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Topic: Instrument Level...Line Level ??? |
Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2002 5:54 pm |
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I have searched here, and a few other places and found some answers. But I am still confused (this is normal!)
What does "instrument level" mean to me as a player and a home recording amateur?
What does "line level" mean to me...
What is the output from a steel guitar, or a 6 string electric guitar or an electric bass?
My Yamaha 2816 digital recorder has 8 inputs. All 8 are balanced inputs. There is one extra input on channel 8 that is a high Z (high impedance) input. One can go directly from an electric bass to the board.
I have a DBX mic preamp that has line input, mic input, instrument input, and balanced output for each channel. I use it only for mics today. Are the other inputs helpful for playing or recording?
I think I understand the mic inputs. No problems here.
Thanks in advance. Hey, I am a MECHANIC, not an electonics guy.
------------------
Fender Stringmaster T-8
Fender Custom D-8
8 string Benoit
Peavey Amps
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Rob Hamilton
From:
Acton, MA, USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2002 6:50 pm
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Ron,
The signal that comes out of an electric guitar or steel guitar is very low level (low voltage) and usually high-impedance. It is not a "balanced" input because it has one signal line and a shielded ground line. The low level signal of a few millivolts is referenced against ground. The level is comparable to that of a dynamic microphone.
A "line-level" signal is much stronger and lower impedance. It is typically around one volt and 600 ohms impedance.
Typically, a preamplifier is used to convert a low level instrument signal to a line-level signal, which is less susceptible to noise and hum. Line level is appropriate for input to mixers, eqs, and power amplifiers.
'Hope this helps.
--Rob Hamilton
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Ron Randall
From:
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Posted 17 Sep 2002 5:34 am
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Rob,
This helps a lot. I can use my rack preamp to bring instrument level inputs up to line level, and then connect to the mixer using a balanced cable.
Now I'll go practice.
Ron |
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