Re-amping is a long-standing technique that we occasionally use during the mixing of songs.
In cases where we want to supplement or even replace the sound set during recording without having to re-record everything later on.
During this process, we send the recorded signal back from the computer to external devices, and then re-record it.
Let’s look at an example:
The guitarist recorded their parts in the studio, but later it turns out they want a completely different sound… Let’s now overlook the fact that we need to aim for the final, perfect sound during the recording itself. 🙂
Sometimes, the only method that really works is for the guitarist to play the parts at home, using a guitar plugin for the feel, and actually only the clean signal is recorded. Afterwards, they send it to us so that, using reamping, we can create the desired guitar tone.
During the recording, it’s necessary to capture a clean guitar signal regardless. For this, a DI box is required. The DI box is a device that converts an unbalanced signal into a balanced one. This is necessary because, on the one hand, the guitar signal needs to be taken relatively long distances, for example, from the recording area to the mixer, and on the other hand, the microphone preamp wouldn’t be able to handle the guitar’s large signal without distortion.
Most sound cards have an Instrument input, which is effectively the equivalent of a DI box.
The recorded clean guitar signal is sent back from the audio interface to a Reamp device during mixing, which essentially functions like a DI box but in reverse. It generates an unbalanced guitar-level signal from the balanced signal, which we can then send to the guitar amplifier. After the reamp device, of course, you can still connect pedals in the same way.
We mic up the cabinet or combo and record its sound with the desired tone.
The attached diagram shows the recording and re-amping process. Of course, instead of the tape machine, we should imagine the audio interface and the computer.
Re-amping the bass guitar can be done similarly to the guitar.
Vocals can also be re-amped in the mixing phase through various devices such as compressors. A very effective tool for achieving new sounds in a hybrid digital-analog environment. Then there is no need for a reamp box, as we work with symmetrical signals throughout.
