Is This Possible?

[MusicMan7]

I was wondering, is it possible to go from an amp, to an attenuator, to a preamp (JoeMeek 6q) and then into Pro Tools, and then from there to an amp simulator to use for cab and mic modeling (Overloud TH1)? If so is there any particular thing that the attenuator has to have to allow it to send a proper signal? Is there anything extra that would be needed to be added to this signal chain to have it work? Could doing this harm the amp at all? Also has anyone tried doing this, and if so what kind of results have they had? Thanks.

[drbob1]

The attenuator needs a line out (most of the modern ones have this) without cabinet simulation because you'll be adding that later in the chain. Otherwise, dead simple. Oh yeah, if you also run a speaker, don't attenuate too hard as it does change the sound (compressed and "cardboardy" to my ears). If no speaker is possible, us the attenuator on the "dummy speaker" setting. Which attenuator?

It's also possible to build an in-line line level out. The simplest way is to use a direct box with a 20-40 dB pad. Plug the second speaker output from your amp into the direct box with the attenuator engaged and use the output of that into the preamp. If you don't have such a direct box (like the $50 Peavey one ;)) then you can build a cable with a resistor (I think I used about 500 ohms) inline with the hot wire and run that into the preamp. Works fine but you do need the cab simulator in the software to make it complete.

[MusicMan7]

Thanks. So basically, the attenuator needs to have a line out, or if not, you plug the signal from the attenuator into a direct box before going into the preamp?

[hot lava mike]

make sure your attenuator has a dummy load for your amp. Running a tube amp without some type of load (speakers) will destroy it. I think Weber makes one with a line out and dummy load.

[MusicMan7]

Ok, I'll make sure to remember that.

[drbob1]

Do you have an attenuator? If so, which one? Are you trying to record silently or is there going to be a speaker involved, too? It's relevant because some higher gain guitar stuff depends on the interaction between guitar and speaker...