Problems with Alesis IO26 and my guitar plugged in

[Dakoom]

Like per title, when I plug my guitar in my alesis, I get the red led frequently when I play a little bit more stronger. Can you please help me on how to solve this?

[goldenpiggy]

Your guitar signal is too hot for the Alesis, and you are overdriving the input preamp into clipping. That's what the red LED indicates. If the Alesis has an attenuator switch, usually something like a -10dB pad, then use that. Otherwise, you can use an attentuator like this relatively inexpensive one:
http://www.ehx.com/products/signal-pad

[Dakoom]

Thank you for your reply. And.. is there no other way to solve this than buying a D.I. or an Attenuator? (I have already tried the Alesis incorporated attenuator)
Also, in order to spend no more than €100, what do you suggest (D.I. Box, or Attenuator.. wich one)?

[goldenpiggy]

Yes, there is another way: use a guitar or keyboard volume pedal. But you know, a good quality volume pedal will cost double (or more) what that attenuator box costs.

Most DI boxes take 1/4" inputs but have balanced XLR outputs. If your Alesis does not have an XLR input, forget a DI box.

[Dakoom]

Yes, the alesis io26 has an xlr input: http://www.alesis.com/io26. What D.I. Box would you suggest (less than €100)?

[MojoDog]

Hi Dakoom,

The Alesis has a combo jack that is both XLR (microphone) and 1/4" (instrument) in the same jack. Below that jack is a row of 1/4" insert jacks for effects.

I still catch myself plugging into the insert jack by mistake every once in a while. If you do it will overload and distort.

If you plug into the middle hole of the combo jack and select instrument input on the switch you should be fine.

[goldenpiggy]

The two highest rated brands of DIs based on my experience (I do live sound and play keys) are Whirlwind and Countryman. Countryman are expensive, so I recommend the Whirlwind Director for its high quality and reasonably low cost (it's what I use). It will basically be with you for the rest of your life -- it is so well-built and reliable. You can almost drive your car over it and it won't break.

The Director has a -30dB pad (non adjustable), which should be fine for what you need. It also has a ground lift switch in case you have hum. Finally, you can take the output of an AMP and run it through the box and get -- balanced XLR out. It is a passive DI (no battery needed), which is perfect for guitars.

Do not be afraid to buy used. Like I said, they're next to impossible to break, so used is a good deal.

More info:
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/dirbox.html#dir

One other solution to consider: pick up a good quality, used mixer that can handle the hot input (I recommend Mackie 1202VLZ Pro).

[davesacre]

I have an Alesis io|26 and I plug my guitars into it directly. For my guitars with hotter pickups, I just turn the volume down until I receive no red lights (clipping) no matter how hard I play. Make sure you are plugged into channels 1 or 2 with the switch flipped to "guitar," which I'm sure you already are. If you are using amp simulation, you can increase the input gain in the software without any clipping.

Are you using amp simulation, like Guitar Rig, Amplitube or Revalver? If so, which one? What kind of guitar and pickups? I think it should be as simple as turning the volume down--no need to purchase anything else.

And yes, as stated above, plug into the combo jack.