Tubemeister 18 Redbox *into* POD HD desktop

[petregeus]

Hey, guys, I've been lurking for a long time, but now I've got something no one seems to have asked before.

 

I've seen numerous cases where people want to run their POD into the effects loop of the Tubemeister series, but I'm trying to go the other way.  I want to (safely) run the Tubemeister's Redbox out into the Pod HD desktop's guitar input.

 

(Please note that I am talking about the bean here, not the Pro, which not only has a line level input but a volume pad as well.)

 

Very simple signal chain.

TM18 Redbox out (XLR) --> XLR to 1/4" cable --> Pod HD guitar in (amp sim disabled, only a little reverb) --> USB out to PC or Mac

 

Just plugging in like this, I heard no clipping while on direct monitor.  However, there was some popping in the recordings I did, which was eliminated by reducing the volume on the POD's mixer to about -5dB left and right.

 

My question: Is this safe???

 

I hear no clipping now, so I'm hoping that means I'm not overloading anything inside the POD with the hot signal from the Tubemeister Redbox out.  I was prepared to either purchase an in-line attenuator or even a separate recording interface, but if I don't need them, I'd rather not spend the money.