Speaker to Line Level Conversion From a Valve Amp For Adding Colour To mixes

[20to20]

I should be able to run the signal out to the amp and back into the interface.

I would then have to compare the captured mix with the original

The comparing is the issue. Just wondering how you'll do it? Thinking that you'll be monitoring each input via headphones from the 400 and do A/B switching to hear and compare the difference between your source music and the amp return signal. Be careful you don't create feedback if you re-output your return signal back to the amp.

 

[moley]

Yes certainly the comparing could be problematic. But ultimately, its the same I guess with any mix decision you have to make a call which you prefer one way or another, its just a bit easier when its a software plugin. I would monitor with my headphones which I find a little easier when closely inspecting details vs just the speakers.

I'm fairly sure that the Fireface should allow options to do this without feedback but yes certainly it is a consideration.

 

[DF96]

My mention of it being a Hi-Fi amp was more to state that it isn't designed for interfacing with studio equipment having unbalanced connections.

OK. I didn't know that when you said "hi-fi" you actually meant something possibly quite different from 'hi-fi'. Language is like that; we assume that words have meanings.

As for how transparent it is, I love the sound of it and I think that the reason I like it is the feel of a euphoric quality to it. It is really very striking when comparing it with what I consider to be a tonally neutral amp such as my Hypex NCore module which I use for mixing. By comparison I find the NCore a little boring to listen to, it just doesn't grab me in the same way.

Ok, it probably isn't hi-fi. In that case it will affect the sound, and possibly in a way which you will like.

I guess to even say what is or isn't an improvement is also entirely subjective.

It depends on your aim. If it is a more accurate rendition of the original sound (i.e. hi-fi) then improvement is objective - it can be measured (e.g. by seeing how many people can distinguish it from the original sound). If you aim is a pleasing sound then it is subjective.

 

[20to20]

I would monitor with my headphones which I find a little easier when closely inspecting details vs just the speakers.

I'm fairly sure that the Fireface should allow options to do this without feedback but yes certainly it is a consideration.

If the 400 has multiple master/tape outs I guess you could route the signals to a second external amp/speakers, too. If you mixed the source and tube amp you'd probably get some reverb. Or cancellation from phase shift/inversion.

 

[audiowize]

Put an 8 Ohm L-pad at each speaker tap, an 8 Ohm 50W load on each L-pad, then take the signal from there.

This will let you crank the amp but reduce the level before it feeds back into your system.

 

[Wavebourn]

Not all distortion is bad.
Valve type distortion is pleasant to the ear.
Thats why Marshall sell so many guitar amps.

It is not "distortion pleasant to the ear", but some additional character added to dull output from electric guitar pickup, to shape the sound for better expressions of feelings. Adding distortions to mixes adds nothing but extra dirt.