Using a real head + cab emulation software w/impulses (question)

[Proggm]

There’s something I’ve never tried: Using a real amp head (5150, recto, krank rev, whatever) and then sending the output signal directly to the audio interface.
What I think that would be a problem is the output power (probably too much for an interface) – how can you deal with that? I’m not really sure about this, but surely you guys know better. What I do know is that the Peavey 6505+ has a preamp out (line level), but not sure about others.

Any help is appreciated

 

[Melodeath]

I believe you need a dummy load, or a THD Hotplate

 

[Kazrog]

Use the search, but yes, you need a dummy load box, such as the THD Hot Plate. Otherwise you will fry your amp and your computer.

 

[bibz]

My jsx has a line output with a volume knob, keeps the noise down aslong as your not cranking it into a speaker cab. I'd be extra wary in hooking everything up though, and you still need a speaker connected! Good for live monitoring anyway.

 

[gorath23]

You can run the Engl Fireball in standby and record just the preamp out (FX Send). Only amp I've heard that can do this though.

 

[Proggm]

As for the THD Hot Plate, what version would fit best for this task? I’m not sure about the impedance of the head’s output (truth is that I’ve never owned a head).

 

[if6was9]

why not just hook it up to a guitar speaker cab anyway and either keep the master at 0 or really low so you hear it a little?
Use either the line/pre amp out it it has one, if it doesn't use the effects loop send and record that. Safe as houses and quiet as you want it to be.

Don't record the speaker output- there was a thread on this a week or 2 ago too, thats not what people record when they use impulses, the impulses made on here almost always also model the power amp stage too

 

[Kazrog]

If you don't own a head, I recommend getting an ENGL e530 tube preamp. See the link in my signature. This way you can get real tube tone into impulses without the hassle of dealing with a power section. I don't even own a tube head anymore now that I have it, because I don't need one.

Through impulses the tone is very similar to an ENGL Fireball or Blackmore, somewhere in between perhaps. Check out some recent clips I made here, using impulses I made from my Mesa 4x12 cab as well as GuitarHack impulses for comparison:

http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/7395091-post24.html