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I read an audio review that suggested the RME
Fireface 400 wasn't ideal for guitar because it doesn't have a Hi-Z input for
guitars and basses. The RME Fireface 800 does, however, have a separate hi-z
input for guitar, which also has the speaker simulation, etc.
Can someone describe what is special about a Hi-Z
input for guitars? It can be because it is the only type of input that will
bring a guitar up to a decent level, because I can easily take any mixer board
line input and adjust the trim so that the level is far above red line...so is
there something about the quality or circuitry of a hi-z input that a line or
mic input doesn't have?
When I read the literature for the Firewire 400, it leads me to believe
that it will handle any type of input source, becaues of its sophositication in
dealing with them.
From the RME website on the FW400:
"The Fireface 400's front panel features 2 balanced microphone inputs with
a digitally controlled input stage, individually switchable 48V phantom
power, and Neutrik Combo connectors for XLR and TRS. These can also be used as
additional line inputs. A pre amplification of up to 65 dB,
adjustable in steps of 1 dB over a range of 55 dB, exceptional EIN performance
even at low pre-amplification settings, and extremely low THD+N let these
preamps surpass those of other devices that cost several times the price of the
Fireface 400. All level settings are 100% reproducible and can also be
adjusted by software comfortably.
Inputs 3 and 4 are extremely flexible balanced universal inputs. Firstly, they operate exactly as inputs 5 to 8 on the rear and can be adjusted to accept standard studio input levels (+4 dBu, LoGain). Furthermore, the input impedance can be switched from Line (10 kOhm) to Instrument (470 kOhm). An additional analog input amplification of up to 18 dB (in steps of 0.5 dB) is also available. In short: There's no signal that these inputs can't deal with perfectly!" So what will a hi-z give me that will make any audible difference, from the
line input of the FW 400 adjusted to the correct level on my
guitar?
Kris |