HI-Z vs. Line Level interface inputs for recording with HX Stomp XL

[tomgleesonmusic]

Hi Guys

 

I've been experimenting a little with how i record with my HX Stomp XL.... Going TS out to two line level inputs on the back of my Apollo 8 Quad vs. going into the HI-Z inputs on the front panel. The recorded waveforms look quite different, even when adjusted for level difference. To my ears, there's just a bit more top and bottom end when using the HI-Z inputs, but for the way I'm trying to configure my patch bay and general I/O in the studio, its much more convenient to use the rear-mounted Line Level option. Is there any conventional wisdom around 'best practice' is this scenario? Would using TRS to the Line Level inputs on the apollo make any difference or is this purely an impedance issue?

 

Thanks for your input

 

T

 

 

[silverhead]

I think the important thing here is to match your HX Stomp output level to the interface’s expected input level. That is achieved by setting the Stomp’s Output Level to Line and using the rear Line level inputs on your interface. I don’t think using TRS a would make any difference.
 

The HX Stomp does not provide a Hi-Z Output Level option so using those inputs on your interface results in a level mismatch. I suggest you avoid this.

[rd2rk]

The Hi-Z Inputs on interfaces are intended for direct instrument connection, to load the pickups at 1M as though plugging directly into an amp and thereby avoiding high frequency attenuation. Older interfaces didn't have Hi-Z Inputs and were famously dull and muddy sounding. You needed a special Hi-Z interface to the interface to fix that. I still have one in a box somewhere!

 

The INSTRUMENT level outputs on the Helix devices are intended to provide the expected input levels for stomp type effects and amplifiers.

These are two different functions.

 

When using a Helix or other MFX device with a recording interface, the guitar plugs into the MFX, so the MFX Input should be set to INSTRUMENT level to properly load the guitar's pickups as though the guitar were being plugged directly into an amp.

 

The MFX Output should be set to LINE to provide the best Input level to the Interface.