Plugging a distortion pedal in the mic input or whatever on a computer sounds like shit because all computers have a hi-fi sound cards. I've always found micing to be the best way to record unless you have a recording pre-amp i.e. POD, V-amp, ect. You don't even need a mixer for micing the amp. I have a $10 mic plugged right into the mic input on my computer and it sounds fine.