Why do music equipment like audio interfaces and mixers have so many different icons and labels next to their physical input jacks? The main reason is that there’s no universal standard for input level icons or texts, each manufacturer uses its own symbols and text to explain this information. We’ve listed common labels so that you will know how to use these input switches or buttons during your next recording session.
MIC – MIC level is for microphones and represents the weakest signal level. It requires a preamp (mic preamp) to boost the signal. Some devices also use a microphone icon to indicate this level.
LINE – LINE level is for line-level gear (e.g., outputs from an audio mixer, guitar processor, synthesizer, etc.) and is the loudest signal level.
INST (HI-Z) – INST level is stronger than MIC level but weaker than LINE level. It is used for guitar and bass instruments. It’s also common to see a guitar icon or “Hi-Z” (high impedance) to indicate this level.
MIC/LINE – MIC/LINE inputs usually come in a combo (dual) input jack. Use an XLR cable for a microphone and a 1/4” cable for line-level instruments.
48V/P48 – 48V represents 48V phantom power that is exclusively when using a condenser microphone, check out this article for more information.
Aside from the input section, it's also important to understand the "Mix" and "Direct Monitor" labels. The basic idea is simple: when you turn the knob all the way to the left (aka "INPUT"), you will only hear the sound coming from the physical input jacks (such as your voice, guitar, or keyboard). Conversely, when you turn the knob all the way to the right (aka "PLAYBACK", "COMPUTER", "USB"), you will only hear audio playback from your computer(such as music from Youtube, Spotify, etc).
To start, set the knob to the middle position (12 o’clock) so you can hear both sources and avoid hearing nothing.
(INPUTS<->PLAYBACK)
(INPUTS<->COMPUTER)
(INPUTS<->USB)
(INPUTS<->COMPUTER)
SATURN and ORBIT Interfaces:
For SATURN (I / II)
TOP: Microphone via XLR cable or outputs from a keyboard, synthesizer, or guitar processor via a 1/4” instrument cable.
BOTTOM: Guitar, bass, or any instrument with a separate pickup installed.
For ORBIT (1 / 2)
LEFT: Microphone via XLR cable or outputs from a keyboard, synthesizer, or guitar processor via a 1/4” instrument cable.
RIGHT: Guitar, bass, or any instrument with a separate pickup installed.
What Happens If You Plug It in Wrong?
Mismatched levels and impedance can cause unwanted noise or distortion. For example, plugging a high-level LINE output into a MIC input. It can also lead to frequency or volume loss, such as when connecting a guitar to a MIC/LINE input. We have recorded two audio files for you to listen to:
Fig.A- Guitar Direct into MIC Level Input of SATURN Interfaces.
Fig.B- Guitar Direct into INST(HI-Z) Level Input of SATURN Interfaces.
From the above audio examples, it’s clear which clip sounds better. To avoid potential sound issues, always use the correct input selector and trust your ears to find the best match!