The word ‘impedance’ is commonly used in the context of guitars, but how many of us understand what it actually means? In this issue’s column, we’ll steer clear of complicated equations and heavy electronics, and instead explore real-life scenarios.
Many of us will be familiar with speaker impedance and high-impedance instrument inputs on audio interfaces. Whether we’re aware of it or not, impedance can be an issue when we’re running long cables, using vintage amps, employing multiple stompboxes or combining fuzz and wah pedals. An understanding of how impedance affects the way items of equipment interface can help to get the best out of our gear and optimise tone. Once you’re aware of the rules, they are simple and easy to follow. Let’s start with a simplified explanation of what ‘impedance’ means.
Resistors are electronic components with a fixed value that restrict the flow of electrical energy by turning it into heat. Impedance has the symbol ‘Z’ and, like resistance, it’s measured in ohms. But they are only the same thing in a purely
