Signal chain, or signal-processing chain is a term used in signal processing and mixed-signal system design to describe a series of signal-conditioning electronic components that receive input (data acquired from sampling either real-time phenomena or from stored data) in tandem, with the output of one portion of the chain supplying input to the next.
Signal chains are often used in signal processing applications to gather and process data or to apply system controls based on analysis of real-time phenomena.
How to use a signal chain for instruments
The first thing to do is understand that a signal chain is made up of all your audio equipment. It starts with instruments, digital or analog effects and other input devices. This then goes through the amplifier or mixer, if needed.
The signal chain is important, as it’s what creates the sound that you hear when playing an instrument or recording something with a microphone.
It also helps to add effects and other enhancements to recordings, making them sound better than they would have otherwise!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
