Guitar Recording Questions

[PJCruz]

I just had some home studio/guitar recording questions... I'm nearing the final stages of studio setup/prep before I dig in with my recording... here goes..

* Is there any "significant" loss in quality if I run a send from sound card back thru a processor back into the sound card again (i.e. re-amping with a Line 6 POD). Also same for gigasampler taking outputs from sound card to inputs to create sound files. I have a Echo Darla (20 bit), and record at 16 bit, 48k sampling frequency.

* What are the advantages of running TRS plugs for "balanced" lines going into my sound card? Better S/N ratio? Do they hook up like regular 1/4 inch plugs?

* I don't run an outboard processor yet.. would it be advisable to get a compressor to run thru the mixer when I mike my speakers? I'll be miking my speaker cab with an SM57 going into a small Behringer board.

* To use a "expression pedal" with my midi preamp (guitar), can I get a pedal that has only a 1/4 inch jack or do I need to get a Y-cable TRS cable to hook up a "volume" type of pedal. Can I use a Morley volume pedal for expression?

I also have a patchbay to route everything thru.. and am debating SERIOUSLY getting a Mesa Triaxis to add to my rack. I now have a Peavey Rockmaster and a Tubefex going into a Mesa Stereo 20/20 which ROCKS!!!

Thanks.. any other advice you guys have would also rock.

Pete

[Tom Hicks]

Hi PJ

1)Its ok to send the signal back through the AD-DA converters multiple times if you want to without significant degradation from that source.It is more likely your outboard gear will color the sound much more.
2)Balanced lines aren't just plus and minus wires.Its plus,minus and ground;which cancels induced hum and allows much longer cable runs without degradation.
3)Using a compressor during tracking normally accounts for uneven volume levels by a singer or other.A miced guitar cab is unlikely to need it.Besides,provided you dont clip the input (over 0 dB) into the PC, a software compressor will do the job just fine.
4)Get a midi cc (continuous controller) pedal.

Tom