Electric guitar recording help

[jjbayliss]

Hello there, I am new to this site so bear with me. I am having difficulty recording my amp with a close-mic. I have tried using a Sure Beta 57A and a VXL V67 mic and I get the same effect. Listening to the the sound live through the amp sounds absolutely fine but once I record onto a track it sounds nothing like what's coming out of the amp. These are the only two mics I have accsess to, and I'm recording onto a Korg D3200 mixing console. I guess I'm searching for any tips or info on either what the problem might be or how to make it better. Any information will be greatly appreciated (and if my set up is terrible you can be blunt, I'm a big boy and I can take it). Thanks.

 

[c7sus]

How are you placing the mics?

Do you listen to the amp with your ear where the mics are placed?

 

[jjbayliss]

No I haven't. I've just been placing the mice anywhere from 4 to 5 inches, to right up against the amp. It is a stereo amp with two cabinets hooked up. I figured it wouldn't make a difference which cabinet I mic'd. But could it?

 

[witzendoz]

If you mean a MXL V67, I recorded my own blues band (tracks here)using one on the guitar cab. I was using a omni mic as well but most of the sound was from a V67.

If it's a stereo rig, 1 cab will only be half the stereo if you are running a stereo effects unit. Personally I hate stereo guitar rigs, they have a habit of having out of phase effects for a wider image and if you play the recording back in mono the guitar cancels out of the mix. Use the guitar rig with 1 cab in mono. PLace the v67 about 1" to 2" from the speaker cloth. Having the mic closer to the centre of the speaker brings out the top end, towards the edge of the speaker increases the bottom end. Also use the Beta 57, about the same distance, on a different speaker if there is more than one in the cab. Check that the mics are in phase, revers the phase on 1 of the mics if need be. Record it to 2 different tracks. Later when mixing decide what sounds best, 1 or the other or both blended to get the sound you want.

I would avoid setting one up as a room mic unless you have a great sounding room, if you do use the v67 as the room mic a couple of feet away from the cab. Again check the phase.

Cheers
Alan.

 

[jjbayliss]

Yeah, I did mean an MXL V67. And thanks a lot man, I never even thought to try it in mono but it certainly makes sense that there could be some sort of phase problem. I'll try it later today and let you know how it goes.

Thank you
Jonah

 

[mewsician2]

Be mindful of where you are in relation to the cabs when it's "sounding great" to you, and try putting a mic there, who knows, you may have a sweet spot there.
It's worth a try.
Good luck.