SIMPLE Home Recording Question

[rydin4lifebass]

I've been doing some home recording into a Tascam DP-008 and usually just go direct from my bass into the unit. I recently started using the XLR out from my amp (Fender Rumble 350w) into the tascam for a little more tonal variety. I recently added a Zoom B3 into the mix and I'm wondering if I should go:

Bass > Zoom B3 > Tascam (Via XLR or amp out)
OR
Bass > Zoom B3 > Amp > Tascam (via XLR)

I'm leaning toward going into the amp and then out into the Tascam. This allows me to turn the amp up to get a little more volume going into the Tascam. I'm recording over pre-recorded mp3s so I need a good volume going in. Is there any reason not to do this, or a benefit to going from the Zoom direct to the Tascam that I'm not aware of?

 

[hazmatt]

keep in mind on a digital recorder you don't need to maximize your input level like in the olden days of tape recording. if you are hanging around the -20 to -10 db range you are fine because you can always cleanly raise the signal (often easily done with a 'normalize' function) after recording. if you like the preamp & tone coming out of your B3, and since you can already take an XLR out to the tascam, no reason to add the amp to the mix.

 

[franksapene]

Hi guys, I got a zoom B3 and want to record my bass through the B3 directly into a digital recorder (zoom r8). My question is: what output should I use from the b3 to the digital recorder, the xrl or the 1/4 cable?

The extra mile in your answer is: what is the difference between both considering it is going directly to a digital recorder

Thanks!! Frank