an amp's direct output

[KingstonRock]

If i were to use a bass amps direct output, could i connect it straight into my souncard which has balanced inputs. The only reason im asking instead of just trying it is i dont have the cable, xlr(the amps output) - 1/4, or the amp yet.

 

[Tom Hicks]

You can...but you'd get a better tone just going direct or that in combination with the miced cabinet.Amp line outs have processed the signal but don't let the speaker do its thing interacting with the air of the room,so it ends up sounding a bit "off" that way.

 

[AlChuck]

Just to be clear on terminology, when you say "direct output" you mean the so-called direct recording or direct injection output (essentially the output of the preamp, at line level), and not the speaker output, right???

 

[Tom Hicks]

What Alchuck is implying is to be sure NOT to use the speaker outs because...
1)a tube amp with no load will screw up the transformer
2) too much voltage for the soundcard input will fry it

A transister amp can be run sans speakers ok but still don't hook it up to a PC for reason #2 above.

 

[KingstonRock]

No its not the speaker out, its a specific recording output, but thank you for the advice