Attenuators and DI question

[drjenkins]

So I finally got a decent interface to record with into my computer (Fire Studio Mobile). I've been screwing around with software modelers like Guitar Rig and such, but I really want to use my VHT since it gets "my sound". Plus, I invested way too much money into it to not record with it. My playroom is right next to my daughter's bedroom, so I have to keep it quiet because I usually don't get any time to record until after she's in bed. I've been looking at the Weber stuff and have been pretty impressed with what I've seen, especially since they can be used as a load too. I also looked at the Radial JDX box and it sounds pretty cool too. I could maybe record at a more manageable volume with that.

So my question to you guys is, are there any other attenuators or DI's with a load that I need to look at? Or do you have any other suggestions for me to accomplish what I'm looking for? I'm trying to keep it at or below $300.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Are you able to turn the amp up loud anytime when the daughter is not in bed? Reason I ask is that you can take a DI of your guitar or amp and send it to the amp or cabinet later by reamping. This allows you to nail down the performance quietly using headphones or computer speakers. Once you've got that you can reamp it and nail down the tone. If this seems like something you are interested in and not so much an attenuator, then look up the Countryman Type 85. It's an active direct box with inputs for guitar and amp and can handle speaker outs for amp wattages up to 1750w.

It's a different approach.

 

[Rogue]

You are wanting to record direct with your amp silent? That's not easy...well, it's not easy to get a good tone, that is. I'm not sure the radial box you mentioned is a load box for that purpose.

For under three hundred, you can find a weber attenuator or a used THD, set them to load and use the line out into your interface. You'll have to have a convolution plug in (there are free ones) and some impulse responses of speakers and mics. The Red Wires IRs are excellent and cheap if you only buy a few of them. This method will work, but the tone is takes a hit. It'll do for practicing and writing and you can later mic your cab for any final recordings. However, these attenuators are not a reactive load and that is why the signal to the DAW isn't as good as it could be.

In order to get a better signal to the DAW, you need a reactive load that accurately mimics the load of a speaker. I don't know what devices do this. However, I've heard good things from Sequis Motherload Elemental. The Palmer isn't bad either. There are some more speaker emulators out there as well. These are not cheap though, but will probably get you the best direct recorded tone to your DAW with no volume coming from you speaker cabinet.

 

[Ricky Rockhardo]

The newer Weber attenuators are reactive, not resistive so in principle they may preserve your tone better than a Hot Plate. On the flipside, Weber's line out is not a good as a Hot plate. My best solution to silent recording has been amp-->load with direct out---> impulses.

Having the power section running gives the recordings more presence, in comparison to running the FX out of your amp to impulses.

I think a loaded down amp still sounds a little more natural than most software out their, save Axe FX.