how close do you mic the amp

  • Thread starter Thread starter daltyboy
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daltyboy

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whats a good starting point for were to place a mic for good sound distortion........location..........inches-feet away

also,should I record the volume at the same level that id use as if people were over watching me play

also,whats a good rule to turn the distortion down to,(half way, 1/4 and so on then what you normally have it set to) i read in other posts that less distortion can be better,

thanx..........................dalton
 
It depends. If I'm using a dynamic like a 57, I'll start with it 1" or less from the grill about half way between the center and the surround of one of the speakers. If it's a 4-12" cab I'll use one of the top two speakers to avoid bass build up from the floor. I'll listen to it and if it needs more high end, I'll aim the mic more to the center of the cone. Too harsh, more towards the surround.
If I'm using a condensor like a 4033 (my weapon of choice for this task) I'll walk around the amp while someone else plays it at volume and listen for a sweet spot near the amp and put the mic there.
Stereo mic-ing is a whole 'nuther subject.
 
excuse my ignorance- but whats stereo micing?

also i do have a sm57,
i wanna get a 2nd mic...what do you suggest? and were should i position it. also do i keep the volume at a high level like normal.(since the mics an inch from the speaker.

also my amp only has 1 speaker.

thanx
 
I use a 57 and for distortion I use Track Rat's approach - near the grill about 1/2 way out on the radius. I use a Strat and I get annoyed with some of the shrill highs. Moving the mic out of the center takes some of those annoyances away and makes a warmer sound.

You may want to try angling the mic as well. Do test takes with the mic straight on and at an angle and go with what you prefer.

I don't think there's a rule on where to set the gain knob on the amp. I usually get a sound that I like beforehand by just playing, and then nudge down the gain knob just a wee bit and see if I'm close to where I want on a recording.

When I track a distorted guitar, I start by creating temp tracks with different mic placements and different dial settings and listen to them back to back. Then I flip a coin. :D No I don't. All those things make a difference - go with what your tastes tell you will work best for the song. Then post it in the MP3 clinic and let everyone rip it apart. :D
 
For a second mic I would recomend a MXL V67 or 93. A condensor will give you more high end and overall clarity. Great for vocals and acoustics. On electrics I like to close mic the cab with a 57 and use a condensor as a room mic a few feet farther out.
 
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