Direct recording basically involves plugging into some sort of interface or desktop
unit that gets your guitar into the computer using a USB or Firewire cable. From then on in, everything such as speaker simulation, amp modelling, eq’s, effects,
compressors is entirely software based in some sort of audio program.




^ Line 6 Tone Port UX2 ^

By plugging straight into an interface, you are removing the need to use an amplifier, and are therefore recording the guitar clean. Recording the guitar clean enables you to add effects later with plug-ins making it easy to edit, and chop and change.

Read more...

Indirect recording is what I would call the “old school” method of actually plugging into a real guitar amplifier, and using a microphone to record the sound. Minimally this method requires an amplifier, microphone, mic-preamp and a converter.

However, a whole heap of other units can be added, for example eq’s, mixers, compressors etc. If you choose to record using this method the signal that travels from your guitar to your computer may follow a path, or chain like this for example:

 

Guitar >  Amplifier >  Microphone >  Mic Pre-Amp >
Compressor >  Converter > Computer

 

To read more about recording using your amplifier click here

 

 
 

Shure SM57 Microphone

One of the most popular professional instrument and vocal microphones of all time.

Its wide frequency response and tight cardioid polar pattern are ideal for close-in miking of amps. Perfect at home or in the
studio too.

Sennheiser E609 Guitar Microphone

The Sennheiser E609 Silver Dynamic Guitar Mic makes getting killer electric guitar sounds in your project studio or onstage a cinch.

Its laterally mounted capsule can get extremely close to the speaker while the super-cardioid pattern provides isolation from other signals.

Specially designed for miking guitar cabs

Line6 Tone Port UX2

The Line6 Tone Port unit is like having a rack of premium tube recording equipment, and a perfectly engineered recording room for guitar and bass thanks to their cab modelling.

The Tone Port interface features the pro amp, cabinet and effects models from the PODxt and Bass PODxt units so you know that’ll you’ll never be lost for sounds.

The included Gear Box software provides an easy to navigate interface for dialling in the perfect tone, and offers 18 models of guitar amps, 24 speaker cab models, and 30 stomp box and studio effects.