Scarlett 2i2 and SansAmp PBDDI advice

Line level is the highest signal level which travels through a TRS connection. This is the standard type of signal and should be used when connecting any non-instrument pieces of hardware to your interface (i.e. an outboard preamp or processor) or instruments that output line level (synths, keyboards, drum machines etc)

Instrument Level is the most variable level signal which will travel through a TS connection and will also require a preamp to be raised to Line Level. This should be selected whenever connecting an instrument such as a guitar or bass guitar directly to your interface.

What is the difference between Mic, Line, and Instrument level?

 

I believe if you use and XLR in to your interface, it's going through the mic pre and not the line amp, so the impedance selector wouldn't do anything.

I could be horribly dangerously wrong here, but using the XLR in on your interface should be fine, assuming the sansamp output is low-impdence.

 

Your sansamp has 1/4" output too, no? Easiest / best would be 1/4" from sansamp to focusrite, using the line setting.

 

User manual shows the 1/4 out is unbalanced, and low impedence... tbh the xlr cable seems the best bet.

 

The SansAmp is an external preamp, so you'd run it like I do my Ampeg SCR-DI, or Mesa Subway DI. XLR out to XLR in on the 2i2, with the 2i2 being set on "line." Then just adjust the gain structure accordingly. Too include using any hi/lo inputs, pads, or in some cases (like the SCR-DI) chips for active/passive instruments.

 

I’d go with 1/4” to 1/4”. The 0db setting should result in identical levels between 1/4” and XLR, and you take a whole lot of variables off the table. In this configuration you would use the line setting on the 2i2.