miking my guitar amp

[traciiroxx]

I am using a Marshall VS30R (2nd gen. valvestate) amp, a SM57. and the preamp of a tascam 414 portastudio, to record on my computer. I've been trying to get a consistently good recorded guitar tone, but haven't quite yet been able to find it. The tone I'm getting out of the amp is pretty good. I have tried sticking the SM57 right up to the grill, dead center, which seems to be the most common way to do it, but when I do this, the tone I get is VERY harsh. The highs on the recording are just sick. I have experimented and the best position I have found is if i put the mic on the far outer edge of the speaker, and angle it slightly towards the center. Although this still produces a little too much "fuzz". Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[jonhall5446]

I often have trouble with highs on guitar tracks (especially lead) I just turn the treble down a lot on the amp and cover a little bit in eq. Not the best advice but its the best I can do

 

[Ed Dixon]

Does you amp have a line out? If so, try that.

Ed

 

[traciiroxx]

line out

The amp does have a line out, but it sounds extremely bad. I'm wondering if it's just the preamp that I am using that is making everything sound a little "fuzzy"

 

[Track Rat]

Could definately be the preamp. Also what sounds good to you might not record so well. Have you tried backing down the distortion level of the amp? Maybe roll off some top end EQ wise if it's sounding strident.

 

[k1enneth]

amp miking

Record the guitar amp to the portastudio direct to tape. Get the
best eq on the guitar and play a song direct to tape. Same chord changes, same tempo. Record next thru the portastudio mixer to the computer hard disk... THE EXACT same chord changes. Compare and Contrast the hard disk recording with the tape.
The tape should have better sound...the computer will sound oh...digital...is the best way I can describe....The portastudio preamp is a little scratchy when recording guitar amp...it is ok for voice, or bass or drum track. I got a second had aphex 107 preamp which is quieter, and I use it for my microphone preamp.
Everything sounds so much cleaner.