The terms "Line" and "Inst" (Instrument) on Focusrite interface input controls designate different electrical signal levels and impedance matching requirements for connected gear. An "Inst" setting applies a high-impedance (Hi-Z) load specifically designed to capture raw, unbuffered signals directly from electric guitars and basses without tone degradation or high-frequency loss. Conversely, a "Line" setting expects a pre-amplified, balanced signal coming from external synthesizers, keyboard workstations, hardware multi-effects processors, or dedicated outboard gear, ensuring clean signal transfer without overloading the input stage.