Chapter 1: Hardware Overview; Section Identification; Top Panel - Alesis iO14 Reference Manual

Hardware Overview
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Section Identification

Top Panel

Here's what you'll find on the top of your IO|14/26:
1. Inputs – The IO|14/26 features "combo" connectors that
allow you to connect either XLR or ¼" cables to the inputs.
For the IO's inputs, use one of three different cable types:
Use XLR cables to connect to standard microphones.
For ¼" connections to balanced gear (like most keyboards
and sound modules), use cables with "TRS" plugs. TRS
stands for "Tip, Ring, Sleeve."
For ¼" connections to unbalanced gear (like most electric
guitars and basses), use cables with "TS" plugs. TS stands for
"Tip, Sleeve." These cables do not have the third wire which
TRS cables use to balance the audio signal.
Choose the right cable for the job. "TRS" cables provide a
stronger signal and significantly better noise shielding when
used with balanced gear than "TS" cables.
MIC / LINE
The combo jack inputs
The XLR input "expects" to
see a microphone and
delivers between 6.8dB and
50dB of gain, depending on
the position of the gain knob.
The ¼" input "expects" to
see either a line input or an
electric guitar or bass,
depending on the setting of
the Mic/Line/Guitar switch.
In the Line position, the input
provides between -15.4dB
and 27.8dB of gain. This
allows plenty of gain for
weak line level sources and
also provides the ability to
pad down overly powerful
line sources.
In the Guitar position, the
input provides 6.8dB to 50dB
of gain—the same range as
the XLR input.
If you're not sure whether an
instrument is balanced, your
safest bet is to use a balanced
¼" TRS cable.
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