Preamp when micing amplifiers?

[audiophilez]

My question is do most use preamps when micing a cabinet? It would seem to me that the amp is putting out enough sound power to drive the sound into my audio interface directly with no preamp but maybe its not the most optimal idea. any input as far as signal chain, compressors, eq... when micing an amp would be grealy appreciated. for reference I am into metal like lamb of god, killswitch engage, a little slipknot.

 

[Track Rat]

With EXTREMELY small exception, all mics need a preamp. No way around it.

 

[IronFlippy]

Studio mics (ie pretty much anything that requires XLR cables) need preamps. Mixers have their own pres built in, which are usually sufficient, unless you're pro or an audio buff.

As far as the signal chain goes, that's up to you. I personally prefer to keep it simple. However, since you record heavy music, you probably want a huge guitar sound. This is most easily accomplished by recording the part again with a slightly different setup (different guitar, amp, settings, mic, etc.) and panning them opposite each other (maybe not 100% L/R, but whatever you think sounds best).

You might want to read this:
http://www.badmuckingfastard.com/sound/slipperman.html

 

[audiophilez]

I have a dacs clarity preamp, maybe I should use that. I dont want to use a tube preamp to mic a tube amplifier and drown the listener in a river of tubinesss. perhaps a compressor as well, I have a mesa triple rectifier so it has more than enough "tubiness" to itself, sound right?

 

[heroics321]

Just try a couple of things, go with whatever sounds best. Sounds lame but it's the truth.

 

[flamin-gitaur]

Just don't underestimate the purpose of a mic preamp. It makes huge difference in the quality of recording you end up with. Most mic pres under the $300 range usually don't sound all that well. And if you are using the pre to drive a dynamic like an SM57, you will need a good pre to get great results. The RNP is a good pre to to use. It's alot better than pre's you would find in lets say the firebox/pod, and is compariable to more higher end pre's.