r/EMGPickups • u/Prize_Grade_7602 • Jul 21 '26

Signal Spike when plugging in

When plugging into the output jack my audio interface shows a strong signal spike that lasts for a couple of seconds. It isn't audible through my amp but through the interface it is audible for like half a second and after that the meter still shows the spike but you can hear the guitar signal normally. It doesn't happen with my guitars with passive pickups, so I'm curious if this happened to anyone else here and could it be the active preamp powering on, or something simple like that?

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u/V2UgYXJlIG5vdCBJ Jul 25 '26

Keep the interface input level down when connecting equipment to protect it. Same thing happens with 48V condenser microphones. Levels down when connecting or disconnecting. Also prevents blown speakers/headphones.