question on signal splitting

[mbuono]

I want to be able to send the guitar signal to the direct box and into pro tools, as well as into an amp that's mic'd. My amps do not have direct outputs on them, so how would you suggest doing it? Getting a simple y splitting cable would work, but is that a professional apporach, and does that add too much noise? Do direct boxes allow a signal to be sent to the quarter inch out (to the amp) as well as xlr out to me preamp??

thanks

[JFreak]

direct boxes have parallel 1/4 out so yes, it has been designed to work in such a way that you plug your guitar to the direct box, and your direct box to the amp (1/4 plug) and console (xlr plug).

you'd need the y-cable only if you need to get the instrument-level signal to the console, before it goes to the direct box. this will of course change the instrument-level signal's impendance, so there will be slight change on sound, but this is more like a mathematical fact and not a problem in real life.

the way i do it is: 1) a great guitar player playing a great guitar that is in great tune, 2) using a great amp that is in a great room, 3) miced with a great mic in a great position... you get the picture sometimes i take the direct, too, as a backup, if i'm not 100% satisfied with the acoustic sound (of the guitar/amp/room combination). sometimes the direct sound is useful, but most often not. if the acoustic sound is a killer, then it's best to record with a mic or two. sometimes it's the room mic that does the magic.