Micing Marshall 1969 Plexi Amplifiers

[thepoliceriot12]

anyone have any advice for micing Marshall Plexi's at home or via studio, ive always encountered this problem at studios when i wanted to record our band and my amp tone from my marshall, they always put a couple of shure57's or some dinky condenser mic and my sound never has the dynamics and and the quality ive heard, only a few get of my guitar hero.s get that sound, one is the guitarist from Tool who has a 76 marshall bassman and ive heard that amp tone in their recording, keep in mind i know the quality of the studio and two inch reel and vintage warmth of the studio helps but nevertheless the dynamics in the amp is there, would a neumannu87ai be something i should look at buying to help in the sound of the amp, or is there an inexpensive way to help for my home recordings.

 

[toyL]

hi policeriot.....I'm sure you realize that sm57s come highly recommended...generally, that's because they work so well--they won't color the signal, they're quiet, they'll last forever, etc...using 57s you will have to be careful about mic-placement--try pointing them straight towards the grill (touching it), about 3/4 of the way from the center of the speaker...if this doesn't get you there, move the damn things around until you find "the" spot...you will find it with a bit of effort....and yes, an expensive condenser will rarely miss...

 

[toyL]

hey policeriot, can you explain the term "plexi" for me...thanks.

 

[thepoliceriot12]

thanks for the help toyl , the term 'plexi" refers to some of the Marshalls made in the sixties had a front panel made with a clear plexiglass plate,didnt add to tone or sound just value, but all of the plexiglass heads such as the jtm 45s and and 100 watt Marshall fromlate 60s to early 60s were handwired and handmade so most of the"plexi" heads might as well been handmade by jim marshall himself .