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Topic starter
22/09/2005 7:55 pm
Hey!
I'm trying to get a descent tone when recording to my computer. I have bought a tube preamp, an ART Tube MP and the tone is pretty descent, far better then when using the line-out from my microcube amp. Now i'm thinking of bying a distortion pedal and have a couple of questions.
First, could i use it like this:
Guitar -> Dist pedal -> preamp -> computer with vst amp simulation and effects.
And ofcourse, will it sound better than using a softare vst distortion pedal?
If not, it would be pretty useless.. ;)
I'm using guitarsuite right now. http://www.simulanalog.org/guitarsuite.htm
About the preamp. Should i worry about turning the input level up so that the preamp is clipping and creates distortion? I know this is what tube amps is doing, but this is just a preamp and maybe the tube cant take that much.
Thats it for now i think.
Thanks.
23/09/2005 3:07 am
You need a line level going into your computer. Those pre-amps put out +28dBu (XLR), +22dBu (1/4 in.). In's and out's really give better signal when matched better. You can turn the input up and turn the output control to match your sound card input. The 12AX7a can take it just fine.
Joe
Topic starter
23/09/2005 5:39 pm
Hmm i'm not sure if i understand. I have a Audiophile 192 and i get a "normalized" signal when the preamps output is on maybe 40-45%.
23/09/2005 6:45 pm
In simple words, get a microphone, otherwise you'll lose the 'amp effect'.
Effect pedal's output is at instrument level (low), sound card's input and output are,
in your case, at line level (high).
ART tube MP can also be used as a DI box so you don't have to worry about that,
but I wouldn't be settle for a direct connection.
Your chain of recording should look like that:
Guitar > Effects pedals > Amp > Mic > Pre-amp > Sound card > PC.
Don't record with ANY unnecessary VSTs, since they placed after the conversion
is taking place and you can always add them later on.
Your distortion pedal would most likely sound better then a VST one.
-Elvis
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Topic starter
23/09/2005 9:02 pm
Ok, yes i know using it like this isnt the ideal way. I'm planning on buying a microphone later on, but first i have to buy a new amp because i dont think my microcube sounds very good. Gonna try to save up to a Fender blues jr. or Voxad30vt.
But until then i'm playing with this using the preamp as a DI box. Either way i have now ordered a pedal, a Boss SD-1. Should be fun playing with, and maybe will it spice up my microcube a bit.
Thanks elvisyo and forrok_star!