US122 and preamps

[utsman]

The Us122 preamps are not great, as many would know. I have heard of people getting preamps to use pre us122 to heat up the signal. Can I use the preamp out on my guitar amp safely- that is without damaging the tascam. This is just for guitar (obviously) . I gave it a try and the sound quality picked up heaps, but I don't wanna damage the tascam.

UTSMAN

[apl]

The preamp out should be line level and the US122 can handle that just fint.

I don't the pres are all that bad in the US122.

[utsman]

Originally Posted by apl

I don't the pres are all that bad in the US122.

Maybe I was being a bit harsh. I like what they do for my vocals and bass, but the guitars sound a bit cold. One thing is for sure they are super clean.

UTSMAN

[apl]

How are you recording guitars?

[utsman]

If I go guitar to effects to Us122 they sound a bit cold, but when I go guitar to effects to guitar amp as pre then US122 they sound heaps better. How do you record guitars?

[apl]

I recorded most of the electric stuff with a Digitech RP50 direct into the line in of the US122. I got a Line 6 Spider II 15 for Christmas '04 and that's on a couple of places, again direct line in. The acoustic is an Alvarez with a Fishman soundhole pickup direct using the instrument setting.

But the Digitech and Line 6 used direct are designed to act as modellers (like a Pod), with cabinet simulation to sound like a miced amp.

But I don't think the average distortion box is made to go direct. What kind of effects were you using?

[guttapercha]

I have always found that an SM57 up against the grille of an amp that sounds good in the room will give pretty nice results. Something about a real speaker in the equation seems to help.