Input Monitoring and Signal Levels

[Libertine Lush]

I have a few beginner questions relating to the connection of my synthesizer to a DAW, and more broadly, a computer; this is my first time working with a non-Midi instrument connection.

Here's the relevant setup parts: an audio interface (Native Instruments' Komplete Audio 6--will refer to as KA6 from here on) connected to my laptop and amplifier, and the 3.5mm line out of my synthesizer (Teenage Engineering's OP-1) connected to the main TRS/XLR combo sockets of the KA6. Here is a link to the KA6's specs in case it's needed for my questions:
http://www.native-instruments.com%2Fen%2Fproducts%2Fkomplete%2Faudio-interfaces%2Fkomplete-audio-6%2Fspecifications%2F

This is how sound manifests presently. Without a DAW (Logic) on, when my OP-1 is connected to my KA6, the only way to hear sound is by activating KA6's Monitoring option for the TRS/XLR combo sockets--it is mute otherwise. With Logic on, the only way to hear sound is if I turn on the Input Monitoring option in OP-1's track (the reddish-brown "I" below).



1) Is what I described how it should be working, any time you connect a non-MIDI instrument? Prior to actually setting this up, I had imagined, perhaps erroneously, that I would get sound, with and without a DAW open, without having to enable the direct monitoring option on my audio interface and the input monitoring option in Logic.

2) Input Monitoring is not another word for Direct Monitoring, is it? I assume it isn't based on this brief excerpt from a Logic support article: "Input monitoring always involves some latency."

3) The inputs I'm using on the KA6 have a toggle for LINE or INST. Gain needs to be turned up in order to hear the OP-1, otherwise the signal is too weak. The OP-1 is a tiny bit louder when I toggle KA6's INST input. What does that tell me about the OP-1?--ie, does that mean its signal level is INST or LINE level, should I use INST instead, does one afford better audio quality, etc.

4) I have the 2 Gain knobs and Monitor knob on the KA6 completely maxed, and the volume on the OP-1 maxed as well. The Volume Fader for the OP-1's track in Logic is untouched, left at its default value: 0. I use my amplifier's volume control to manage volume. Is this the right approach?

Thank you for any assistance.

[BertKoor]

Yes you need some means for the audio input to be routed to the output. 25 years ago with my soundblaster it was one of the channels of the sound card control panel mixer. Not much changed, apart from the labelling might be different.

instrument is for guitars, line for most other devices. Synths usually provide "line" level. Guitars are softer (need more gain) and require high impedance inputs. Synths are low impedance.

I recommend to provide max output level on the synth so residual noise is relatively mininal. Adjust gain on the audio interface so it does not clip and is not too soft as well.

so it sounds like you do everything fine.

[BDeep]

Yep, like Bert said, you're doing everything fine. I'd like to add that the reason for the difference between Logic running/not running is that there are benefits to having Logic handle the input monitoring. For instance, this lets you apply effects to your live input, not to mention record it

[Libertine Lush]

BertKoor & BDeep, thank you for your replies. Great to have the reassurance it's working as it's supposed to.

I recommend to provide max output level on the synth so residual noise is relatively mininal. Adjust gain on the audio interface so it does not clip and is not too soft as well.

Awesome. I've been doing just that. I got it right for a change.