I usually record direct. But be aware that the entire chain from start to finish can have weak links. For instance, invest in a good DI instead of using the one from your audio interface. A Neve RNDI does an amazing job at the high to low impedance conversion. Then you have the amp, cab & mic simulation. I usually go for Acustica Audio Virgo, Surrey or Signaltonoize Deluxe Amp (AA N4 library) if it needs to sound real. Sometimes combined with a blend of Ownhammer multi-mic IR's (use STL Ignite for the blending). Rarely I use Amplitube 5 for the end result, but during tracking that's a great option because you can use it real-time.

 

I use a torpedo captor 8. Really happy with it.

I split my signal into clean Di and effects. Then I split it again after the "before amp effects" (Overdrives etc.). Then into a Plexi & Engl Head into torpedo captor. I add effects loops effects mostly in the DAW. Works pretty well.

I missed so much the physical knobs of the amp and more important my pedal effects (knobs) that I went this route. I even got a kemper here that gets not much use anymore at the moment.
With that setup, I have a completely clean DI (in case I need it). An effect only track and an (effect +) amp track.

The only con, well it is not really a con. (still) Too many options!
Creating a guitar sound in the box/modeler sounds really good nowadays, but there are so many options! I waste so much time with it.
Now I limit myself to just time based effects and an IRs in the box.
But working with IRs already has so many possibilities that it is still quite time-consuming if you are like me, and you get quickly lost in details. That's the only con lol.

In terms of sound, both in the box/modeler and real amp are viable options. It is more a workflow thing in my opinion.

 

Last edited: Aug 24, 2021