Electronic – impedance matching for Guitar input

impedanceinput

What is the main difference between mic input and a guitar input? is it only the source impedance seen in the input of the amplifier?
I am designing one pre-amplifier in which i need to input both mic, line and guitar, so for better performance i may have to use an impedance matching section to match the source impedance of all these inputs to input impedance of pre-amplifier IC right? (I am analyzing this from an electronics engineer point of view) correct me if it is not applicable to audio connections.

can someone tell me how these inputs differ in their impedance ?

I am referring THAT Corporations design note DN-140 as my primary reference but it is only dealing with mic and line inputs, can some one tell me how the guitar inputs differ from line inputs ?

does the Guitar input pads are used for this impedance matching ?

if someone can share some guidelines for this, it would be helpful for me..

Best Answer

I am designing one pre-amplifier

if you are designing a pre-amp: then there are a couple of things you need to take in consideration

  • Hi-Z vs Lo-Z
  • Balanced vs Unbalanced
  • Line Level vs Mic Level

Usually (but not always)

  • Line Level inputs are Hi-Z (can be both balanced or unbalanced)
  • Mic Level inputs are Lo-Z (and usually balanced)
  • -20dB or -40dB pad's may be used for situations where line level is plugged into a Mic level input
  • Balanced inputs can be XLR or TRS
  • Sometimes someone plugs in an unbalanced Jack into a TRS input (you need to wire correctly for these situations)

(I just find it handy to have some DI boxes ready, knowing your outputs/inputs, and wire accordingly when the situation requires... much easier than catering for every possible combination)

can some one tell me how the guitar inputs differ from line inputs ?

Generally speaking Guitar Outputs are "Line Level" "Unbalanced" "Hi-Z" If the Guitar pickup/electronics are "active" (e.g. there is a battery or so)

If it is a Guitar without active components, then it is likely to be "Mic Level" "Unbalanced" and can be either "Hi-Z" or "Lo-Z" depending on pickup/built-in-mic.

Some "effects" used with guitar may increase even over Line Level, which means you need to attenuate, which can be done either by DI or on the Mixing Desk by "pads" or "attenuators" (terminology differs from brand to brand)

... my 2 cents ...

[EDIT] As this question is migrated from sound.stackexchange.com to electronics.stackexchange.com, this answer is given from a "sound production perspective" without going into further electronics design. While I do have some electronic skills, I would not edit this answer further as I feel I would not be skilled enough to advise on electronic subjects like designing an audio-pre-amp to use with Pro-Audio applications. Please take that into account while you consider voting or commenting on this answer.