Guitar amp micing question

  • Thread starter Thread starter NL5
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NL5

NL5

Unpossible!
What would you reach for first to mic a guitar cab for a hard rock?

- SM57
- Audix D3
- AT 4033
- NTK
- KM184
 
gotta go with the 57. Sounded great with the most recent guitarist I recorded. He was running an Epiphone Les Paul through a few effects pedals and then into a 1x12 Fender tube amp (don't remember the model). Just offset the 57 from the cone center by a few inches and set it about 1/4" from the grille cloth and it was singing like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music :cool:
 
I ain't got one but I think the 57 has a lot of historical reputation.
 
Well yeah, a lot of the aura surrounding the 57 is just from its reputation. It's not the end-all be-all of mics, as many have proven with the Sennheiser e609 silvers. The reason I go for the 57 is because it has never given me a bad sound that wasn't bad to start with. Feed it a decent source, and it will do a good job. Maybe not the best job, but I've always found that with "best" comes "picky", and the SM57 most certainly is not picky.
 
Yeah, sile, I meant a rep specifically for recording electric guitar amps. I should have been clearer.
 
Ok - I usually use a 57 or the D3, but have been thinking about the 4033. I see on a lot of "pro" records they use a LDC on the cabs. The 57 just seems a bit on the grainy side - i want a bit morer clarity, and a bit more punch.
 
why not just put the 57 right up on the grille, and add a LD 2 or 3 feet back. I have found that having a mic a few feet back adds clarity. My guess is because it has time to develop, but it also loses some of that punch and attack. That is what the 57 picks up.
 
Ever tried an Audio Technica Pro (any series number)? Warm as hell....
 
Combination of the 57 and the 4033 (if you have a decent sounding room).

Not the NTK...I've had some luck with mine on clean electric, but not on distortion. Though I might have just gotten discouraged after my first few attempts.
 
Can't really go wrong with a SM-57, I've been using em ever since I started recording. Don't be afraid to experiment though!
 
How loud? If studio volume was reasonable, the first thing I'd reach for on your list would be the 4033. I use it on amps all the time. If it's a Hiwatt on 11 I'd go with the 57.
 
Track Rat said:
How loud? If studio volume was reasonable, the first thing I'd reach for on your list would be the 4033. I use it on amps all the time. If it's a Hiwatt on 11 I'd go with the 57.

Oooh, I love the sound of a Hiwatt combo being pushed.
 
57 up close and off axis and AKG c3000 four feet out is what I use. My guru always said dynamic mike in tight and a condenser away. (Of course, he never made the big time either.) jmho :rolleyes: Dave.
 
Track Rat said:
How loud? If studio volume was reasonable, the first thing I'd reach for on your list would be the 4033. I use it on amps all the time. If it's a Hiwatt on 11 I'd go with the 57.

Exactly what I want to do. I wouldn't put the 4033 in front of something that will damage it....
 
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