Solved General rules of thumb for miking an amp.

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EpiSGpl8r

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I want to know some general rules of thumb for miking an amp... how far away? Middle of the speaker with the mic? that kinda stuff.
 
1) Learn about phase and using more than one mic.
2) Put it where it sounds good for what you are doing, plain and simple. Up very close, on the grill, will eliminate more room noise and ambiance if its a crappy sounding room, but wont sound as natural as having one about 6 inches or more back. The tradeoffs can be severe in a crappy room. I have some 3 inch thick foam like mics are packed in, some big squares, and I put the mic about 8 inches back, between center and edge of cone, and build a tunnel around it so that I dont get any room sound. Put a chair in front of it and cover it with about 3 packing blankets where sound has trouble getting in and out and it'll help a lot too.
3) experiment with two mics at exactly the same distance from the cone, and experimetn with one close and one a foot or two back, and beware of phase problems.
 
To go along with tubedudes reply, try a mic on the back of the cab as well as the front if possible. That was one of the best tips that I learned on this site. That brought out the best sound on my old Falcon. Also don't be afraid to try anything when it comes to getting a great sound.
 
For general rule of thumb, take a Shure SM-57 and put it right up against the grill, just slightly off the center (off axis). But I agree that another mic on the back of the cab is good, if it is an open cab.-Richie
 
I have to agree with Richard with the single mic technique, at least for my tastes.

In particular, I like full, tight guitars. Placing the mic right in the grill does the job. Keep in mind that subtle angle and location changes can drastically change your tone. For example, the more off-axis you move the mic, the warmer your tone becomes, but with a sacrifice of clarity.

Pulling the mic back from the speaker can bring in more room ambiance and decrease the proximity affect, thus giving a more natural, live sound.
 

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