Why does my KNA piezo pickup work with most amps and mixers, but not all?

Date: 13.12.2021

Your piezo pickup probably works with acoustic amps and mixers but may not work with amps designed for electric guitars. To recognize the input signal, these units require a certain level of input impedance, which is available from magnetic pickups and preamp-powered ones, but not with a piezo. The piezoelectric design, the primary technology KNA uses, doesn’t have that input impedance. You’ll need to connect to an additional piece of gear, such as a DI box, preamp, pedal, or wireless system, before going into your electric amp.

More CONNECTING TO AMPLIFIERS, AUDIO INTERFACES, SOUND CARDS, DI-BOXES, FX PEDALS, MIXING CONSOLES AND WIRELESS SYSTEMS

Why does my KNA piezo pickup work with most amps and mixers, but not all?

Should High-Z / high impedance setting be used on amps / mixers / interfaces when plugging the piezo pickups into them? What is the minimum and recommended value of the input impedance for optimal sound?

What impedance value does the pickup need to plug into an amp or direct box?

Should I connect the pickup directly to an amp or do I need a preamp in between the pickup and the amp?