By definition yes it needs.
DI means Direct Input, Direct Input from instrument level to a Microphone input (console microphone input).
So by definition it always needs to drop level to microphone level and also lowering the impedance.
No it doesn't, it will attenuate instrument level to microphone level also
Wrong it's both, level drop and lowering the impedance plus some other things also like balancing the output, having a ground lift, providing isolation
INSTRUMENT LEVEL
- Unbalanced
-Level: on average -20dBV (from 100mV to 1V)
-Impedance: from 50Kohms to 500Kohms
MIC LEVEL
- Balanced
- level: from -60 dBV (0.001 volt) to -40 dBV (0.010 volt)
- impedance: aprox from 50ohms to 1Kohm