One of the features of the powerful Avid Pro Tools Carbon audio interface is the variable impedance option on four of the microphone inputs and on two of the instrument inputs. The MBOX Studio has the same Mic preamps and Hi Z inputs with the same impedance options.

In a recent article we tested this feature with ribbon and dynamic microphones, you can check out the article here and listen to the audio examples.

We decided to make some more test recordings with an electric guitar, both with single coil and humbucker pickups to check out the difference, if any, the impedance settings make.

The test is as simple one, record an electric guitar, both single and humbucker pickups. We recorded using the Eleven MKII plugin with clean amp settings on both both single and humbucker pickups and also a crunch setting on the single coil. We made five passes varying the impedance on each pass. In the case of the Carbon the impedances for instruments available are 1M Ohm, 230k Ohm, 90k Ohm, 70k Ohm, 32k Ohm.

The input gain was varied between the humbucker and single coil, although the final output of the recordings was left as is, so there is some variance. Some Dverb was added to the final recordings and then all files were exported in stereo. All recordings are 24bit 44.1kHz WAV files.

The audio examples are given below.

If you prefer, you can download the WAV files to audition.

Let us know what you think in the comments.