Marshal Line out or Microphone???

[Nik Morris]

Hmmmmm, I wonder,
I will soon be getting a new Tascam 424 MK III, I will use it for recording my band, I need to know if it is better to plug the line out on my Marshall into the Tascam, or to mic up the amp.

Before I have been using the Line in on my PC for recording, and then it was fine plugging the marshall straight in, but the signal was very low, I think this might be because the line out on the Marshall is Mono, but I'm not sure.

On my friends MD multitrack I have plugged amps straight in too. Is this the best way to get good results when recording a band, my only worry about using a mic is the unwanted noise.
Thanks in advance if you can help please

 

[Spider]

when u say unwanted noise , how much are we talking about ?
stage noise? or from a live room ?? the live room can be manipulated to suit the set (like foam like foam or solid shields surrounding the amp) .. But i definetly think miking is the way to go .. Besides , it sounds like you would rather the recordings louder??..
I havent used any of the gear your using but if the tascam doesnt have preamps u could look at a small mixer or preamp , i hear the joe meeks are good..
So how were you recording using your pc?? good results ??
Any unwanted noise should be traced to the source .. eliminate problematic areas one by one before you find that lead , or effects unit , ..etc.. thats making that hissing noise...
anyway goodluck...
spider

 

[Hard2Hear]

I used a 424 mk2 for a while. Definately use a mic on your amp. I always put the mic about 3-4" from the speaker that I think sounds best and crank it up. I tried recording direct a few times with different amps and I never liked the sound. With a decent mic up close at a good level, you won't have to worry about too much noise from the mic itself. And the mic inputs on the mk2 were ok. Not great, but they got the job done till I started using my PC for recording. I agree with Spider, if you can get a preamp and run it into the mixer do it. I would usually use an Art TubePAC into my 424.

 

[happy hour]

I would definately go with the mic approach, i have done some recording with the line out from amps and ive never heard one that sounds good... of course if you want to go a step further you could get a Line 6 Pod, I've got one and it is absolutely outstanding. (www.line6.com). Good luck with your recording!

 

[Jon X]

Another vote for the mic. The POD is nice too, but doesn't truly compare to a good mic/amp/placement combination.