Is effects send line level?
The effects loop on many amps is designed to both send and receive line-level signals, so putting a typical pedal in the loop will often get noise, weakness, and distortion. You may find some exceptions though: either an amp loop that can operate at instrument level, or a pedal that can operate at line level.
Yes, technically most guitar pedals expect instrument level.
most pedals are made for plugging into a guitar (instrument level) but is also used with drum machines and synths too (line level).
Line Level is the highest signal level that travels through a TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) jack connection. This should be used when connecting any non-instrument devices to your interface (i.e., an outboard preamp or processor) or instruments that output line level (synths, keyboards, drum machines etc).
Matching Levels
Connecting a line-level source to a mic-level input will cause the sound to be loud and distorted because the line-level signal is much stronger than what the mic input will accept.
Instrument level signals fall between mic level (lower) and line level (higher) signals. These signals refer to any level put out by an instrument, commonly from an electric guitar or bass. A preamplifier is required to bring the signal up to line level.
Also note that XLR inputs on a mixing desk are "mic level" inputs, however the XLR outputs (generally 2 of them) are always set to line level, ready for connection to a line input on a powered speaker, amplifier or processing device. XLR outputs are generally always balanced, whether mic or line level.
A guitar, bass guitar, pedal or amplifier have always operated on an unbalanced signal.
Guitar amps are designed to accept a high-impedance input, and plugging in a low-impedance, line-level signal will result in an increase in amp hiss. This will be more of problem if you like to turn your amp up loud.
Guitarists use pedals to enhance, control, or manipulate their guitar's sound for at-home and live performances.
Can Boss pedals handle line level?
It does really helps! The boss pedal(most of them) have buffered inputs and are pretty forgiving in terms of level and impedance on the input. And you can always turn the output of the preamp down.
Line Level
The strongest signal of the three and does not require amplification. Common devices that output at this level include keyboards, synthesizers, compressors, mixing desks, etc.
Line level refers to the typical level (strength or amplitude) of the audio signal from mixers, signal-processing equipment and other consumer and professional audio gear.
Are Keyboards Line or Instrument Level? Most keyboards operate at line-level signals, as opposed to mic level or instrument level signals. This means that the signal doesn't need to be amplified by a pre-amplifier in the same way that a guitar, bass, or microphone would.
Line level is the specified strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog audio between components such as CD and DVD players, television sets, audio amplifiers, and mixing consoles.
Your vocals should sound louder than the beat between -10dB and -15dB. A reliable method would be to set your lead vocal track to -12dB, then push back your instrumental tracks accordingly.
An Overview of Audio Levels
There are three main Audio Levels that are worth knowing about: Microphone Level. Line Level. Speaker Level.
Line level signals are much hotter than microphone level. Aside from the output of a mic preamp, other examples of line level signals are the headphone output of your phone, the aux input on your car stereo, or the output of an audio mixer.
"Instrument level" is a much weaker signal at about -30 dB. This is the level of signal that is produced by the pickups on a guitar or bass. "Mic level" is weaker still, about -50 dB. This is the level of signal that is created by the microphone.
Connecting a line-level source to a mic-level input will cause the sound to be loud and distorted because the line-level signal is much stronger than what the mic input will accept. (Note: Inputs and outputs on some higher-end mixers are mic and line level switchable.)
Can I plug a mic into a line input?
Line inputs are not designed for microphones. Although it is possible to use them and it won't harm your mic, there is not enough gain to amplify the microphones level to a line input.
A mic–level input is typically a female XLR connector. A line–level input is typically an RCA jack, 1/4″ phone jack, or 3.5 mm phone jack.
What is Aux Level? Aux level is in between mic level and line level, in the region of 0.3 volts or -10 dBV. Aux level inputs and outputs are found on many kinds of AV equipment, including CD/DVD players, audio and video recorders, and some computer sound cards. They may be labeled “aux in” or “line in”.
Condenser microphones can be either line or mic level and use either batteries or phantom power. If your condenser microphone is rated for line level out, then go ahead and plug it directly in to a line level input using the appropriate cable.
Major Difference Between Balanced + Unbalanced Audio
In general, balanced audio will give you a better, stronger audio signal without any extraneous noises. Unbalanced audio, on the other hand, is susceptible to picking up noise and interference over longer distances.