Interesting Article on Gtr Mic'ing

[XLR]

[7string is posting this via Tim's computer, due to a browser problem:]

Ran across this article and thought I'd pass it on. It touches on some things that aren't discussed in these forums, like the 'why' and even some scientific things. Thought it was really informative, IMHO. But it does raise a bunch of questions with me that would make this message about a mile long, but I'll just start with this:

Given what the article says about the SM-57 and MD421U, which would you choose? Why?

And the multiple miking part may explain the way Steve Vai mic's his cabs. Or at least the 'why.'

As far as the article, any comments? Counterpoints? Arguments? Agree? Disagree?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/content/doc_id=92933/src=3NL5G7?c_lid=b1
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[7string]

Thanks Tim! I don't know why I can respond to threads but can't start one. I tried to send a PM to Dragon but, as usual, his box is full.

 

[Dogman]

Good article guys. I need massive help, and this is right in the area I needed to read.
Thanks.
Ed

 

[Samantha C.]

Great article, 7string! Thanks for sharing the link.

While on the subject of recording guitar, I suggest everyone also read the archived PSW threads of "Slipperman's Recording Distorted Guitars Thread From Hell" (I know they are old ) Besides the archived "tutorials" there are also audio narratives at the end which are not only highly entertaining, but packed full of insight from an industry professional on all aspects of audio engineering.

Anyhow, I enjoyed them and learned a bunch. Thought I'd share.
Samantha

 

[ecktronic]

(QUOTE from article) "You'll see engineers push a SM57 right into the grille cloth of an amp cabinet, taking advantage of the proximity effect, which boosts low frequencies when the mic is placed close to a sound source."

Taking advantage of the proximity effect in the way that they arent getting lo end reflections becuase the mic is soo close to the cab? -> so less chance of the lo end refelctions bouncing from the floor into the mic?
Is this right?

 

[ecktronic]

Interesting bit about tonalitys and harmonics from playing guitar next to the amp. And also the thing of long cables (running into control room for example) cutting the some highs. Dodgy!
Still not sure of the proximity effect though. I was sure i knew what it was until I read this article. Oh well.

 

[amra]

Great read, thanks for posting!

 

[7string]

(QUOTE from article) "You'll see engineers push a SM57 right into the grille cloth of an amp cabinet, taking advantage of the proximity effect, which boosts low frequencies when the mic is placed close to a sound source."

Taking advantage of the proximity effect in the way that they arent getting lo end reflections becuase the mic is soo close to the cab? -> so less chance of the lo end refelctions bouncing from the floor into the mic?
Is this right?

I'm kinda guessing that's the point he was trying to make, just took a bass akward way to do it. Or maybe he should have said, "taking advantage of the LACK of proximity effect, i.e., not as much of the room because of the lows it introduces." or something to that effect?

 

[BRIEFCASEMANX]

Interesting bit about tonalitys and harmonics from playing guitar next to the amp. And also the thing of long cables (running into control room for example) cutting the some highs. Dodgy!
Still not sure of the proximity effect though. I was sure i knew what it was until I read this article. Oh well.

The closer a cardioid patterned mic gets to a sound source the more bass is picked up. That is proximity effect. Record a guitar with the mic right on the cab and then record it with a mic a foot away from the same angle and listen to the difference. The closer the mic to the source the closer it seems on recording NOT only because more room sound picked up when you're farther away from the mic but because the bass picked up by the mic is increased as you come closer. In my opinion this makes the sound more intimate and creamy/milky.