OT: Hi-Z input vs regular jack socket

Hi=Z is Mega ohm Low-Z or line is Kilo Ohm An electric guitar needs to be plugged into MOhm to properly match the impedance. If plugged into low impedance it needs a boost that a DI box gives.

excellent, thanks!

eer... i'm a bit confused now - Hi-Z is High impedance, isn't it, whereas Low-Z is Low impedance or line input - is it not?

ah right - thanks for re-assuring, Lemix.

Line level is typically Hi-Z. A direct box will convert from Hi-Z instrument of line level to Lo-Z mic level. This changes both the impedance load and the overall level of the signal. thus the need for the mic pre, the output of the DI is lower in level.

so who's right now??????

Z is impedence.. for maximum power transfer you want the input impedence to match the output impedence in a circuit. To avoid loading, most devices have a high input impedence and a low output impedence. Microphones usually have an output impedence around 220 Ohms (low), and guitars and outboard gear normally have an output impedence of about 20,000 to 50,000 Ohms (hi). Hi Z is for a guitar, low Z is for a microphone. A DI (Direct Box) is simply a transformer which takes in a Hi impedence and puts out a Low impedence to match the mic pre's input impedence. The quality of the transformer used is critical for recording bass. Rail