Directly record from a guitar preamp? help!

Karura · 3rd August 2011

Okay, recording dummy here.

I have a Mako Mak4 preamp, that I was planning to connect to a poweramp and cab, then mic/record it with sm57s; however, I was wondering if it was possible to record directly from the Mak4?

So something like Guitar -> Mak4 -> ... then what?

I don't need a hi-z input right? Because that is only if I were to use a mic-pre to record the guitar. So basically do I just connect the Mak4 to a Duet 2's input or something? What are some ways to set this up?

Will this sound good and more organic than using a mic-pre -> Guitar rig?

I will have to run cab simulation once the signal is in, because I only have a preamp right?

I apologize for my dumb question, but I'm completely new and I need a lengthy response to explain everything so I hope someone will help me. Thanks in advance!

crissmichaels · 8th August 2011

You'll have to run amp modeling as well, since you're running through a preamp only. If you use Guitar Rig, see if you can disable the preamp on it. If not, then bring the amp gain down.

parlopower · 9th August 2011

You don't need a Hi-Z input, your preamp out is probably line level. So go from the pre into a line in of your audio interface. In your DAW, you will need a sim for power amp, cab and mic. My suggestion therefore: Look into the Two Notes Torpedo PI-101. It's a plugin that emulates power amp, speaker and mic. It sounds great. You can try the free PI-Free with the full feature set for unlimited time, only restriction is it comes only with one Marshall 4*12 cab and one mc (SM57). If you like it, the full version PI-101 costs 240 Euro including an iLok2.
That's definitely what I would get if I was you.

col · 10th August 2011

I'd suggest using impulses for cab simulation. There are a ton of free ones floating around.

Here are a few freebies that I made

Check out Lepou Lecab or keFir for impulse loader vst's. (They only work with pc's afaik though).

Here's a sound sample someone made with their Mak4 by using my impulses:
http://netmusicians.org/?section=id&value=11373

3rd August 2011	#1
Karura Gear interested Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 19 Thread Starter	Directly record from a guitar preamp? help! Okay, recording dummy here. I have a Mako Mak4 preamp, that I was planning to connect to a poweramp and cab, then mic/record it with sm57s; however, I was wondering if it was possible to record directly from the Mak4? So something like Guitar -> Mak4 -> ... then what? I don't need a hi-z input right? Because that is only if I were to use a mic-pre to record the guitar. So basically do I just connect the Mak4 to a Duet 2's input or something? What are some ways to set this up? Will this sound good and more organic than using a mic-pre -> Guitar rig? I will have to run cab simulation once the signal is in, because I only have a preamp right? I apologize for my dumb question, but I'm completely new and I need a lengthy response to explain everything so I hope someone will help me. Thanks in advance!

8th August 2011	#2
crissmichaels Gear maniac Joined: Aug 2011 Location: Here, where the voices have some awesome ideas... Posts: 162 2 Reviews written	You'll have to run amp modeling as well, since you're running through a preamp only. If you use Guitar Rig, see if you can disable the preamp on it. If not, then bring the amp gain down. __________________ Is that a high-z input on your face or are you just happy to compress me? http://soundcloud.com/double-indemnity/knives-and-pens-instrumental

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9th August 2011	#3
parlopower Gear maniac Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 154 1 Review written	You don't need a Hi-Z input, your preamp out is probably line level. So go from the pre into a line in of your audio interface. In your DAW, you will need a sim for power amp, cab and mic. My suggestion therefore: Look into the Two Notes Torpedo PI-101. It's a plugin that emulates power amp, speaker and mic. It sounds great. You can try the free PI-Free with the full feature set for unlimited time, only restriction is it comes only with one Marshall 4*12 cab and one mc (SM57). If you like it, the full version PI-101 costs 240 Euro including an iLok2. That's definitely what I would get if I was you.

10th August 2011	#4
col Gear nut Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 80	I'd suggest using impulses for cab simulation. There are a ton of free ones floating around. Here are a few freebies that I made Check out Lepou Lecab or keFir for impulse loader vst's. (They only work with pc's afaik though). Here's a sound sample someone made with their Mak4 by using my impulses: http://netmusicians.org/?section=id&value=11373