Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - How: adapting a line level signal for mic level input

Kiwiburger · 13th June 2006

Depends on what you mean by Line level. If you want to go from instrument or semipro unbalanced, an active DI box with variable output level should be fine.

Or are you already at +4 balanced pro line level? You basically need an attenuator. A reamp box would get you almost there - they are basically a transformer with some resistors, but with an unbalanced output.

Attenuators seem to be expensive for what they do. Especially if you want control over the amount of attenuation. You can use multi-tap transformers and rotary switches. Possibly a passive resistor device would work, at the expense of noise.

If you have them already, a reamp box into a DI should work.

Why do want to do this? Can your mic preamp not accept line level? Boosting a signal, then attenuating, then boosting again is not usually a great idea.

13th June 2006	#3
Kiwiburger Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,075	Depends on what you mean by Line level. If you want to go from instrument or semipro unbalanced, an active DI box with variable output level should be fine. Or are you already at +4 balanced pro line level? You basically need an attenuator. A reamp box would get you almost there - they are basically a transformer with some resistors, but with an unbalanced output. Attenuators seem to be expensive for what they do. Especially if you want control over the amount of attenuation. You can use multi-tap transformers and rotary switches. Possibly a passive resistor device would work, at the expense of noise. If you have them already, a reamp box into a DI should work. Why do want to do this? Can your mic preamp not accept line level? Boosting a signal, then attenuating, then boosting again is not usually a great idea.