Is a Multi-Effects Pedal a DI? Is it an Interface?

[Strangedogs]

OK - so I've been using a Korg Toneworks AX5G directly into my IMac's LINE IN. So it's :

GUITAR->TONEWORKS->MAC

I usually just go Direct With a 1/4" -> 1/8" mini adapter from my Ax to my Mac - actually sounds great using Overloud's TH1.1 (my newest purchase and I highly recommend EVERYONE try out the demo), GR 3, Amplitube's, etc. Also sounds great with Guitar Amp Pro and Garagebands new Amps. I have a Presounus Inspire I also use sometimes (Firewire - nice) - but my question is: Is my Toneworks an ACTUAL DI? I tweaked up the LINE presets (not AMP Presets - LINE is for going direct w/cabs simulated) - actually removed the cabs and used REAL CAB Impulse Responses with Space Designer too and it's FAT SOUNDING - FAT AND RIGHT

But is it an actual DI or interface - does a M.E. Pedal have A/D converters. etc., is it THE SAME AS A DI? It doesn't have any USB - just input and output - I always have used it with my amps. It has an expression pedal, etc and I can usually set up new presets like CLEAN - CRUNCHY - INSANE - all next to each other and then just click 1 or 2 times for Rhythm, Lead, etc.

I'm using it but wonder if it needs to actually go through an INTERFACE to have A/D features (without having to use processor and ram to do the conversions). I have ZERO latency issues - but then on my Mac's I never do - it's my Vista PC that has issues and I have to resort to ASIO4ALL, etc. Mac's are so nice concerning Latency (Core Audio RulZ)

[jdbunda]

The simple answer to the question I think you are asking is no.

Technically, the Toneworks IS a digital interface, because it has internal DACs that digitize the incoming analog signal, add effects and such. But, if you are using a line out signal, this is analog, so there is another DAC in the Toneworks to generate that. You are then taking that line level analog to the Mac line in, where the Mac's internal soudcard DAC is taking it back to digital for recording.

Your latency should still be ok, since that conversion is done by hardware chips, not software, and it won't take any more RAM than simple analog recording would. The only time latency becomes a real issue is when you are using effects/modeling/VST/plugins in your DAW software.

As for quality, that of course depends on the intended use of recording. There are inherent losses if you are doing an "unnecessary" D->A->D in your recording loop, and that may be okay/acceptable for demos and fun recording, but if you start to get Real Serious I suspect you will eventually want to go a different route.

[Strangedogs]

yeah it's a bit digital but I'm hooking up my Art Tube Preamp in-line and gettin' ready to run LINE OUT on my Mac into a sweet old tube amp (my Avatar) - have 3 small tubers so I'm gonna try a few - then into my OLD BIG Roland DAC amp after that cause it sounds amazing with modelers. It has the loudest clean (crack the windows loud) and it stays GLASSY CLEAN turned up too... The experiments will continue... I actually have 2 Fender Frontman 15R's (got em both for peanuts) that I use for computer speakers at times (when I wanna crank) - the Fender Reverb in them is actually pretty kewl even on the little Frontman and set em clean and modelers sound pretty good through em - can acually simulate stereo delay too.

[jdbunda]

I have run my Hotrod Deville like this, and while it produces some great guitar sounds, it's less than ideal as a monitor, especially when you start adding other instruments. Building a guitar rig and recording platform are quite different undertakings, but if it suits your purposes, that's cool.