Hello!

my recording setup is:

Guitar - > Tuner - > Distortion pedal - > Delay Pedal - > Reverb Pedal -> Isa One - > echo audiofire 2 - > laptop / monitor speakers

my issue is that when not using distortion pedals to boost the signal, the guitar sound is too weak (even when increasing the volume with the ISA One Preamp)

is there something missing from my setup?

I used to use a multi fx pedal where I could control the volume / increase treble and stuff but now i've replaced it with several pedals so this issue has arisen !

any help much appreciated

There's a big amp-shaped hole in that signal chain.

If you are not using an amp (please try) then go straight into the ISA and use a software amp sim.

Or plug you pedals into an amp simulator before hitting the ISA One (i.e. a Pod or Sansamp etc)

Are you running into the line input or the DI input on the ISA? Make sure you have the correct input, THEY ARE NOT THE SAME. I checked the specs on the ISA and the DI input on that should handle your signal just fine. It gives you up to 40 dB gain, that should be more than adequate - if it isn't somethings wrong. Are you certain your chain is working properly connected to an amp?

the issue is that I live in an apartment in the city and can't record using a mic :>

maybe I should go for a hardware amp sim, I think i'll try and look for some reaper addins for the moment though

I think you'll get a much better sound with a tube amp and a line out. Several companies make loadboxes like the Palmer PDI03. If you're looking for something cheaper but still good quality, the Aiken reactive load is very easy to make. There are only half a dozen or so components.

You're missing out on the cab but at least you are getting all the flavour of a tube amp, including the output stage. Add a cab sim in the DAW.

going to have a look at some of the pod stuff today!

If you can get a deal on the "old" Pod HD500, now that the new "better" one is out, you're golden.

Likewise you might get a great deal on the Eleven Rack - which has some superb models.

I use the HD500 now, should I be putting that into the DI input or line input?

HD500 line level outputs > ISA line level inputs

DI is for instruments only.

thankyou,

is it even worth using the line level input now that the POD does both preamp and amp simulation?

Line input into the HD500? Or into the ISA One?

Line input into the ISA is the standard input for anything (other than a mic or DI'd instrument) you're connecting to it , including the HD00.

You could bypass the ISA One it and go straight into your interface's line in (check out both to see which is better)

But you could also split your guitar signal:

1) Direct signal via ISA One DI - to re-amp later if need be.

2) "amped" signal through the HD50