Oh and if I ever have any extra cash I'm thinking of trying one of those Motu Z-Boxes that mimics a proper guitar amp preamp section but doesn't color the signal in any other way so it's supposed to be good for inputting to a sim. More of a pure but natural signal... or so they claim.
 

pentimentosound
Thanks Beepster! WOW That was exactly what I wanted to know about upgrading. Now if someone (hint hint) could do that for the Breverb upgrade to full, that would take care of that for me!
Great review and feedback, Beepster and Sidroe!
 
@ mikebeam    The upgrade Beepster is talking about is another $99 at the CW store (bottom of the page)
https://shop.cakewalk.com/1244/catalog/category.60465/language.en/currency.USD/?id=WYDmpidsof
 
Michael
....wow!

I think they have a full demo version on their site with all the models. I'm pretty sure they just use the old noise/dropout every 30 seconds to cripple it and you can't save anything. Should be good enough to do some exploring.
 
Cheers.

Yeah, I saw that.  I might have to try that. 
 
I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.  Could I unplug the 1/4" that connects to the loudspeaker and run a line into the interface?  I was going to try that, but I was worried about frying something.
 
 

No no no no... it has to be a proper line out (as in line level signal). If you plug the speaker output into your interface I think it will go kablooie. Ideally what you want is a line out (XLR or 1/4") that either has a trim/volume on the amp to control the outgoing level or into something like a mixer that has input trim. Most interfaces that have multi inputs have trim knobs for those inputs so that works. Just make sure if you are using a line level signal that you do not use the Hi-Z or Instrument settings on the interface. You want to switch it to the regular line input setting.
 
But again... definitely do NOT use the speaker output of your amp. That will likely end in disaster.
 
Cheers.

And just as an example... my Line6 head has a trim knob that controls the outgoing signal from the XLR line outs. So I can just keep it all the way down and turn it up slowly until I get the level I want in the device receiving it.
 
My Traynor does not have an output trim/level knob. Even with the volume turned all the way down I still get a strong line out signal so I have to control the level on the device receiving the signal (usually my mixer but I could use my interface if I REALLY wanted to using the Multi Ins).
 
Both of those amps have a completely different set of outputs to power speakers.

Gotcha.  That's what I thought.
 
I think I might take your suggestion and give one of these Motu boxes a try.  I've been running the guitar straight into the interface and it feels a little weak to me.  Doesn't have that "amp" feel.  
 
Thanks!

https://shop.cakewalk.com/1244/catalog/product.152124/language.en/currency.USD/?id=WYDmpidsof
The CW store page explains what the difference is upgrading from TH2 Sonar and TH2 Producer. The TH2 Sonar upgraders get the 10 more stomp boxes, pedals and rack effects, that the TH2 Producer owners get. 

Do NOT run a tube amp without a speaker or load. It will blow up. It's like infinite gas/rpms to a motor...ie BAD.
There are boxes like the Hughes & Kettner Red Box that can go in between the amp and speaker (the amp's speaker out goes into it and it's speaker out goes to the speaker) but that has to be done while it's off.

mikebeam
Yeah, I saw that.  I might have to try that. 
 
I have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.  Could I unplug the 1/4" that connects to the loudspeaker and run a line into the interface?  I was going to try that, but I was worried about frying something.
 

Never, ever run a valve amplifier without the correct impedance load (such as the speaker) attached to the speaker output)s). Valve amplifiers, because they have output transformers, require a particular impedance at the speaker output, which is why e.g. Marshalls have different outputs for eight or sixteen ohms.

If a valve amplifier's output transformer isn't correctly loaded down by a speaker or suitable dummy load, the transformer and/or the output stage valves can burn out, and generally take other components with them as well. Valve amps don't tolerate being run without a speaker connected for the same reason. On the other hand, a very brief short circuit on the speaker output might not kill them.

Transistor amps, on the other hand, will sometimes tolerate a lower load than they are designed for or even open circuit with nothing connected, but shorting out the speaker output generally kills them instantly.

Heh heh. You've scared all the guitar players. lol
 
I didn't realize that was a tube amp so was more worried about the interface.
 
Yanno... I've always known running a head without a speaker was bad news but didn't realize it was that catastrophic. I could swear I've forgotten to attach speaker cables before turning things on and nothing blew but then again it wasn't for very long so I guess I was lucky.
 
The I run the Line6 head without a cab attached all the time but it is a) a transistor head and b) designed to run without a speaker for recording or going line out into a PA. It's old and the models are kind of crap but it's a useful beast.