How to Connect a Guitar to an Audio Interface
To connect a guitar to an audio interface, run a standard 1/4 inch TS guitar cable into the interface's front input and press the Inst (or Hi-Z) button. That sets the input to instrument level, with a 1 megohm input impedance on a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen.
Plug in direct (DI)
- Use a mono TS cable. Focusrite's guide calls for a 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) TS cable into front input 1 or 2.
- Press Inst. On the 2i2, the Inst light turns green. White means it's still on line level.
- Set the gain. Play your hardest part and turn up until the ring stays green. Amber means you're close to clipping, and red means you've clipped.
- Turn on direct monitoring if you hear a delay in your headphones.
- Record in your DAW. Add an amp sim plugin for a distorted or amp tone; software options are in how to record guitar on a computer.
Mic your amp instead
Miking the amp captures your actual amp and speaker. Plug a dynamic mic into the interface's XLR input and place it using Shure's SM57 user guide:
| Mic position | Tone |
|---|---|
| 1 inch from the speaker, center of the cone | Sharp attack, more bass |
| 1 inch from the speaker, edge of the cone | Sharp attack, brighter |
| 6 to 12 inches back, on axis | Full, balanced |
| 2 to 3 feet back | Softer attack, less bass |
For interfaces built with guitar in mind, see the best audio interface for guitar, or every option on our best audio interfaces for home recording page.
Related questions
What cable do I need to connect a guitar to an audio interface?
A standard 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) TS mono instrument cable, the same one you'd use for an amp.
What does the Inst or Hi-Z button do?
It switches the 1/4 inch input to instrument level with a high input impedance, 1 megohm on a Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, compared with 60 kilohms for its line input.
Should I record guitar direct or mic the amp?
Go direct if you need to record quietly or want to change the tone later with plugins. Mic the amp if you love its sound and can play loud.
More answers: Home recording FAQ