Digidesign 96IO Connections

[jerberson12]

Hi guys
I have a Digidesign 96IO with HD1 paired with Digidesign Pre

I notice that all recorded sound from a microphone like vocals and acoustic guitar sound crisp, bright and alive which I think it's sound right.

But anything direct like my electric guitar connected to Hi-Z of Pre and my synthesizer connected to line in of Pre, they all sound dull and dead, its like its lacking something.

Also notice that all connections from 96IO are analog and was thinking maybe it should be connected to a console or something, not the Digidesign PRE. Please help.
Im new to Digidesign System.

I know there is another type of 96IO which takes line input, was wondering if that should I need.