Direct recording through speaker emulator?

[BleedingFingertips]

Hi there,

I'm more or less content with my amp modeler (Line6 HD500) for recording demos and rehearsing. But I think a real tube amp would be better though. My 40w Randall is obviously too loud for recording at home. Randall offers also 1w and 5w heads with a speaker emulating XLR output.

I have the following questions:

1. XLR output into an interface into a PC, is this that simple?
2. No speaker load needed?
3. How would 1w or 5w sound on a record? Any difference to a 20w or 40w heads?

Thanks!

 

[James Rock]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

1. XLR output into an interface into a PC, is this that simple?

Yes and no, generally it should be an XLR output but it might be mic level it might be line level make sure that your interface can drive level and can pad it.

2. No speaker load needed?

You would have to check Randall specs whether it has an internal load, it will definately need a load whether you supply it (via a box or speaker) or the amp has a built in load.

3. How would 1w or 5w sound on a record? Any difference to a 20w or 40w heads?

Depends on what you are after, no 1 watt or 5 watt head is going to sound like a higher wattage head becuase the tubes are different and the output transformers are probably different.

I'd instead get an amp you like (use your 40w Randall if you get the sound you like out of it) and a decent load box (Like a two notes captor) and then use IRs in your recording software. Mooer is coming out with a pedal that loads IRs (you will still need a load though). There are plenty of free IRs and the Ownhammer stuff is awesome and not too expesnive. Nearly all IRs will sound better than an analog emulated out. You could even turn cab modelling on your POD off and use IRs and will probably get a better sound.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

James Rock covered all the essentials.

If you are very used to mic'ing a guitar cabinet, no emulation will give you the same feel and sound but as long as your expectations are properly calibrated you can get surprisingly good results. (Un)fortunately (depending on your point of view) listeners are getting so used to hearing emulations that very few people will notice the difference in your recordings (assuming you are making something for public consumption).

The most important thing is that you are getting your music recorded! All the rest of it is in fact a lengthy distraction that will keep one from ever finishing. Building a better mousetrap is rarely a path to creative freedom but new sounds and methods can sometimes be inspiring. Enjoy the journey but don't get too hung up on it is my advice, I suppose.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

The Randall RD1 and 5 (not sure about the bigger ones) have an internal dummy load, so you don't need a speaker connected if you're doing silent recording. Their emulated line out also sounds pretty decent.

That being said, though, it's something that sounds decent for demos, but not something I'd use on a record. For that, the FX Send into your interface into some EQ and an impulse sounds A LOT better.

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

@James Rock

I see, thanks. Of course I can get the tones I want from my 40w Randall and I'm aware of power attenuators and stuff like that. However, they cost roughly the same as a new low watt amp with speaker emulation. So I'm kinda torn between these two options. Although now I think that my powerful amp plus Two Notes Captor (is it a combination of Redbox and power soak?) would be a better solution, since it at least has two channels. Not only one with dirt on RD1 and RD5.

Do I still need cab modelling if my amp is a combo?

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

The Randall RD1 and 5 (not sure about the bigger ones) have an internal dummy load, so you don't need a speaker connected if you're doing silent recording. Their emulated line out also sounds pretty decent.

That being said, though, it's something that sounds decent for demos, but not something I'd use on a record. For that, the FX Send into your interface into some EQ and an impulse sounds A LOT better.

Cool about the dummy load! :naughty:

I might have serious knowledge gaps in recording but do you suggest to use the FX loop for it? Or did I misread you?

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

James Rock covered all the essentials.

If you are very used to mic'ing a guitar cabinet, no emulation will give you the same feel and sound but as long as your expectations are properly calibrated you can get surprisingly good results.

No, I'm not used to it. Because I don't want to make a lot of noise. What set-up would you recommend for recording at home taking in consideration neighbours? For instance, would it be an option to use a power attenuator and microphone the output? Or would be better to have a small amp and a small speaker and to mike it as it is?

 

[DankStar]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

2 cents - I'd spend time dialing in the line 6, with the help of online critique. You've got a great solution to your desire already.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

No, I'm not used to it. Because I don't want to make a lot of noise. What set-up would you recommend for recording at home taking in consideration neighbours? For instance, would it be an option to use a power attenuator and microphone the output? Or would be better to have a small amp and a small speaker and to mike it as it is?

I am in the same boat!

What I do is record DI straight into my interface using amp sims so my only concern is getting the performance right.

Then I reamp the DI tracks later, when I am wearing my Engineer hat.

I reamp using live amps and cabs in a closet with lots of treatment. If I already owned an amp, like you do, I would go head > load box > interface and add Ownhammer IRs and other effects later in the process.

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

I am in the same boat!

What I do is record DI straight into my interface using amp sims so my only concern is getting the performance right.

Then I reamp the DI tracks later, when I am wearing my Engineer hat.

I reamp using live amps and cabs in a closet with lots of treatment. If I already owned an amp, like you do, I would go head > load box > interface and add Ownhammer IRs and other effects later in the process.

Reamping sound like too much tone science to me

I think I will definitely buy a loadbox because with 40w I can also use it on stage regardless of home recording.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

Ha, I hear ya.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

Cool about the dummy load! :naughty:

I might have serious knowledge gaps in recording but do you suggest to use the FX loop for it? Or did I misread you?

Yes. The FX loop send has no speaker emulation, but if you use a digital speaker emulation (impulse response), it sounds a lot more authentic than the OK-sounding line out.

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

Yes. The FX loop send has no speaker emulation, but if you use a digital speaker emulation (impulse response), it sounds a lot more authentic than the OK-sounding line out.

Oh, thanks. That's another option. Now I have the agony of choice well, better that not knowing what there is.

 

[BleedingFingertips]

Re: Direct recording through speaker emulator?

@all

Thank you for your replies. I'm looking forward to trying them sometime!