Input levels....

Why is it that even with the gain set to 0 on my interface my guitar registers at about 6 db steady state? If I crank the input gain, it goes all the way into the red....but there is no way to get it any lower than the 6 db. I am completely lost!

What interface? Is there a preamp active or something? How are they hooked up? Worst case, you can buy an online pad pretty cheaply. Or a DI. both of those would bring the level down a bit probably.

Presonus Audiobox USB. I'm just running the guitar through the first input....as far as I know the gain knob for each input controls the pre-amp gain?

active pickups?

No sir. Stock MIM Strat. Funniest thing is that even with the pre amp gain at zero the fader in Reaper shows an average level of 6 db, no sound coming out at all. Oh the woes of being a newbie... :) I appreciate everyone's help.

I don't have that device but are you using ASIO drivers in Reaper's Audio preferences? Also check out the knowledge base,

Everything seems to be right with the drivers and everything. I can't figure out what it is. If I turn the volume down on my guitar a bit, I seem to be able to get a usable sound, for now. I just don't understand why Reaper is showing such a strong signal when my preamp is set to 0. Strange...............

are you running the guitar direct or though an amp/amp modeler?

I had the same problem with bass, using my ART preamp/interface. The only thing I could do was lower the volume of the instrument, but there must be some other way, since full volume on an electric bass or guitar is the best way to have a full sound. Also, about ASIO drivers, should I worry about that if I use a Mac?