Need help recording with direct outputs

[teestone]

I'm running Ableton Live 8 on a Macbook Pro...and still learning everything I might add.

My initial assumption for inputting my guitar was to use the two direct outputs(L and R) on my amplifier into a Saffire LE interface...pretty straight forward.

The problem I'm having is a very low output signal. It's coming through but very low. When I crank up the input gain on the interface to where it gives me a usable signal, there is very loud and irritatingly audible hiss accompanying the guitar sound.

The amplifier is a Rivera S-120 combo amp. It has a stereo effects loop with an adjustable send level and two adjustable return levels. I'm not sure if those levels affect the output level of the direct out. Could these be part of the problem?

Ultimately, the trick is making sure the volume coming from the amp doesn't overpower the sound I have coming out of my studio monitors while still getting a healthy signal to the software.

Any of you savvy guys or gals out there have any ideas on how to fix this??

Please help!

[teestone]

nothing huh?

[Denyle_Guitars]

From the manual, the direct outs are padded down from the speaker outs. The speaker out level is of course controlled by the master volume. If you're recording at very low volume, the direct out will not output a hot signal. You might need to move the speaker into another room or use a dummy load or attenuator.

[teestone]

Originally Posted by Denyle_Guitars

From the manual, the direct outs are padded down from the speaker outs. The speaker out level is of course controlled by the master volume. If you're recording at very low volume, the direct out will not output a hot signal. You might need to move the speaker into another room or use a dummy load or attenuator.

Is there any way to boost the signal by using the computer software? Seems like there should be a way to do it. Just take the weak signal from the amp, send it through the interface and then boost the level in Live 8. Would it still incorporate the hiss?

[teestone]

What if I get a TC Electronics Nova Dynamics pedal? It has dual inputs and outputs. In theory, I could use the dual noise gate feature. From the two direct outputs(L and R), I would send those signals to the Nova Dynamics and then into the Saffire LE interface.

[puls]

Unbalanced signal from the amp into a balanced input on the interface? Unbalanced signals (what comes from your guitar - whether that's what's coming out of your amp I don't know) are lower level then balanced signals. You may need a electronic booster or transformer to get the amp signal up to the propper level your interface wants.

I'm unfamiliar w/ the equipment you're using, but this is a common problem in recording situations.

I'm at work & they're lockin' up, so I gotta go...

jwp

[Denyle_Guitars]

Originally Posted by teestone

Is there any way to boost the signal by using the computer software?

The noise is part of the signal. You can't amplify the good stuff while magically avoiding the noise.

A gate won't work either. It lets everything through, noise and all, above the threshold. Besides, it will f with your tone.

Want a hotter direct out signal? Turn up the volume on the amp. Want a quieter speaker? Use a hot plate.

BTW, balanced vs. unbalanced signals do not determine the signal level. It's a common mistake as the terminology gets so blurred. A +4 dbu signal is still +4 dbu through a balanced or unbalanced cable.

[stevel]

Originally Posted by teestone

I'm running Ableton Live 8 on a Macbook Pro...and still learning everything I might add.

My initial assumption for inputting my guitar was to use the two direct outputs(L and R) on my amplifier into a Saffire LE interface...pretty straight forward.

The problem I'm having is a very low output signal. It's coming through but very low. When I crank up the input gain on the interface to where it gives me a usable signal, there is very loud and irritatingly audible hiss accompanying the guitar sound.

The amplifier is a Rivera S-120 combo amp. It has a stereo effects loop with an adjustable send level and two adjustable return levels. I'm not sure if those levels affect the output level of the direct out. Could these be part of the problem?

Ultimately, the trick is making sure the volume coming from the amp doesn't overpower the sound I have coming out of my studio monitors while still getting a healthy signal to the software.

Any of you savvy guys or gals out there have any ideas on how to fix this??

Please help!

You should be using a microphone for the guitar amp, and closed headphones for monitoring so the mic doesn't pick up what's coming out of your studio monitors.

It's done that way for a reason :-)

Steve