Tracking with USB Interface

[Fael]

I've got a Tascam US122L USB interface and I've noticed that my guitar tracks are always clipping. The problem is, with a very slight turn on the volume knob, I go from "kinda quiet" to "clipping like fuck".

Which option is preferable:
a) recording the guitar track at almost clipping (or completely clipping) volume levels and then turn down the volume on the amp sim VST; or
b) record at quiet levels and turn up the volume on the amp sim VST?

I guess this is a stupid question, maybe, but I really don't know the answer. Thanks to anyone that can help me.

 

[BLUElightCory]

Track at quieter levels.

 

[RaDiKaL]

You mean that the channel is clipping or that the recorded DI is clipped?

 

[Fael]

You mean that the channel is clipping or that the recorded DI is clipped?

Both. I guess the answer was pretty obvious (recording at quieter levels) but with this stuff, you never know...