master Line input is provided for connecting the output of other DI8Es in a daisy-chain configuration.