Recording from the headphone socket of you amp is, for several reasons, not the best idea. To start with the difference between headphone strength signal and line level signal (or Lo Z mic level) will not be matched which can lead to a detereation in signal quality. Also there will be no AIR in the recording, that is the way the speaker, cabinet and room ambiance effect your sound.

However, saying that it probably wont damage anything and if, like me you have neighbors, well it is not such a bad idea. Getting a Pod 2.0 (250 bucks off eBay) will dramatically improve your guitar tone and enable you to record direct in style and comfort. I also use a GNX2 which is cool and recently I have hear people raving about the new Vox toneworks.

To monitor you want to run a set of headphone out of your sound card / computer speakers and go that way. A pod will allow you to monitor from the unit its self however if you are overdubbing or playing off a click track you wont be able to hear that out of the pod.

Best of luck dude
S

P.S. I don't have shares in line 6 or anything !!

[Edited by Dr_simon on 11-27-2003 at 11:06 AM]