how to mic an amplifier for electric guitar ?

[stephen.walker]

I have read many places that an SM57 should sound fine when used to catch output from an amplifier. When I use it, I just get total saturation of the signal that is recorded, including clicks and pops like the mic is overwhelmed by the SPL. But then I read that the SM57 can be placed right at the grill? What the hell, do I need to turn my amp down to 1 in order to record?

What am I doing wrong and how can I tell if my mic will be able to handle the SPL (i.e. if I can stand in front of the amp and tolerate the loudness, it's not really possible that the SPL is too high, correct ?

 

[fazil]

It's pretty sure the mic can handle the guitar amps spl

I guess the preamp is overloaded. Maybe you'll need a pad.

 

[LeeRosario]

State what gear your working with to see if we can get a better picture. Your signal might be too hot at the preamp and you might have to turn it down.

Cause with an SM57, that's about accurate. It's a very "counter hot" mic for loud sources, so I would really doubt that either a) the amp is too loud or b) it has to do anything with the mic.


So the problem either lies in a faulty cable (it happens) or simply having the preamp too loud, therefore, overdriving it.


In terms of micing with one mic:


Center of the cone gives you edge

Off to the edge of the cone gives you warmth.

 

[soundchaser59]

I've used SM57, E609, D770, and ND468 on a 50w amp, on the grill, center speaker, turned up full volume, and I've never had microphone distortion. MOst of those mics can handle at least 130, many of them will take 140, and I doubt that you are spitting out that much at home, especially if you can stand right in front of it and tolerate it. Pain threshold is 112 to 120.

Every time I've heard any distortion in my mic chain, it has ALWAYS been the trim gain / preamp up too high....

 

[SBax]

I've had the exact same problem. Using three dif preamps (Roland VM-3100Pro digital mixer, M-Audio Audio Buddy, RME Fireface 800. None of them were near showing clip lights. I have to record at about -20 db in Sonar to get a distortion-free track. If you record in 24 bit it should be ok.