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Ok so a 750W amp head does NOT count as a preamp for a signal?

Damani311

Damani311

Sep 30, 2006
552
33
Asheville, North Carolina
#1
Sorry if I'm being a pain in the ass with all these question, I just keep learning something new every time i make a post.....I guess that's the point.

Anyway I have been told that I don't have a preamp....for some reason I thought the 750W amp that accepts the signal from my bass and then spits it out via XLR to the computer would accomplish this, but am I correct to now hear that I need a preamp box as well (like an M-Audio)....now if this is the case, what is the benefit of even running the signal to the amp first? Just to add the coloring of the amplified sound? Sorry if I sound confused, I"m getting there :)
 
#2
Is it a DI output on your amplifier? If so, then you can usually chose (pre/post switch) if you want your amplifiers preamp section to be colouring the signal going out, and you shouldnt have any problems recording that to PC.

If you want any decent recordings your going to need an interface, is that what you are meaning by preamp box?
 
#6
Damani311 said:
the DI I use is the amps XLR out, running it to my computer. But it sounds very tinny, so I think I need more amplification
Click to expand...
If your goal is to record direct to your PC then you don't need ANY amplification, at least not of the power amp variety. What you need is either a dedicated preamp, or a preamp/modeler like a POD, V-AMP, SansAmp, etc.
 
#13
lemur821 said:
I wanted to clarify the meaning of "interface". :) You said, "You want an interface to get decent sound." Well, he already has one of those. It's just lousy.
Click to expand...

Ok ok, so i meant a breakout box style thingy :p

Damani311 said:
Ok so I buy a Firebox and a firewire PCI card, at that point would I still be looking to buy a new soundcard (to replace the onboard sound I'm using) or would it be good enough.

Also what is a VST plugin?

I'm so noob ;)
Click to expand...

If you were to get a unit like the Firebox, you wouldnt need to replace the other soundcard (for recording anyway). recording interfaces like the presonus and m-audio ones are just really good quality soundcards with preamps.

When buying a firewire card, try to buy one with a Texas Instruments (TI) chip. Most firewire cards will work fine, but the TI chip is highly regarded as one of the bext (if not the best) you can get.
 
#15
Damani311 said:
Yes that's what I meant by preamp, don't all interfaces have a small preamp in them though? Thanks
Click to expand...
Nope. It varies widely by the interface. Some you'll get 2 channels with no preamps, some you'll get 8 channels with 8 preamps, some you get 8 channels with 4 preamps, etc.. You have to read the specs on the interface and figure out what you're getting.

Whether you run direct into an interface (with a pre) or you run through your head and DI out to an interface (with a pre), depends on which sound you like better. Both ways are right. You definitely need a pre though.

If you want a nice pre to run into check out the GT brick.
 

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