Contents
Instrument Level Signals: From Instrument to Studio
Introduction
Instrument level signals represent the audio signal strength generated from musical instruments. Generally, these are stronger than microphone levels but reside in a middle-ground between line level and mic level signals. They also have a high-impedance characteristic, meaning they have high output impedance and very low current relative to the output voltage.
Importance of Cable Length
High-impedance signals are highly sensitive to cable length. Typically, a length of 5 to 10 meters is considered the limit; exceeding this may result in signal loss and increased noise. Therefore, it’s advisable to use the shortest cable possible.
TS Connections and Unbalanced Signals
TS (Tip-Sleeve) connections are commonly used to connect instruments to amplifiers or audio interfaces. These connections are unbalanced, transmitting the signal via the Tip and the ground via the Sleeve. Unbalanced connections are more susceptible to signal loss and noise, so caution is advised.
Instrument Variability
Instrument level signals can vary greatly depending on the type of instrument and the style of play. For example, electric guitars generally generate higher level signals, while acoustic guitars may produce relatively lower levels when captured via microphones or pickups.
Post-Processing of Signals
Once generated, instrument level signals are typically fed into devices like audio interfaces, guitar amplifiers, or synthesizers. These devices either convert them to line level or apply necessary audio processing before sending them to mixers or recording equipment.
Summary
Instrument level signals are mid-level audio signals originating from musical instruments, characterized by their high-impedance nature. These signals are sensitive to cable length and connection type, and can vary depending on the instrument and style of play. They are usually post-processed through audio interfaces or amplifiers before being routed to other audio equipment.