What's the difference between the inputs of 96 and 96i?

[jerberson12]

The 96 says analog input, while the 96i says line input.

If line inputs like 96i are for synth and sound modules, what do you usually connect to analog input?

The description says on 96i that I can readily connect synth, modules, etc with line level output to 96i.

Why? Whats the problem with 96 which has analog input?
cant I connect a synth directly to 96 Analog input? Do I need something in between?

[albee1952]

What you really need is to try it and see. I always wondered about the "i" myself and thought that it just might mean Instrument level(but I've never used one). If your synth gives enough gain when plugged straight in, then there's no reason you can't use it that way. If not, then a preamp would be the solution(and many have line and/or instrument inputs that will accept synth signals just fine. In any case, you won't hurt anything(as long as you never feed a speaker level signal into a line/mic/DI input).

[filosofem]

Originally Posted by albee1952

What you really need is to try it and see. I always wondered about the "i" myself and thought that it just might mean Instrument level(but I've never used one).

Yeah that's it Dave , I use a 96i with HDN and is simply a 16 Instrument level input expansion I/O for other Avid HD I/O. There are software trim levels in Pro Tools I/O Setup. Not a bad unit but it is limited to a mirrored stereo output only (Digital/Analog).