Recording Head Direct and Using Impulses

Well if I use the Instrument input or the line input of my Firepod, doesn't make a big difference when it's my guitar with Emg's that's plugged in, but the difference is bigger, when you plug in a pedal, board or amp, maybe because the signal is stronger.
 
This is the way I record direct with my 6505+...

I plug a lead from the pre-amp out into my interface, and then plug another lead into my FX return, and put a crapload of electrical tape on the other end, and this acts as a load (I still have it plugged into a cab though). Doing it this way mutes the sounds significantly, but you can still hear sound coming out of the cab. I can't remember who let me know you could do it this way (it was someone on this forum I think) but it's been a lot of fun. Search my username and you might find something about this method.