Effects loop send ---> 4-track

hugh · Post by **hugh** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:04 am

This is probably a dumb question, but here goes anyways.

I've just gotten a box of 100 audio tapes, and a better 4-track. I usually just plug the guitar straight into the 4-track, but now have a decent amp.

Is it okay to just plug the effects send straight to the 4 track? It shouldn't damage the amp right?

Johno · Post by **Johno** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 1:29 pm

It won't damage the amp, just remember to check the levels on the 4 track. You'd get better results if you mic the amp up though.

hugh · Post by **hugh** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:51 pm

Cool, thanks for that. I'm new to tube amps, and the fact that there needs to be a load connected, bla bla bla.

I don't own a mic at the moment and like the idea of being able to play with headphones on late at night.

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 1:48 am

yeah, there's no load that needs to be connected at the effects loop. what you're doing here is using the effects loop as a line out. usually this sounds very bad. this is because the speaker itself is one of the most important parts of an electric guitars sound. it rolls off all this really nasty fizzy distortion.

if you want to record clean, the effects loop/line out method could work but you really don't need to even use an amp for that. just a direct box.

hugh · Post by **hugh** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 2:09 pm

hmmm. Time to man up and get a cheap mic. Or a sansamp. Cheers for the replies.

James · Post by **James** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 2:14 pm

Get a mic. Definitely worth it and a cheap dynamic will do you fine.