ZBox Needed?

[bsantoro]

I own the original 828 Firewire audio interface, which has a mic/line switch on the front panel for channels 1 and 2. If I want to connect an electric guitar directly to channel 1, for instance, do I need something like the new ZBox to correct impedance; or, does the 828's mic/line already correct for an electric guitar's impedance? I have a Godin xtSA guitar. Which do I choose, mic or line?

[Stanlux]

Hi there,
you need either a DI box or the Zbox (which is designed for that specific function you've described) to plug your guitar straight into the 828, to match impedance.

The switch on the 828 front panel is actually a Phantom Power switch for inputs 1 and 2, not a mic/line switch.

[bsantoro]

Thanks Stanlux,

That really clarifies things for me. I am not used to the world of electric guitar and live-mic inputs. I am just learning guitar. My usual setup is my Motif7 keyboard input (line inputs) directly into my MOTU 828 with no problems.

My Roland GR-20 guitar synth has stereo line-out, which inputs fine into the 828. I was thinking of isolating the analog output of the Godin xtSA guitar directly into the 828. I haven't even tried it yet. You clarified a lot for me about electric guitar input impedance.

[oldecuriosity]

I was wondering the same thing . . . except using an UltraLite. I don't do a lot guitar stuff, but is it possible to use the mic/instrument input on the front without the Zbox or will it make a huge sonic difference to buy one?

[KEVORKIAN]

I was wondering the same thing . . . except using an UltraLite. I don't do a lot guitar stuff, but is it possible to use the mic/instrument input on the front without the Zbox or will it make a huge sonic difference to buy one?

Ultralite is probably fine on it's own as Motu advertises it as having a "guitar" input. Though, if you are serious about your guitar tones you may want to get the ZBox and see.