Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Record With a Line 6 Amplifier

Recording with a Line 6 amplifier can be done in several ways, but because of the advanced technologies incorporated into the computer module of the amp, you can record directly from the amp itself without the use of a microphone. This gives you better control of the sound and does not allow the microphone placement or type to color or alter the amp's pure sound. Use the direct out on the back of the amplifier can save you time and allow you to record loud guitars without much volume.

Things You'll Need

  • XLR cable
Show More

Instructions

  1. Direct Recording

    • 1

      Power the Line 6 amplifier on and choose the patch you would like for recording your guitar parts in the studio. All Line 6 amplifiers have the option of saving presets that you can instantly recall using the front panel or an optional foot switch. Line 6 amplifiers have many built-in amp simulators as well as effects of all types, including reverb, delay and octave.

    • 2

      Plug an XLR cable into the direct out located on the back of the amplifier and then into the sound card or mixer you are using to record. This will send the signal to a sound card or mixing board for recording or live shows. The direct out on Line 6 amplifiers also has the option of including a speaker simulator, which will make the sound similar to what it would be if you were using a microphone on a guitar cabinet. The cabinet adds a sound that is pleasing to the ears and simulates what the sound would be like if you were standing in front of the amp.

    • 3

      Set the amp direct out to "Studio." Higher end Line 6 amps can run direct out in "Studio" or "Performance" mode. The "Studio" mode incorporates the use of a cabinet simulator for a realistic live sound that you would only achieve using a microphone. Press the "Presets" button to enter setup mode using the left and right arrows. Use the up and down arrows to get to the "DirOut" menu and set it to "Studio."

    • 4

      Arm the input where the XLR is plugged into to monitor the sound coming from the Line 6 amp. Set the channel gain so that the loudest sounds from the amp peak at about -3db. This will give you the headroom you will need and prevent any unwanted digital clipping. Make any equalization changes at the channel or on the amp before recording.

    • 5

      Press play on the software program to record the guitar track. Since the channel was previously armed, the track will start recording when "Play" is pressed. Monitor the track being recorded, making sure there is no latency and that all monitor levels are satisfactory so that the guitar player can hear what he is playing and the rest of the music that he is playing to that has been previously recorded. Play the track back soloed and with the band to see if any more tweaks are necessary.

+:
+:

Recording Music

Related Categories