Topic: Guitar Input Jack..

Is the Guitar Input jack Hi-Z only or can it handle line level from say a mixer? I didn't find the info anywhere in the manual

Last edited by camtah (2012-02-16 10:53:40)

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Hi camtah,

It's meant for guitar, but you won't cause any damage to the unit by sending it a line level signal.

Cheers,
Craig

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Here is why I asked the question:

Normally, I had an AUX bus of my Mixer (panned left) return to the Line-In of my Voice Prism. I have my guitar(s) connected to the mixer fader (with an output AUX-panned right) connected to my guitar effects. This was how I recorded a simple dry guitar on one track and going out the AUX-R to the Line In of the Guitar effects for tone modification.

I am replacing my Voice Prism with either the VL2 or VLR. I wanted to run the AUX-L bus to the Line-In of the VL2(R) and the AUX-R to the Guitar input. Then I would run a cable from the guitar tru to the guitar effects units line in. It then occurred to me that the Guitar input of the VL2(R) is Hi-Z, not Line level. Same issue with the guitar thru going out.

I was wondering about the effect of the impedance mismatch vs sound quality.

In case you are wondering, I use this setup for recording and jamming live. I don't fire up my DAW when I just messing around, which is why I haven't brought up the USB connection yet to the PC.

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Heya camtah,

The Line In and XLR in on the VL2 and Rack are physically connected, so I'm not sure why you'd want to guitar to both the Line and the Guitar In. You'd end up with guitar in your vocal signal (which will sound really wacky when you turn on harmony/hardtune etc)and guitar in the instrument path.

Sorry if I'm misunderstanding what you're trying to do.

-Craig

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Let me clarify:

I have my mics, guitar and keyboards connected to my mixer to utilize the pre-amps.
This mixer has the ability to have physical outputs (TRS) for an AUX bus..on the mixer.

Currently, I have the AUX-L of the mixer to the Line-In of my Voice Prism. This way I can use whatever mic strip or channel on the mixer to drive the VP. No Mic is connected to the VP.

Conversely, I have a Guitar connected to a strip/channel on the mixer (HI-Z) that is connected from the AUX-R (mixer) to the Line-In of the guitar processor.

This setup allows me top either record "dry" straight from the mixer to the DAW or route the recorded dry track to the mixer AUX buss to drive the effects units and then record back via the analog outputs that are also connected to the mixer. 

NOW moving forward: I want to replace the VP with a VL2(R). These units allow a guitar as well as midi to drive the harmonies, etc as you well know.

To make a long story short: I wanted to run the AUX-L (mixer-mics) to the Line Input of the VL2(R)..AND...run the AUX-R (mixer-guitar) to the Guitar Input of the VL2 to drive the harmonies, etc and then use the Guitar Thru of the VL2(R) to drive the guitar processor via the Line In of that device.  The problem was I forgot that the Guitar (and Guitar thru) were Hi-Z inputs expecting a guitar level, not the line level that was coming off the mixer. I wasn't trying to combine the 2 signals.

Does that clarify or am I missing some info that isn't sinking in yet.?

Thanks

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Heya camtah,

I totally get it now. Thanks for the info.

Just to be sure, I checked with the lead hardware designer and he said it'll be absolutely fine. Since guitars themselves vary by a lot (+/- 20db or more) you should find more than enough room to turn the incoming line level signal up or down as necessary.

Let me know how it works out!

-Craig

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

Great !!! Once I make up my mind I will pass along my findings..

Re: Guitar Input Jack..

I just posted my wiring setup using an aux out from the mixer to my VL2, then stumbled upon this post.  It works very well with a line signal. I have three gigs under our belt with this scenario, and it has not blipped once.  You should be good to go!
And here I thought I was being really creative  LOL!