Can you re-amp without a re-amping box?

[Erockrazor]

Is it a bad idea to run a line level signal into an amp for re-amping?

I'd record the track to my computer then reamp using the outputs of my interface at line level.

Re-amping sounds like a great idea but I'm not persuaded enough to buy a specific DI for it just yet.

 

[Farview]

It will work, but you will probably end up with noise and level problems.

One of the things that a reamp box does is isolate the output of your daw from the input of the amp. This will get rid of ground loops, etc...

Another thing it does is match the level and imedance to that of a guitar pickup. This makes it so the amp reacts to the signal in the same way it would to a guitar being plugged into it.

In some cases, you can use an effects pedal between the line out and amp input. You will still need to adjust the level.

 

[JuliánFernández]

What´s the difference between a passive or active reamp box?

 

[Farview]

A passive reamp box is just a transformer that will bring a line level signal down to an instrument level signal.

An active reamp box will also have other features that can (possibly) more completely mimic a guitar pickup.

 

[RRuskin]

Is it a bad idea to run a line level signal into an amp for re-amping?

I'd record the track to my computer then reamp using the outputs of my interface at line level.

Re-amping sounds like a great idea but I'm not persuaded enough to buy a specific DI for it just yet.

It will work but you need to try it to see if you like the results. Try every input on your amp for the best level match. If you don't like the way it sounds in either/any of them, try a line level in of an old hi-fi/stereo amp (tube or solid state) and send the/an output to your musical instrument amp's speaker. Let us know how it turns out.

P.S. If using a stereo amp, make sure there is a load on the unused output so you don't cook the output device of that channel