OT: Direct recording with an actual amp

[DaveTV]

Has anybody figured out a decent method for direct recording guitar using an actual amplifier? At home I use an amp modeler for recording directly into my computer's sound card, and it certainly does the trick. I live in a small apartment and being able to record quietly is essential for keeping the peace with my neighbors.

But it sure would be nice to be able to use an actual amplifier for recording once in a while. Especially with some of the pedals I've been building, I'd like to be able to record using them with an actual tube amp as opposed to a digital modeler.

I'm aware of power attenuators like the Hot Plate and Power Brake, but I'm not sure how suitable something like that would be for direct recording, especially without the added benefit of speakers or a cabinet.

As a compromise, I was wondering how using something like a power attenuator with a digital speaker simulator might work. That way I could at least benefit from direct recording with one of my amps, even if it meant having to use a little digital processing to polish things up a little.

Does anybody have any ideas or suggestions? How difficult would it be to build something like a Hot Plate? Are there schematics out there?

[aron]

The closest I ever got was the MASS attenuator to a speaker simulator (either Reb Box or Digital (POD or Plug-in)).

I did a commercial with my Bassman cranked through the thing.

The thing is, the output of a cranked tube amp is pretty buzzy.

It's just not the same.  

[Ansil]

i used my firefly clone(this is some time ago now.) too record into a speaker sim that soemone here put in the schematic section i think . i twas using a small transfoermer and a couple of caps for a direct box..
i used one of those little 10:1 speaker things with aligator clips and a volume pot and a big ass resistor coupled on the speaker..then again you can always build one of these.. or heck you can buy one.. sincei have two.  20$ plus shipping.  you supply your own mike though.

http://www.geocities.com/austenfantanio/deadbox

really quiet.  you can build that speaker sim for a couple of bucks.