Direct Input

[Matt Mattson]

Like some advice. I've been feeding my input from guitar > amp > Edirol Audio Capture > computer and that all worked great until the amp took a dive yesterday and started producing static. What I'd like to do now is go direct: guitar > Edirol Audio Capture > computer and do the amp simulation with the computer. Of course I still need to power the guitar and plug into the capture device: what is a good in/out solution? Make/model?

Thanks

[Matt Mattson]

I guess I didn't put that in plain English: What pre-amp do you guys use for recording direct?

[hamertek98]

I've heard some mention pods (Line 6?).

[silentman]

Pod works well. I've also used a Sansamp GT2 direct with good results.

[Matt Mattson]

Has anyone used an ART V-3 (that's what the nearest store has). I need to get one today since I'm recording tonight. $90.

This is it:

http://www.kellyindustries.com/microphones...tube_mp_v3.html

[Bass Guy Dave]

I've got a Tech 21 TRIAC with 1/4" out (speaker simulated only) and I've been really pleased with it. Super-easy to program, 3 channel. good clean, GREAT basic Marshall tone and passable Boogie-esque channel. ballpark $175 to $200 range new.

Start with the EQ knobs flat though. A little goes a long way with them, especially when plugged into a pa.

I'll always have one. I use it for all my recording stuff.

Hope it helps.

Best Wishes

[Matt Mattson]

Thanks -- I'm going to write all those down and see what else I can come up with at the store.

[darc]

These days there are a lot of integrated preamp/ interfaces that will accept instrument level inputs. First question is whether your Edirol falls in that camp. If not, than the next question is whether you want to buy a preamp or replace the Edirol. (You said you wanted to do amp simulation "with the computer" which I take literally, as in, you want to run plugins of some kind? The POD is a different approach altogether, in that amp simulation happens outside the PC. There are pros and cons.)

If you want to keep the Edirol you would do well with a little Art tube pre for somewhere around $120. If you'd rather keep the desk tidy, the Presonus Firebox is a nice unit that does mic in (w/ 48v phantom), guitar in, MIDI in, and firewire conversion, all bus-powered. But there's plenty of competition going either way.

Last question is software (unless you do go the POD/ POD competition route.) Have you got anything in mind? Line 6 just announced Gear Box (which incidentally comes bundled with a preamp.) Other options are Amplitube, Waves GTR(?), Revalver, Guitar Rig (also comes w/ a preamp and footcontroller.)

Also, Google Simulanalog and you'll find a suite of free, lightweight plugins which are pretty limited in tweakability but sound pretty sweet.

[Matt Mattson]

Thanks -- I use Logic and Garageband for recording although I have Cubase and Digital Performer also. The two former programs make things so easy I use them. Keyboard I rout through an Edirol UM-550 and guitar goes through the amp to the Edirol UA-20 and in, where I record with no effects. It sounds as if the little V-3 would be a good fast way to get plugged back in. I'm off to buy it.

Thanks all.

[Matt Mattson]

What I got was the ART StudioV3 Tube MP and have done some tracks tonight with it. So far so good -- completely distortion free, no artifacts, and very clean. Thanks for the help.

[darc]

Cool. I'd been eyeing the V3 myself, to front an M-Audio Delta 66. But I decided to replace the latter with a Presonus Firepod - everything I need in one box, helps keep my frustration level down.

[Disturber]

Like some advice. I've been feeding my input from guitar > amp > Edirol Audio Capture > computer and that all worked great until the amp took a dive yesterday and started producing static. What I'd like to do now is go direct: guitar > Edirol Audio Capture > computer and do the amp simulation with the computer. Of course I still need to power the guitar and plug into the capture device: what is a good in/out solution? Make/model?

Thanks

ADRENALINN