


You will also require a preamp to be raise the level to Line Level. Instrument Level is the most variable level signal which will travel through a TS connection.

Check the manual of your gear to be sure. Note that a lot of consumer audio equipment and semi-pro keyboards etc may have unbalanced line outputs so you will use a TS cable instead. an outboard preamp or processor) or instruments that output a balanced line level (synths, keyboards, drum machines etc). This is the standard type of signal and you should use TRS when connecting any non-instrument pieces of hardware to your interface (i.e. Line Level is the highest signal level which travels through a TRS connection. Interfaces and mixers with built-in mic inputs usually have a built-in mic preamp too, so you shouldn’t need additional kit other than the cable. You use an XLR cable whenever you connect a microphone to your audio interface or mixer. The mic level signal requires a preamp to raise the mic level up to line level. Mic Level is the lowest signal level which travels through an XLR connection. You can refer to our post on digital audio to discover more about digital audio recording.Īudio Signals Explained – Line, Mic and Instrument In a home recording studio situation, you are mostly concerned with how to transmit the analog sound from your mics and instruments so that you can eventually capture the sound in your DAW or other recording app or software. What’s the difference between analog and digital audio cables? Analog cables work by transmitting information through a stream of electricity, and digital cables work by transmitting information through a long string of 1’s and 0’s (aka binary code). Best Selling Stage and Studio Audio Cables.The Inputs of a Typical Home Recording Studio Powered Monitor.The Inputs and Outputs of a Typical Audio Interface.TRRS (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve) 3.5mm (1/8″) Headphone and Mic Plug.Stereo/TRS Cable (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) 3.5mm (1/8″).The 1/8-inch (3.5mm) Analog Plug Connector.Stereo/TRS Cable (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) 6.35mm (1/4″).The 1/4-inch (6.35mm) Analog Plug Connector.

What Happens If You Send a Line Level Signal to a Mic Input?.What is the difference between Mic, Line, and Instrument level?.Video Tutorial: Audio Cables & Connectors Explained.
