This article covers instrument-level equipment, like guitars with pickups. For line-level equipment like synthesisers and keyboards, refer to this article: I'm getting little or no signal from my line-level equipment. For microphones, please see this article: I’m getting little or no signal from my microphone.
If you are having problems getting signal into your audio interface or preamp from your guitar or other instrument-level equipment, we've put together some steps for you to try to fix the problem.
To be certain your equipment outputs instrument-level, check with the manufacturer, and have a look at this article for more information: What are the differences between mic, line, and instrument level?
Ensure you're using the correct type of connector and input
We've designed all the instrument inputs on all Focusrite interfaces and preamps to work with unbalanced 6.35mm (¼") TS connectors — almost all instrument-level equipment will use these anyway. It is generally best to avoid using TRS connectors with instrument-level equipment.
If your interface or preamp has combo ports that accept both XLR and 6.35mm (¼") jack connectors, only the central 6.35mm (¼") jack section of the port should be used for instrument input.
Line vs instrument inputs
It's important to be aware that line-level inputs on many of our products also use 6.35mm (¼") connectors, both TS and TRS (What are TS, TRS, and TRRS connectors?). As a result, often the first two 6.35mm (¼") inputs are both line and instrument inputs, but any additional 6.35mm (¼") inputs are typically only line inputs.
If you connect instrument level equipment to a line input, it will likely produce little or no signal, as the two signals have different electrical characteristics (What are the differences between mic, line, and instrument level?).
Ensure that the input you are using does support instrument level — you can refer to the user guide to confirm this: Focusrite Downloads.
Amps and other line outputs
Amps, amp sims, multi-FX units, and some other equipment you might feed a guitar, bass or a similar instrument signal through may output line-level. These outputs can therefore be connected to line-inputs. Refer to the specs of the specific equipment to be certain what it is outputting.
Instruments connected via XLR
The XLR inputs on most Focusrite products are intended for microphone-level signals only. Mic inputs are not suitable for directly connecting instruments, as the two signals also have different electrical characteristics (What are the differences between mic, line, and instrument level?).
If you did connect an instrument directly to a mic input, the sound could become dull, distorted, and noisy due to the mismatch.
DI boxes — converting instrument to mic-level
However, you can use a DI box to convert an instrument-level signal and connect this via XLR to a mic input. This could be useful if you have used all the instrument inputs on your audio interface or preamp, but you still have several mic inputs available.
Remove anything else from the signal chain
We recommend you connect the instrument directly to your audio interface or preamp while you troubleshoot this issue. Doing so will rule out any effects units, amps, or other gear in the chain as potential causes.
Make sure instrument level is enabled
Make sure that INST, Instrument, Hi-Z, or any other instrument settings are enabled for the input you are using. On devices with combo inputs, this will switch the 6.35mm (¼") jack to instrument-level.
Even if your preamp has dedicated instrument inputs, rather than combo inputs, it will almost certainly still have a button or switch to select the instrument input.
Ensure the gain is set appropriately
Instrument-level signals often need a boost from your preamps to produce a strong signal, known as gain.
The gain should be set so that when you play your instrument, the gain halo or gain level meter is consistently green. The halo or meter should only turn amber at the loudest points, if at all, and never red.
Instruments and pickups can vary wildly in terms of their sound output. You may find you require lots of gain — or even full gain — to amplify some instrument signals, but others could require little to no gain whatsoever. There is no exact formula: whatever setting gets you a consistent green level indication on the meters, without peaking into the red, is the correct amount of gain.
Check the input is working
To make sure the input on your interface or preamp is working:
- Turn the gain control up to at least halfway.
- Insert and remove the 6.35mm (¼") TS jack.
Does the gain meter on the hardware or in software flash when connecting and disconnecting the jack?
- If the gain flashes, it’s likely the case that the input is working — the issue is probably related to the instrument or cable you are connecting it with.
- If not, there may be an issue with the input — test a different input, or a different interface or preamp altogether.
Check the guitar is set up correctly
Are the volume and tone turned up?
Obvious, but always worth checking. Make sure all the pots on your instrument are turned up.
Are any built-in tuners or other features enabled?
Some instruments will have tuners, kill switches, or other features that can disable audio output. Check if your instrument has these. And if it has multiple pickups, try changing pickups.
Does the instrument need batteries?
If your instrument has active circuitry, it may require batteries. Make sure there is a battery installed, and try replacing the battery if there already is one installed, as the battery may be depleted.
Test Different Setups
Test a different TS cable
If you still aren't seeing or hearing a signal, please test a different TS cable.
Test a different instrument
Next, test a different instrument. If you don’t have one, see if you can borrow one, or take your interface or preamp to a local music store to test it with an instrument there.
You can also test the preamp with a mic or line-level device to see if these are working.
Test a different preamp
Test your instrument and cable with another audio interface, a mixing console, or another preamp. If you don’t have one, see if you can borrow one, or take your instrument to a local music store to test it with another preamp there.
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