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'''Reamping ''' is a recording technique that uses a recorded "raw" signal as input to re-record a processed signal. This decouples the artist's performance from the settings of the gear dialed in at recording time, enabling changing the instrument's tone without having to worry about inconsistent performances or even the availability of the performer. The practice is popular for recording guitars, which is where it gets its name - the raw guitar signal is sent back through an amp to re-record.
== Example Use Cases ==
== Required Hardware ==
There are two common pieces of hardware associated with re-amping: a ''DI box'' and a ''re-amp box''. Some products feature both DI ('''direct input''') and re-amp capabilities.
The '''DI box ''' is used to split your unprocessed (dry) input signal; so you can send it to your DAW as well as your amp. Most DAW interfaces are not designed to accept high impedance signals like a dry guitar - the DI box serves to buffer and tranform the signal into one that the DAW can easily accept, with minimal noise and clipping. It may also include a means to lift ground, preventing ground loop hum. It also typically coverts the signal from unbalanced (using a 1/4" TS jack) to balanced (using an XLR jack).
A '''re-amp box ''' does the opposite - it converts the low -impedance, high -amplitude, balanced signal that is output from the DAW your audio interface into a high -impedance, low -amplitude, unbalanced signal that guitar amps expect. It can lift ground to avoid a ground loop between the amplifier and DAW. These typically have a level controller to ensure you are sending the amp a level consistent with your guitar's output.
The necessity of these devices depends on your DAW 's audio interface and the amp you will be re-amping through. Many interfaces incorporate "'''high Z" ''' (high impedance) inputs capable of receiving a direct guitar signal without unwanted noise or distortion. This eliminates may eliminate the need for a DI box, depending on how well the interface accepts such a signal. While DAW interfaces don't typically output a high impedance signal, this might not be necessary. Most amps are high impedance, accepting both low and high impedance signals without distortion. However, [[Wah Pedals|wah pedals ]] and older [[Distortion Effects|distortion pedals ]] are typically lower impedance and respond differently to low vs. high impedance signals. If you are running straight into an amp, there may be no perceivable difference from using a re-amp box.
Also, if you are using a digital device it may connect digitally to your DAW, bypassing any need for DI/reamp boxes. With both my [[Line 6 Pod HD Guide|Pod HD]] and [[Kemper Profiling Amp Guide|Kemper Profiling Amp]], I did not need either.
== Recording a Dry Signal or DI ==