Guitar Amp into Tascam 424 - how?

[Renevator]

Ok, I'm already confused.
I've just bought a 424MKII (yet to be delivered).
I've got a Godin LGSP90 and a Marshall MG15DFX, and want to record stuff.
So, I understand I can plug the guitar straight in, but not via the amp. So with the equipment I've got, and without miking the amp, how do I record the sounds created by the amp? Do I just get a DI Box (say Behringer D100 - as I don't have much budget) and put that between the amp & Tascam, or do I just have to wait until I can afford a line 6 pod or similar?
My amp has a "cd in & amulated line out" socket which they claim is suitable for going direct to recorder - but now I'm not so sure?
Do I also need different cables to a std guitar cable?
And anything else I've missed to save blowing the Tascam up!!!
Thanks for your patience with such basic questions

 

[gordone]

Honestly, your best bet is to buy a Shure SM57 (<$100) and mic the amp. If you really can't buy a mic, then then use the line out socket from you amp (make sure it is NOT a speaker out). It won't sound as good as what's coming out of the amp, but you'll get something recorded.

 

[drpfeffer]

I too think that you should consider getting a sm57 for recording your guitar amp, the result is way better than the line out way, heck, you can even use the sm57 as a fairly ok vocal microphone if you get the urge to put a little vocal on your guitar recordings..

But yes, you can simply plug the line out of the marshall to a line input on one of the channels on the tascam..

btw.. have you seen the "unofficial homepage of the tascam 424 on this www..?
https://homerecording.com/tas424.html

 

[daav]

Not sure about the tascam specifically, but also there may be some settings that you can tweak on your line in to let it know you have a line level vs lic level input going in there. I agree with everyone else though, mic the amp unless someone is going to hit you with a bat if you do.

Daav

 

[A Reel Person]

...

Congrats on the 424mkII, it's one of my favorite units!!!

The amp's "Emulated Line Out" (or Line-Out/Pre-Out) should be suitable for plugging into the 424mkII's mixer Mic/Line Input (1/4"). Just adhere strictly to the gain staging of the 424's preamp section, so that your inputs remain safe and there's no undue distortion in the signal chain.

Setting input gain is described in the manual:

1) Start with all faders down to "0", including the Master fader.

2) Start with all Trim controls fully CCW, minimum.

3) Plug the 1/4" cable from your Amp-EMULATED-LINE-OUT to one of the 1/4" Mic/Line inputs on the 424mkII.

4) Raise the Channel fader and the Master fader to about 7~8, the shaded area.

5) While playing the guitar thru the amp, raise the Trim control slowly, by turning it clockwise, until your signal peaks at 0VU, & no more than +3VU. (If 0VU avg. and +3VU peaks cannot be maintained, adjust the gain on the amp accordingly).
~

The "Line Out" signal of an amp should be plug compatible with the "Line In" on the 424mkII, or any other similar Portastudio. The worst thing I've heard of is that the user will inadvertently overdrive the input stage (preamp/Trim) and burn out the 424's inputs, which is something to be cautious of and avoid. That's the only thing to watch out for. Otherwise, I've done tons of guitar recording by plugging from an amp's Line-Out to the 1/4" Inputs on the Porta-, and it's adequate if not stellar sound.

I suggest using a mic on the amp that's simultaneously blended with the line-in signal, to give a great sonic quality boost to the line-in sound.

 

[Renevator]

Many thanks for your advice people. I'll get a mic eventually, as it seems the way to go for best sound.
Thanks Dave - you've put that explanation in language I can understand now - it was also your advice that helped me choose the 424II in the first place.
Cheers - what an incredibly helpfull board this is

Rene

 

[travelin travis]

i used to own a 424mkII. it's a hell of a four track. have fun with it.