symphonic7 wrote: How's it going?
Guitar stomp boxes are designed for...guitars.
But I'd like to experiment with sending hotter signals into these devices,
like the outputs from my synths, and I'd also like to try
taking the audio from my DAW (MOTU 828) and feeding it into
my effects pedals that go into my guitar's amp.

Is this a bad idea? Electronically impossible? What can you tell me?

It will work if you keep the levels right. You also need to deal with balanced outputs correctly. I like to use a valve (tube) output transformer from an old 10W push-pull amp to isolate, reduce and unbalance a balanced signal to feed the front of some unlikely piece of gear.

symphonic7 wrote: If possible, I'd like to build my own basic interface, with a mono phono plug and phono jack. I'd like to have two potentiometers, to trim down a wide variety of input signals- one pot for basic signal control and one for fine tuning.

What resistance range should these pots be?

Not critical, 10K would do fine. You won't need two pots.

symphonic7 wrote: Is there such a device already on the market?

You may find attenuators, but don't be tempted by the headphone volume controls from the likes of Maplin, Tandy or RadioShack.

symphonic7 wrote: Ive been fiddling around with recording (home) music , since the early 70's. I've learned a lot in the last ten years, reading the recording audio pro newsgroup a lot. ...I still have a lot to learn.

My musical gadgets include Sonar 6, Cool Edit 2000, Final Cut Pro 3, DVD Studio Pro, XP platform, Kontakt 2, UA 2-610, MOTU 828, Fender Jazz bass, Washburn RR, Samick TV Twenty, Korg Z1, Nord Modular Micro, Quadrasynth Plus, Roland M-OC1, Marshall JCM 2000, Peavey Classic 30, Spaun drums, and semi cheap mics, like a Rode NTK, Oktavias, and a Beta 52, and 74 different cables. My monitors are cheap- Event 20/20s. Yes, I need more preamps, better monitors, a good outboard compressor, etc.

I'm interested in producing 'soundtrack' music, compositions for chamber music, jazz bands, and my own brand of 'experimental' music.
I like some John Adams, Elfman, Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Steely Dan, Christian Scott, Wayne Shorter, Download, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Dean Martin and Sinatra. So go figure. Hey, good to be here. -Doug

Good luck! Maybe post clips from some of your results on this forum?

Boswell's advice is good and solid. I'd likely be to lazy to spend all that time and effort to go though all that and would be looking at using a reamp DI box that is meant to take balanced signals and route them to guitar amps. I would expect it would work for guitar effects pedals inputs as well.

Thanks for the advice. and sure, I'll post some mp3's as soon as I get my bedroom studio back together.

I did some surfing and found this. Is it a good choice?:

Whirlwind EDB1

An economy direct box offering rugged construction while maintaining exceptional sound quality.

Features include:

* 1/4" In and Through jacks
* XLR output
* Pad switch for connection to "hot" signal sources
* Ground Lift switch to help isolate hum and buzz
* Metal construction and quality transformer
* Superb sound quality

Model # - EDB1
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change: -20dB (input to output, pad switch set to zero dB)
Pad: 3 position, provides 0dB, -20dB, -40dB additional attenuation

I use pedals as inserts all the time. You can get some pretty cool effects.

Here's the specific chain I was referring to :

DAW > D/A converter > IMPEDANCE BOX > stomp box > guitar amp/speaker> mic > mic preamp, etc.

A line signal is a line signal, so yes you can distort the input to the stomp box. But sometimes that sounds good. ;->

symphonic7 wrote: I did some surfing and found this. Is it a good choice?: Whirlwind EDB1
An economy direct box offering rugged construction while maintaining exceptional sound quality. Features include:

* 1/4" In and Through jacks
* XLR output
* Pad switch for connection to "hot" signal sources
* Ground Lift switch to help isolate hum and buzz
* Metal construction and quality transformer
* Superb sound quality

Model # - EDB1
Impedance Ratio (input to output): 133:1
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Level Change: -20dB (input to output, pad switch set to zero dB)
Pad: 3 position, provides 0dB, -20dB, -40dB additional attenuation

Here's the specific chain I was referring to :
DAW > D/A converter > IMPEDANCE BOX > stomp box > guitar amp/speaker> mic > mic preamp, etc.

Not really. DI boxes are mostly the wrong way round for what you want - they convert a single-ended high-impedance input (e.g. guitar pickup) to a low impedance balanced output. A re-amping box may possibly work for you, but you still need something that will deal with the (assumed) balanced outputs of your D-A converter.

You could try one of those cheap XLR in-line unbalanced-balanced transformers, but used backwards, i.e. in at the balanced end and out at the unbalanced, and then feed a DI box acting as an attenuator. Not ideal, because you have then to take only half the balanced out from the DI into your stomp box. If you can find a passive transformer-based DI box with switchable attenuator (EMO is one manufacturer), then you may be getting close, since the output of those can be floated from ground.

Tchad Blake's stuff wouldn't be the same without the Sansamp Classic. I know for a fact he uses it on snare.

I wasn't talking about recording instruments directly into a preamp with
a direct box.

symphonic7 wrote: I wasn't talking about recording instruments directly into a preamp with
a direct box.

Neither was I. He uses a Sansamp Classic to distort snare drums when mixing.

Don't get an attitude...just trying to help.

One such device that Bos so eloquently described to do what you want to do is the Radial ProRMP. For a mere $100 (USD), this puppy will tackle the balanced output of your DAW and let you run it through any number of geetar pedals and/or amps to screw with the sonics. I am experimenting with some tracks of a local Miles wannabe. DAW>RMP> Mesa V-Twin preamp>Roland RE555 Space Echo/chorus. He's trippin'!!!

No surprise that "therecordingart" is on here- he told me to record vocals using a harmonica mic through a guitar pedal- You guys sound so dumb discussing this as an option!!! HOw cheap!! I thought you could get equipment at cost, so why are you using you're fucking guitar pedals for shit other than guitars?? I'm rolling over with laughter!! HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!

To quote "Trading Places": "What are ya...iganant?"
Do you really believe that recording is about throwing $$$ at a situation?
BTW, the answer to this is, yes, you do, based on the other ignorant, inexperienced statements that you've made over the past...48 hours. You are no engineer, you are no singer, you are a spoiled turd that needs to be flushed down the toilet.
There are times that a nice Millennia Media Origin is called for (I would gladly SHOOT your ass to get one of those...any bidders?) And there are times where a 10" speaker shoved against the front of a 22" kick will do the trick. Judging by your previous statements here, maybe you'd LIKE a 10" shoved somewhere...Why don't you just shut your pubescent, bigoted cakehole and MAYBE you'll learn something. Frankly, I doubt that you will. You are too full of hate and loathing.