distortion with sm57 - what's the trick?

[shackrock]

I can't seem to get a good distorted guitar sound...
i am micing with just one sm57 - and no matter where i put it, and how i change the eq, etc. - it just never sounds "good". I mean - beside's the quality of the recording, i got results that i was happier with using a radioshack tie clip on mic!

any ideas? I want a powerful sound - pretty much just like weezer's sound. We even use the same distortion pedal on most songs as they do.


Thanks.

[Gidge]

first off, most of the time you need less distortion thasn you think.....

also, what preamp are you using with the sm57?....

for positions check out sonusmans posts here
http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...threadid=33141

[tubedude]

HOws it sound in the room? Move your head around in front of the amp, right next to it ,but be quick lest you kill your hearing, find the best spot, place the mic, and you should be 90% there... a decent preamp will help, too...

[shackrock]

i just got a tascam porta studio - i use a trackon that to set volumes, eq, etc.
then i put it directly out to my computer.

no tapes involved.

[Gidge]

do u think you might need a better preamp?....

also, follow tubedudes directions about finding a position.....

[frank_1]

Distortion, mid range level, and mid range Freq. is something you should really pay attention to. Cut your distortion to about 60%-70% of it's max. If you are using a distortion pedal, then maybe cut it to like 30%-50%. Mid range level will most likely sound bad better if to too high. Try to lower it some. For mid freq. increase the 2-3k a little. I noticed when I cut my mid levels a lot, I can't solo as fast.

[frank_1]

One more thing. Using multiple mikes will always help you get a nice full sound. Use 2-3 mics, but be careful, don't run into phase cancelation!

[tubedude]

Your chain...
decent > Lo fi > hi-fi
See the problem here? Eliminate the Tascam, its useless and degrading...

[frank_1]

The Tascam could be a problem too. I have one, but I am aching to upgrade...

[shackrock]

frank, that is my exact model, lol


gidge - so you think that if i just cut the 4-track altogether, and for distortion just go right through the mic in on the computer, i would get better results still?

[Gidge]

Well, skip the 4 track but youll need some sort of preamp and go into the line in of the computer....something as inexpensive as an Art Tube MP will make a significant difference....

from there, its a matter of making sure the amp is giving you the tone you want in the first place and then finding the right position for the mic....