Should I include a reamp box in my setup

[AnotherUser]

Hi, I have a more general question here.

(I know the solution probably lies in understanding output levels better (line level, mic level, instrument level), but I’m still an amateur.)

I’d like to process the output signal from either a computer (MacBook) OR a synth (Polybrute) through an old reel-to-reel tape machine OR guitar effect pedals, always going through a Tascam Model 12.

I’ve read a few articles suggesting that using a reamp box (like this one) at the output of the synth or the computer can yield better results.
Question 1: Is that actually ideal or necessary?

If you need more context, here’s roughly what the signal routing would look like. It would be one of the following:

A) Synth —> Model 12 —> reel to reel —> back in the Model 12

B) Synth —> Model 12 —> guitar pedal —> reel to reel —> Model 12

C) Computer —> Model 12 —> guitar pedal —> Model 12

D) Computer —> Model 12 —> reel to reel —> guitar pedal —> Model 12

Note: I might choose to place the effect pedal either before or after the reel-to-reel.

Question 2: Should I use a reamp box somewhere in this setup? Before the reel-to-reel? Only when using the synth?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[-mjk-]

Funny how they emphasize on their website that big studios use reamp boxes and that it's apparently a widespread technique, but in all my years in the studio I have never even laid eyes on a device called a "reamp box."

The Model 12 can handle either balanced or unbalanced signals. The guitar pedal is a high impedance device and the remap box is a matching transformer for that, but before I spent the money I would try the stuff I wanted to use it with and see how it sounds first. In the old days we did some wild stuff and weren't always so careful about impedance matching, honestly. As long as it sounds good, it is good. You just have to be careful when sending line level signals to guitar amps and pedals.

I could be wrong but it looks like a passive direct box.

 

[AnotherUser]

Thank you very much for this quick answer.

You just have to be careful when sending line level signals to guitar amps and pedals.

Careful how? I really want to make sure I don't fry my reel to reel with my computer or synth output.