WOW ... substantive is an understatement ... I could have used this video 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!! ... Scott you have an incredible RUclips Channel ... can't tell you how much I continue to learn ... and it is all so practical .... THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
As a sound tech guy I find ths explanation to be really great and simple. It's how I'd explain it in the most basic way possible. And a tip: Never use those XLR to 1/4 jack cables for an instrument. Instruments must always use D.I. Even when going to an audio interface, it will solve most problems as shown on this video.
Thank you! Glad to hear that as I was going for “as basic as possible.” And I agree for sure. Those xlr to 1/4” jacks have a use but DI are usually better
You should be called Simply Scott. You are so simple I feel like I could pass every basic test. Sure there are depths to audio engineering, but the basics are always explain in algebraic expressions ha! Thanks man! 😊
Im sure you get this a lot but im serious your RUclips channel is an absolute gold mine of knowledge. With nothing but your channel I bought a $2300 in ear system for 6 people and set up their mixes and they all think im a genius and sound guys have been way nicer to me because I have made my set ups super simple for them also. Thank you!
Although I have a small question now, for my Indian lute - the Sitar, which is an acoustic instrument. What if I use something like Neumann TLM103 to record or do live sessions, how should the whole thing fit in?
I wish this video available years ago.. I once try to send a line level signal to my smartphone mic input, to record a live show to my phone. Well, it is NOT GOOD lol. Sound so bad I think I break the phone. Didn't know that you need an attenuator so the phone mic can accept the hot line level. Thankfully now you can find line to mic attenuators pretty easily. I always use them to send audio from mixer output to my phone...
Well explained! After hours of searching explanations of DI, inputs, mixer, etc, I finally find your channel. Congrats for this series of videos, lov it
Love your simple explanations. They often help me remember why I do things, when I've long forgotten the fundamentals and come up with a much to complex explanation. Thanks again!
I have explained... half of this 😀 to a half-dozen people this year. This video got you a Subscriber, and a save on my list to share with others later. Fan-tastic.
probably the sauciest info vid i've seen in a long while!!! Holy shit thank you so much Scott! I did have some questions about DI Boxes. I'm guessing the next video will cover it.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful! If you have specific questions, let me know. Most people just ask “do I need a DI box,” so if you have specific ones, let me know since I’m working on it now
@@ScottUhlMusic So I'm planning to set up a band mix with a compact mixer like MR18 or XAir18. My plan is to mix everything in that mixer (since I'm using an eDrums) and send a stereo out to the Stage Box. If I'm using up both the hiZ inputs for a guitar (for stereo fx), Do I need to use a Di Box for the bass or the other guitars? My edrum also has ts outputs. Should thay also go through DI Boxes or are they mostly line/instrument level?
Ok sweet! The short answer is DI boxes are best for unbalanced signals doing a long cable run or hi z devices like guitar or bass going into a mixer/interface that doesn’t have a Hi Z input 👍
I have a Bachelors Degree in Recording Arts and a Masters in Entertainment Business….. Where were u when I was learning this? 😂 Man u coulda made my whole college journey so much easier if I had u as my professor or even with these videos had I found em earlier 🤣 great way of always simplifying these tech stuff, the jargon can always get confusing 💀 keep the vids coming man I think u doing a helluva job 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Thank you for the tangent on gain vs volume I legit have never understood it but I knew gain added distortion and volume didnt so I adjusted them that way. Thank you!
Brilliant Video. I remember when I setup my first mini 6 channel studio into a Mac. I would use Garage Band to look at each input signal. Then turn them all on together after. The LED VU meter would not show proper levels. Lets not talk about figuring why my AE guitar never sounded the same live vs recorded. A torpedo mic at the box fixed that.
Replay!!!! Great video and reminders and made these three audio forms very easy to understand and follow. In audio engineering courses, it was too complex and hard to follow so your way of presenting was easier to breakdown trying to explain each of these!
Great video! Mic and Line levels I knew and understood before, but I never really knew where Instrument level fit into it (outside of amp FX loops anyway). Very informative video!
Really good stuff man, thanks I don’t suppose you also understand ac/dc, amps, volts, power supplies etc.. Probably like man of the people watching your channel, I have a drawer of unmatched adapters, and can never figure out what effects and pedals they need to go to. It seems like none of the numbers regarding the electronics ever jive with whatever the effect is. Just in case you’re looking for video ideas that one would be awesome!!
My first time watching your channel and I'm compelled to ask... Are you a giant Porcupine Tree fan, or am I overthinking the clues? Either way, it was great video and very clearly explained. Got my sub. 🤘
Thanks man! Fantastic job explaining. But why would anyone want an unbalanced connection if it will result to noisy output? I mean, why would I choose unbalanced connection if it's clearly inferior to balanced?
As always, excellent explanation. Thanks By the way, in a closely related matter, have you seen John Cordy's video from a couple weeks ago called "We've all been using Plugins wrong"? It's about setting an Audio Interface so it doesn't overload the Input of a software Plugin.
I appreciate your time in creating this. What happens if you use a DI Box to a Line? Would you replace it with a pre-amp if going to Line using guitar/bass?
Most DI boxes have a line thru port that can be used to send something out line level. But if you are sending something mic level into something expecting line level, you’ll need some sort of pre amp
Looking forward to your video on balanced inputs. as a keyboard player, many of the instruments I have are balanced line level outputs. Sometimes I have a hard time making front of house understand that I don't need direct boxes. So I would like some clarification. By the way, you called the one cable a "tip ring" cable when it was technically a "tip sleeve" cable. You even had it labeled that way in the video. That might have confused some people.
Thanks! And yes, I know that’s why I put the Red text with the * next to it saying “Sleeve” to correct my mistake. I didn’t notice that until I was editing it. Thanks for watching!
great video mate. perfect explanations. question. Could you possibly do a video on Volume settings for Modellers (hx stomp). Where you put the master volume when making presets etc. Lots of conflicting information about how it should be set and people saying well you have to adjust all your presets depending on the venue or you might need to boost or decrease the output level. Some real world experience would be great.
Thanks! And The master volume on my stomp I always have at noon. Never had a problem with it. So I’m curious what issues other people are running into with that. So that I’m not sure
Wow. Thanks so much for this video. Let’s say you’re going to play acoustic guitar (with its own pickup) at an open mic and you have no idea what their mixer is like, what input channels are on their mixer, or the skill level of the person controlling the mixer. What is the safest thing to do then? Is it to use a DI box that inputs to microphone level?
a little late, but my helix floor has line or instrument level option on the fx loop, the tonex pedal is supposed to be line level, but setting to instrument on the helix is the loudest setting and not clipping. either people are wrong and it isn't a line level device or i should be doing what i've read other people do and use the send of a loop as instrument and the return of another as line level. haven't tried it yet.
Good video! I learned all this the hard way when I had to start running sound. I'm definitely interested in your perspective on DI boxes related the the big price difference. Passive ones range from $20 to $150. I was told my Pyle was junk, but it works!
I have seen so many videos! I am a subscriber, I like your videos. I have. Bose tone match ts4 for Karaoke. I don’t see any videos regarding that? Could you please make any video like that? Thanks.
Headphone outputs further confuse the issue. Too many recent products now cut costs by only providing headphone outputs as the sole way of outputting analog audio.
@@ScottUhlMusic I agree with the comment and would appreciate some guidance. We're seeing practice amps equipped with only a headphone output (e.g., Spark 40). Hooking to an external speaker is tricky. The cabinet is expecting line level, and you're sending a lightly-amplified headphone signal. Apparently, mismatching these two can lead to equipment damage. This is also an issue when running external speakers from an iMac, which only has a headphone out, not a line out.
@@ScottUhlMusic That'd be useful thanks... and to complete your goal of demystifying inputs and outputs - maybe a simple terms clarification of the practical differences between Pro and Consumer Line levels might help music folks avoid mistakes.. Cheers.
Thanks for this video the explanation is clear. At one point you talk about the xr18 I have an xr16 which is just the range below. I connect a DJ controller in RCA to XLR Is this the right method or should I change to a 6.35mm jack ? And should I plug it into the first 8 ports (XLR/jack "combo") or into the 8 6.35mm jack ports?
I have a Tascam DP-24 multitrack recorder. The trim knobs for the inputs are labeled line when fully counter clockwise and mic at fully clockwise. So if I have my MPC connected to the inputs in order to record it into the Tascam should I leave the trim knob fully counter clockwise in the line position? And if it’s not as loud as I want I guess I should just bring the volume up on the MPC itself?
Alguien sabe como hacer una entrada line es que mi bocina solo tiene entrada mic y no tiene entrada line y cua do le pongo la consola todo sale distorcionado auxilio
I've just discovered this channel and I'm learning faster than ever. Great job! Just one question, I was considering to buy the Behringer XR12 to play in small venues with my band, we have two electric guitars and a bass but the mixer only has two Hi-Z inputs. Is it better to buy a DI box and plug an instrument to a Mic input or to use a line input? Hope this is not a stupid question but I'm a newbie and I'm moving my first steps in this world. Thank you!
Thanks for following the channel! I do have the direct box video here: Do You NEED A DIRECT BOX? Simply Explained w/ Audio Examples ruclips.net/video/9aS976GdBMI/видео.html And usually it’s best to go into a direct box, but always just trust your ears on what sounds best. I’ve gone direct into the behringer before and it’s been fine
I have a Roland drum pad running into a small Alto Busker speaker without a mixer. Trying to travel light without a mixer/another piece of gear. Switching to mic level gives me the gain/volume I need. I hear no distortion like your video mentioned. I was told that can damage the speaker, is that true? I tried using a DI box and that lessened the gain even more! Running left out mono from drum pad using a single TS cable. Is this the best cable to use?
Great video (as always!) But it brought up a question - currently our bass players sound comes out of a multi FX (which is line level if i understood right) going into a D.I (to get a balanced signal) and from there directly into a normal XR18 input. Would it be the better choice if i chose the LINE input? Thanks Scott!
Nice, very informative, thank you. Can you help me with this one: I want to buy an interface (Arturia Minifuse 4) that (except 2 combo inputs) has two 1/4" TRS balanced line inputs on the back and I wonder if I can connect my passive guitar or bass to it and have a decent input signal. Will Di-Box help here? This is scenario when I will use two front inputs for XLR mics and want to record also bass/guitar at the same time and I will have only two line level inputs left to use
@@ScottUhlMusic What I mean is: I want to record 3 sources 2 micks that will go into XLR combo inputs and one guitar that will have to go into TRS 1/4 line input. What do I need to have decent and usable signal of my guitar from that line input? An active Di Box? Preamp? Will my amp guitar or ZOOM multiefect pedal do the job as preamp? Thanks in advance
Scott I think I just had an ahhHa moment. I have a Yamaha MG06X 4-channel mixer and the Phenyx Pro PDP-2 (because of your review). I plug the mic receiver into the 1/4 inch XLR combo input and it clips really easy. Now I think I know why. Can you recommend an adapter that I need to make this to where it doesn’t clip? I am assuming I need to go from 1/4 to XLR to make it mic level instead of line level.
Great video as always! Quick question: with the HX Stomp direct to the mix bits trs to XLR, would you set line or inst output level on the pedal? I go inst to go both to a mixer or to my Headrush frfr, I remember that line level was really too loud, but maybe I'm missing something...
Thank you Scott. Great informative video as always. Question: If guitar level sits between Mic and Line level then why when you connected it to the Mic level (@ 9m31s) it hisses and you said you had to crank up the gain to hear it. If guitar is hotter than mic then when connected to mic level input shouldn't you need to lower the gain level instead of cranking it? Thanks!
The University of Uhl. "Yeah, I went to UHL. Learned more widely applicable information (not data) in 12 mins than I'd done in months." Thanks Prof
Haha nice! I love that! Thanks for the comment 😊
Agreed. An Invaluable resource 👍 (Achy Breaky Heart that I saw on his playlist, notwithstanding 🤣😂)
😂😂😂😂
So true!
WOW ... substantive is an understatement ... I could have used this video 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!! ... Scott you have an incredible RUclips Channel ... can't tell you how much I continue to learn ... and it is all so practical .... THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Thank you! I really appreciate that!
What a great video for someone like myself messing w the mixer and not knowing what I’m doing
Haha nice! Glad to help!
Oh.... my..... God........ for years , I’ve been trying to grasp what you just explained perfectly in a few minutes.... I am eternally grateful...
Glad it helped! 😊
This channel is underrated, so much knowledge is distributed. 🙌
I appreciate that!
Technical information explained very simply without losing the technical jargon, truly brilliant! Thanks, mate! 😎
Thank you 🙏
Awesome! Thank You Sir! For clearing up all of the confusion in my Audio inputs!!! ❤👍👍👍
Scott, once again your video has helped me tremendously. Thank you brother.
As a sound tech guy I find ths explanation to be really great and simple. It's how I'd explain it in the most basic way possible. And a tip: Never use those XLR to 1/4 jack cables for an instrument. Instruments must always use D.I. Even when going to an audio interface, it will solve most problems as shown on this video.
Thank you! Glad to hear that as I was going for “as basic as possible.” And I agree for sure. Those xlr to 1/4” jacks have a use but DI are usually better
You should be called Simply Scott. You are so simple I feel like I could pass every basic test. Sure there are depths to audio engineering, but the basics are always explain in algebraic expressions ha! Thanks man! 😊
Im sure you get this a lot but im serious your RUclips channel is an absolute gold mine of knowledge. With nothing but your channel I bought a $2300 in ear system for 6 people and set up their mixes and they all think im a genius and sound guys have been way nicer to me because I have made my set ups super simple for them also. Thank you!
Awesome! I’m glad to hear that. I feels great to read comments like this about how much the channel has helped their setup 🤘🤘
Brilliant video, resolved 99% of my questions. Thank you so very much mate. Cheers.
Nice! 🤘🤘
Although I have a small question now, for my Indian lute - the Sitar, which is an acoustic instrument. What if I use something like Neumann TLM103 to record or do live sessions, how should the whole thing fit in?
Thank you! This is such a simple and easy to understand video. Thank you for simplifying and clarifying something I have never fully understood
I wish this video available years ago.. I once try to send a line level signal to my smartphone mic input, to record a live show to my phone. Well, it is NOT GOOD lol. Sound so bad I think I break the phone.
Didn't know that you need an attenuator so the phone mic can accept the hot line level.
Thankfully now you can find line to mic attenuators pretty easily. I always use them to send audio from mixer output to my phone...
Yeah definitely be careful! And always check with low levels so you don’t damage stuff
Thanks alot, some people may thing this is simple to understand but is not. You make it simple and easy to learn. 🔥🔥🔥 keep with this videos
Thank you! 🙏
these are the best video's. It's the little things that you overlook that end up causing so much grief when trying to get things set up.
Agreed! It can definitely cause headache
Speechless... This is Audio Engineering in minutes! Thank you Scott
Thank you 🙏
Thanks! Cleared up a lot.
Well explained! After hours of searching explanations of DI, inputs, mixer, etc, I finally find your channel. Congrats for this series of videos, lov it
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🤘
Superb thanks 🙏
Love your simple explanations. They often help me remember why I do things, when I've long forgotten the fundamentals and come up with a much to complex explanation. Thanks again!
Thanks! I appreciate that 🤘
I have explained... half of this 😀 to a half-dozen people this year. This video got you a Subscriber, and a save on my list to share with others later. Fan-tastic.
Thanks man!
My man! Very informative 🤘🏾
Glad it was helpful!
The clearest and most helpful video on this (or much of any recording help) I have found. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
probably the sauciest info vid i've seen in a long while!!! Holy shit thank you so much Scott! I did have some questions about DI Boxes. I'm guessing the next video will cover it.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful! If you have specific questions, let me know. Most people just ask “do I need a DI box,” so if you have specific ones, let me know since I’m working on it now
@@ScottUhlMusic So I'm planning to set up a band mix with a compact mixer like MR18 or XAir18. My plan is to mix everything in that mixer (since I'm using an eDrums) and send a stereo out to the Stage Box. If I'm using up both the hiZ inputs for a guitar (for stereo fx), Do I need to use a Di Box for the bass or the other guitars? My edrum also has ts outputs. Should thay also go through DI Boxes or are they mostly line/instrument level?
Ok sweet! The short answer is DI boxes are best for unbalanced signals doing a long cable run or hi z devices like guitar or bass going into a mixer/interface that doesn’t have a Hi Z input 👍
Thank you
You have a very effective and direct way of explaining these often misunderstood concepts. Excellent video!
Thank you kindly! 🙏
Thank you so much sir for your packaged information.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Recording Arts and a Masters in Entertainment Business….. Where were u when I was learning this? 😂 Man u coulda made my whole college journey so much easier if I had u as my professor or even with these videos had I found em earlier 🤣 great way of always simplifying these tech stuff, the jargon can always get confusing 💀 keep the vids coming man I think u doing a helluva job 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Great edits btw, I know they take hella time 👍🏽😎
Thanks man, I really appreciate that 😊 and yeah the editing takes forever on these videos haha. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the kind words 🤘
Thank you for the tangent on gain vs volume I legit have never understood it but I knew gain added distortion and volume didnt so I adjusted them that way. Thank you!
Happy to help! That was the way that it clicked for me when I was learning it, and it makes the most sense for sure 👍
Brilliant Video. I remember when I setup my first mini 6 channel studio into a Mac. I would use Garage Band to look at each input signal. Then turn them all on together after. The LED VU meter would not show proper levels. Lets not talk about figuring why my AE guitar never sounded the same live vs recorded. A torpedo mic at the box fixed that.
Thanks! And yeah, we all learn somehow! Haha
Daily studies, thank you!
Absolutely excellent tutorial. Thanks for uploading it. You have such a great linear way of teaching. Subscribed
Scott, you are the best at simple explanations, thanks.
I appreciate that!
Replay!!!! Great video and reminders and made these three audio forms very easy to understand and follow. In audio engineering courses, it was too complex and hard to follow so your way of presenting was easier to breakdown trying to explain each of these!
You do a great job with video production with all your content. Really helps in supporting the message. That’s not easy to do well…nice work!
I appreciate that! It takes forevvvvvver to edit lol so I’m glad to hear it’s appreciated!
Good stuff, looking forward to the DI video.
Thanks! Working on it now 🤘
I learned something!
I'm learning so much from you Scott ! Thank you! Love love love this channel.
Thanks for following the channel!
Thank youuuu sooooo much. For sharing your knowledge.
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic tutorial, thank you for doing this video!
you're awesome! thank you so much man! Answered so many questions i had! New Sub!
Thank you 🙏
Another great video and yes I had a few aha moments in there. Thanks Scott!
Great video!
Mic and Line levels I knew and understood before, but I never really knew where Instrument level fit into it (outside of amp FX loops anyway).
Very informative video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative! It answers all my questions!
Great to hear!
You make really good, informative videos man. Glad to have found your channel. 👍🏼
Thank you! I appreciate that
Good info
Thank you 🙏
Very useful, as usual, thanks Scott !
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this! Super helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Excelente video!!!!!,! You just cleared up an ongoing argument that we have on this topic. And I was right!!!! Thank You!!!,!,
Glad it was helpful! Congrats on winning the argument 😊
Great video Scott, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it 🤘
Such a great video. Straightforward explanation and examples! Thank you!
Great information for me to add to my knowledge.
Solid gold explanation!
Thank you!
Really excellent video with quality examples.
Thank you! I appreciate that 🤘
Really good stuff man, thanks I don’t suppose you also understand ac/dc, amps, volts, power supplies etc.. Probably like man of the people watching your channel, I have a drawer of unmatched adapters, and can never figure out what effects and pedals they need to go to. It seems like none of the numbers regarding the electronics ever jive with whatever the effect is. Just in case you’re looking for video ideas that one would be awesome!!
Thanks! And I go over a little of it in my recent video: POWER Your MUSIC GEAR with USB C - MyVolts "Step Up"
ruclips.net/video/ROadxSiSpBQ/видео.html
My first time watching your channel and I'm compelled to ask... Are you a giant Porcupine Tree fan, or am I overthinking the clues? Either way, it was great video and very clearly explained. Got my sub. 🤘
Hahaha yes I am! One of my favorite bands of all time 🤘 Thanks for the sub!
Thanks man! Fantastic job explaining.
But why would anyone want an unbalanced connection if it will result to noisy output? I mean, why would I choose unbalanced connection if it's clearly inferior to balanced?
That’s a fair point, I honestly don’t know haha
This connected a lot of dots for me. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
As always, excellent explanation. Thanks
By the way, in a closely related matter, have you seen John Cordy's video from a couple weeks ago called "We've all been using Plugins wrong"? It's about setting an Audio Interface so it doesn't overload the Input of a software Plugin.
Thanks! And no I haven’t seen that. I’ll have to check it out!
Great info, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent videos and knowledge
Any Wireless 5.8 stereo for LINE IN , I know you have a so many videos for instrumental and XLR wireless
Thanks! And I don’t, I know the portable SLXD by Shure has line out, which I’ve reviewed 👍
Great video, thanks!
Thanks for watching 🤘
Good one!! I'm loving your videos lately!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the Video
Thanks for watching 🙏
Great, as usual!
Thank you!
This was super informative. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful video thanks 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate your time in creating this. What happens if you use a DI Box to a Line? Would you replace it with a pre-amp if going to Line using guitar/bass?
Most DI boxes have a line thru port that can be used to send something out line level. But if you are sending something mic level into something expecting line level, you’ll need some sort of pre amp
Very informative…thanks.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🤘
Looking forward to your video on balanced inputs. as a keyboard player, many of the instruments I have are balanced line level outputs. Sometimes I have a hard time making front of house understand that I don't need direct boxes. So I would like some clarification. By the way, you called the one cable a "tip ring" cable when it was technically a "tip sleeve" cable. You even had it labeled that way in the video. That might have confused some people.
Thanks! And yes, I know that’s why I put the Red text with the * next to it saying “Sleeve” to correct my mistake. I didn’t notice that until I was editing it. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Scott! On point as always!
Thanks!
Very helpful!
great video mate. perfect explanations.
question. Could you possibly do a video on Volume settings for Modellers (hx stomp). Where you put the master volume when making presets etc. Lots of conflicting information about how it should be set and people saying well you have to adjust all your presets depending on the venue or you might need to boost or decrease the output level. Some real world experience would be great.
Thanks!
And The master volume on my stomp I always have at noon. Never had a problem with it. So I’m curious what issues other people are running into with that. So that I’m not sure
@@ScottUhlMusic yeah ppl have said have it on full or if you have it set to headphones then it's sending a full signal. Hard to work out.
Very Helpful video man! Super Thanks for this :3
Good stuff brother!!
Thank you 🙏
Wow. Thanks so much for this video. Let’s say you’re going to play acoustic guitar (with its own pickup) at an open mic and you have no idea what their mixer is like, what input channels are on their mixer, or the skill level of the person controlling the mixer. What is the safest thing to do then? Is it to use a DI box that inputs to microphone level?
Use a DI 👍 that’s almost always the best option
Cool. Thanks so much Scott. Subscribed!
Ah-ha! Thank you. B
a little late, but my helix floor has line or instrument level option on the fx loop, the tonex pedal is supposed to be line level, but setting to instrument on the helix is the loudest setting and not clipping. either people are wrong and it isn't a line level device or i should be doing what i've read other people do and use the send of a loop as instrument and the return of another as line level. haven't tried it yet.
Good video! I learned all this the hard way when I had to start running sound. I'm definitely interested in your perspective on DI boxes related the the big price difference. Passive ones range from $20 to $150. I was told my Pyle was junk, but it works!
Yeah, I’ve been using a $30-$50 Livewire one for a long time and I personally think it works great!
awesome video thanks! they don't have the technology to just automatically detect what is plugged in and change the gain accordingly?
Thanks! And I don’t know how it would do that to be honest. That would be pretty cool!
I have seen so many videos! I am a subscriber, I like your videos. I have. Bose tone match ts4 for Karaoke. I don’t see any videos regarding that?
Could you please make any video like that? Thanks.
Thanks! Glad you have enjoyed the channel. I haven’t heard of that, so I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
I assume a guitar modeller/processor or profiler would be plugged into the line input, the same as a keyboard?
Most likely yes 👍 but it can also go into a direct box and then mic input as well
Headphone outputs further confuse the issue. Too many recent products now cut costs by only providing headphone outputs as the sole way of outputting analog audio.
I haven’t looked much into how Headphone outputs work. I’ll have to look into that. Thanks!
@@ScottUhlMusic I agree with the comment and would appreciate some guidance. We're seeing practice amps equipped with only a headphone output (e.g., Spark 40). Hooking to an external speaker is tricky. The cabinet is expecting line level, and you're sending a lightly-amplified headphone signal. Apparently, mismatching these two can lead to equipment damage. This is also an issue when running external speakers from an iMac, which only has a headphone out, not a line out.
@@ScottUhlMusic That'd be useful thanks... and to complete your goal of demystifying inputs and outputs - maybe a simple terms clarification of the practical differences between Pro and Consumer Line levels might help music folks avoid mistakes.. Cheers.
Thanks for this video the explanation is clear. At one point you talk about the xr18 I have an xr16 which is just the range below. I connect a DJ controller in RCA to XLR Is this the right method or should I change to a 6.35mm jack ? And should I plug it into the first 8 ports (XLR/jack "combo") or into the 8 6.35mm jack ports?
If it sounds good to you, use it 🤘 In general I try to go XLR whenever I can, but that doesnt mean it’s the only way
Alto Professional at 6:13 shows "LINE" but a guitar icon next to it. :) What does *that* mean? :P
Yeah that seems like a mistake. My guess is it’s LINE
Hi scot, what if u use a multi effects pedal in between the guitar and mixer/interface? What would that be? Still instrument level?
That’s a good question, I think it just depends on the output. I know you can set that in some of the multi fx processors
I have a Tascam DP-24 multitrack recorder. The trim knobs for the inputs are labeled line when fully counter clockwise and mic at fully clockwise. So if I have my MPC connected to the inputs in order to record it into the Tascam should I leave the trim knob fully counter clockwise in the line position? And if it’s not as loud as I want I guess I should just bring the volume up on the MPC itself?
Always trust your ears, but it depends if you are sending mic or line and if you are going into mic or line
Is there a benefit to using a direct box over plugging a guitar directly into a combo jack set up for Hi-z?
No 👍
Alguien sabe como hacer una entrada line es que mi bocina solo tiene entrada mic y no tiene entrada line y cua do le pongo la consola todo sale distorcionado auxilio
If your speaker only has a mic level input, then you have to send only mic level. You’ll need either that direct box or an attenuator
what if from bass guitar --> DI box --> line IN? is that ok or any loss frequency maybe?
Always use your ears. If you like it, that’s what counts 👍
I've just discovered this channel and I'm learning faster than ever. Great job!
Just one question, I was considering to buy the Behringer XR12 to play in small venues with my band, we have two electric guitars and a bass but the mixer only has two Hi-Z inputs. Is it better to buy a DI box and plug an instrument to a Mic input or to use a line input? Hope this is not a stupid question but I'm a newbie and I'm moving my first steps in this world. Thank you!
Thanks for following the channel! I do have the direct box video here: Do You NEED A DIRECT BOX? Simply Explained w/ Audio Examples
ruclips.net/video/9aS976GdBMI/видео.html
And usually it’s best to go into a direct box, but always just trust your ears on what sounds best. I’ve gone direct into the behringer before and it’s been fine
@@ScottUhlMusic Thank you so much!
Hi, what about if you’re going from a modelling pedal (hx stomp, Boss IR2) into a mixing desk? Would that still be hi-z?
No, that’s is likely line level 👍
I have a Roland drum pad running into a small Alto Busker speaker without a mixer. Trying to travel light without a mixer/another piece of gear. Switching to mic level gives me the gain/volume I need. I hear no distortion like your video mentioned. I was told that can damage the speaker, is that true? I tried using a DI box and that lessened the gain even more! Running left out mono from drum pad using a single TS cable. Is this the best cable to use?
Always trust your ear. If it sounds good, go for it! Sounds like what you are doing works fine 👍
Great video (as always!) But it brought up a question - currently our bass players sound comes out of a multi FX (which is line level if i understood right) going into a D.I (to get a balanced signal) and from there directly into a normal XR18 input. Would it be the better choice if i chose the LINE input? Thanks Scott!
Not necessarily, but you definitely could use a TRS balanced cable and go directly into the mixer 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Aha cool, thank you so much for the answer! Have a great rest of the week, i can´t wait for the D.I. video!
Nice, very informative, thank you. Can you help me with this one: I want to buy an interface (Arturia Minifuse 4) that (except 2 combo inputs) has two 1/4" TRS balanced line inputs on the back and I wonder if I can connect my passive guitar or bass to it and have a decent input signal. Will Di-Box help here? This is scenario when I will use two front inputs for XLR mics and want to record also bass/guitar at the same time and I will have only two line level inputs left to use
Always trust your ears. If there is a hi z input, you usually don’t need a DI to record direct
@@ScottUhlMusic What I mean is: I want to record 3 sources 2 micks that will go into XLR combo inputs and one guitar that will have to go into TRS 1/4 line input. What do I need to have decent and usable signal of my guitar from that line input? An active Di Box? Preamp? Will my amp guitar or ZOOM multiefect pedal do the job as preamp? Thanks in advance
Scott I think I just had an ahhHa moment. I have a Yamaha MG06X 4-channel mixer and the Phenyx Pro PDP-2 (because of your review). I plug the mic receiver into the 1/4 inch XLR combo input and it clips really easy. Now I think I know why. Can you recommend an adapter that I need to make this to where it doesn’t clip? I am assuming I need to go from 1/4 to XLR to make it mic level instead of line level.
Glad it helped! And the 4 items I discuss at the end of the video are the best options for turning down or turning up 🤘
Great video as always! Quick question: with the HX Stomp direct to the mix bits trs to XLR, would you set line or inst output level on the pedal? I go inst to go both to a mixer or to my Headrush frfr, I remember that line level was really too loud, but maybe I'm missing something...
There are many different possible configurations. Always trust your ears and try them out 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic thanks for the response Scott! I will 😂
Thank you Scott. Great informative video as always. Question: If guitar level sits between Mic and Line level then why when you connected it to the Mic level (@ 9m31s) it hisses and you said you had to crank up the gain to hear it. If guitar is hotter than mic then when connected to mic level input shouldn't you need to lower the gain level instead of cranking it? Thanks!
Good question. I believe that has to do with the impedance of the electric guitar going directly in
@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks!
So with xair 18 we don't need any DI?
Watch the DI video here: ruclips.net/video/9aS976GdBMI/видео.htmlsi=Ws023z5FZ8NIwHZv