instrument level

Instrument level is the signal level of a guitar or bass, as opposed to line level¹. Inputs set for instrument level sources include guitars and basses¹, and some pedals accept instrument level to line level signals². Outputs at instrument level are used for effect pedal operation into a guitar or bass amp³, and a ¼-inch instrument level output can feed an on-stage amplifier⁴. Some devices let you switch between line and instrument level⁵, and an effect may be more subtle at instrument level than line level when the unit is designed for line level⁶.