Line or Instrument Level - Electronic Drum Pad into PF2626

[edgarbc1]

okay, i have no experience recording with these electronic drum pads kit.
but our drummer has unbalanced TR cables coming out of this unit.
( I dont have the model number nor can verify that the output of his
unit requires balanced TRS or unbalanced TR cables)

Are the signals coming from these cable lines considered LINE level or INSTRUMENT level?


I recorded them using the LINE input on the back of the PF2626
because I didnt know if plugging them into the INSTRUMENT
input on the PF2626 would damage the unit.

that being said, his machine was maxxed out on volume
and his input was soft, but acceptable.

so the main question is should i boost his level a bit with a
mixer which can take in the unbalanced signal and then
output with a pair of balanced lines into the PF2626
or plug into the pair of INSTRUMENT in jacks on the
front of the PF2626?

or just leave as is..

thanks for your advice.
Edgar

[sw rec]

I would guess LINE LEVEL. Just a guess. But an educated one..............

[albee1952]

You really answered your own question. Since you went in line level inputs and barely had acceptable signal, that would make the drum module outputs instrument level(not as hot as line level). Try the instrument inputs on the interface. Remember, you don't need to "slam" the inputs with digital recording. Above halfway on the meters is good(and recording at 24 bits is also recommended). Regarding the worry about damaging by patching into the wrong inputs, the only time to be concerned about damage is by accidentally patching a speaker signal(like from a guitar amp).