Re-amping Explained

Re-Amping is a technique used by recording and mixing engineers to process recorded audio with analog hardware specifically guitar equipment.
In our direct box basics article we explained the use of a direct box in the studio, a re-amp box is used to take that clean direct guitar or bass signal and run it into a guitar amp if needed later on in the production process.
See all DI and Re-Amp boxes at Revolution Audio

What does a re-amp box do?
It is often said that a re-amp box is just passive DI box in reverse, which is untrue. A DI box converts a high impedance, unbalanced instrument level signal to a low impedance, balanced mic level signal. A re-amp box converts a low impedance, balanced line level signal to high impedance, unbalanced instrument level signal.

The goal of the re-amp box is to make the amplifier react in exactly the same way a live guitar would, but with a pre-recorded audio source. Without the re-amp box there will be an impedance mismatch and loss of tone. Hearing your guitar rig play itself can take some getting used to!

How to?

Once you have the clean DI recorded, set the track's output to analog out 3 of your interface (you will need an interface with more than just monitor outputs). No other tracks should be set to this output.  Connect output 3 of the interface to the Re-Amp box with a TRS to XLR-M cable. Connect the Re-Amp to your pedals or amplifier with a standard instrument cable. Check that you are getting a good signal to the amplifier, adjust the output level to match a live guitar input.
If the signal is noisy, try the ground lift switch.
Record the amplifier as normal with one or more microphones.
Double check your routing to prevent feedback.

Why Re-amp?
The decision to re-amp could be for a number of reasons:

• Convenience - You may like to write and record guitar parts at 3 AM but your neighbours don't just don't understand. Record with an amp simulator silently and re-amp through your big rig later.
• Budget - There are many professionals with big amp collections offering a Re-amping services for much less than the cost of even renting the amp of your dreams.
• Experimentation - After you've got the perfect take captured you can experiment with different amp, cab, mic and positions as much as you like.
• Plan B - All too often we are rushed in the studio, it's easy to make a mistake with mic position or perhaps just a bit too much overdrive than we'd like. If the performance is fine we just have to tweak the amp.

For best results
While there are many fancy direct boxes, if you are planning on re-amping you will likely find the best results are achieved through the simplest direct capture. A Tube DI or Tube preamp may be too colored and change the sound of your amp. Warming up the sound of the mic on the amp, rather than the DI is the better option. Feel free to experiment of course.

Usually the signal you send to the amplifier will be completely unprocessed, however you may wish to experiment with gating, light compression, and EQ.

Much like the way your guitar volume affects the character of the amp, sending the right level out of your DAW can be critical.

Options
The Canadian company Radial Engineering offers several Re-Amp devices for home and professional studios:
Radial REAMP JCR $199.99
Radial X-Amp Active Re-Amp $199.99
Radial ProRMP $119.99
Radial Re-Amping Kit (includes X-Amp and J48 active DI)

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Radial Re-Amping Kit

 Radial Re-Amping Kit
Re-amping kit contains J48 and X-Amp in rugged case. PSU included
Find out more | Radial Re-Amping Kit

Radial J48
The Radial J48 is a great sounding active direct box that has been optimized to produce maximum headroom while working within the limited current available from standard 48V phantom power. By employing a unique switching power supply, the J48 is capable of peak transients to 9 volts without choking. The result is lower harmonic distortion, half the inter-modulation distortion and significantly improved dynamics over other DIs.

Features include a -15dB pad, 180º polarity reverse, a unique merge function to mix two signals to mono, an 80Hz high-pass rumble filter, and ground lift. Like all Radial products, the J48 is built to handle the abuse on the road and features a unique welded I-beam construction for years of trouble free performance.

Radial X-Amp
The Radial X-Amp is an active re-amping device that presents the engineer / producer with a new and innovative creative tool that allows a pre-recorded track from a line level device to drive two guitar amplifiers or effect pedals simultaneously. This opens the door to explore new musical sounds and spur on the creative process.

Features include balanced line level input with LED peak indicator and level control, Class-A circuit topology for optimal reach and frequency response, direct and isolated guitar amplifier outputs, 180º polarity reverse to bring both amps into phase, and dual ground lift options for noise-free operation.

Buy Radial Re-Amping Kit at Revolution Audio

Featured Equipment Of The Week: Radial ProRMP passive reamp

Radial ProRMP
Re-amping has been the 'secret weapon' for countless recordings by the biggest names in the business and the process is often used on guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion and even voice to create new textures! The Radial ProRMP is a 100% passive re-amplifier that lets you to take a pre-recorded track and re-amplify it through a guitar amp or effects pedals to create new and exciting tones.
Plug and play easy to use, the ProRMP connects from the recorder to your amp and effects units and does all the impedance matching for you. Just adjust the level to suit!

Find out more | Radial ProRMP

TOP FEATURES

Play prerecorded tracks through amps and pedals

Opens the door to creative new tones and textures

Eliminates repetitive playing during recording

On board level control for fine tuning the gain

Transformer isolated to eliminate buzz and hum

See all the details and buy Radial ProRMP at Revolution Audio