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Topic: Changing instrument level signal to line level? |
forrest klott
From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
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Posted 6 Apr 2020 7:21 pm |
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Curious as to whether an instrument level signal can be changed to line level? Reason being is that I have a couple of processors (both Lexicon units) that I’d like to use with my Twin head. Is a direct box what I need to do this? Would love to know if this is the correct route to take.
Thanks!
Skeeter |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 7 Apr 2020 2:16 am
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Only way I know is a preamp. That's quite a signal boost from instrument to line level.
A D.I. box will convert unbalanced to balanced line but unless its a special box with a preamp in it, it won't amplify. |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 7 Apr 2020 5:23 am
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| There is an available transformer from 'Hosa' which changes Lo-Z to Hi-Z (200 Ohm to 50K Ohm), features 1/4" input to XLR male output. Model number is 'MIT 129. |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 7 Apr 2020 5:31 am
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A preamp, or an adjustable "clean booster", is the way to go. Most "direct out line drivers" don't amplify much if at all.
Just define "line level" first, which is either (consumer equipment) 0dbv=0.775Volt or (pro equipment) +4db=1.25Volt.
Instrument level is typically -20dbv, but PSGs tend to be closer to -10db since their PUs tend to be hotter than those on regular guitars and most other instruments.
I typically get peaks well above 1Volt out of my PSGs with (standard) PSG buffer as used by many with VP floored, so make sure the preamp/booster can handle such peaks on its input without causing unwanted distortion.
With VP "centered" on about 1/3 travel -30 to -20dbv output from PSG through VP is more normal.
Thus, you need that extra amplification of about 10 to 30dbv to get line level out of a PSG. 20db amplification means output gets 10 times stronger than input.
Do not forget that preamp/booster must either have an input impedance similar to that of a typical AMP used for PSG (300Kohm or higher), or some form of regular instrument buffer-amp with such an input impedance is needed to buffer the PSG before the preamp/booster.
(Sorry for the long response but there are more than just "amplification" involved if you want a PSG to sound right at higher levels.) |
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Ken Morgan
From:
Midland, Texas, USA
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Posted 7 Apr 2020 5:41 am
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Depends on which a Lexicon. Some older models had enough in and out gain control as to allow inline, others need a preamp of sorts.
No experience with this, but know people using these in studio settings with great success..
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LLS2--ebtech-lls-2-2-channel-line-level-shifter
_________________
67 Shobud Blue Darling III, scads of pedals and such, more 6 strings than I got room for
Ken Morgan
Midland, TX |
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