Question about Mics and Amps...

[Dwire1550]

Hi guys, I want to record using some mics but I dont know where to start! I have the computer (Dell, 4 Ghz HT technology, 1 gig ram, all the good stuff), and I belive I am going to get the MBOX. So now comes the question...If I am recording my amp, what Mic should I use? Should I get more than one? Do I need a preamp or are the ones on the MBOX good? I dont want to spend tooo much (under 200 would be nice) but I also want some nice quality recordings. I also want a mic that wouldnt bee boxy or muddy, just something that is crisp, but isnt nasily if that makes sense. Also can I use my Peavey Classic 50 for recording? Do I really need a cab or a half stack, or can I just have a 50 watt combo amp? Will I get good results with this, I really dont know much about amps, If I can use the combo or if I need a cab and head to get that pro sound. So if you guys could explain what mic I should use and If I need cabs or whatever that would be so awesome! Thank you so much guys!

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Wire:

Go to a vendor and simulate your set up. Ask to try a few mics. Some mics are good for vocals and all around recording--depends on your gear.

Depends on your purpose--just to have fun? Well, by doing the demo hop at a store, you will come up with something that makes your ears happy.

Green Hornet

 

[guttadaj]

Welcome, Dwire1550!

There's no real answer to your question, except "whatever sounds good!" Seriously...

A lot of it comes from mic placement. Do a lot of experimenting with moving the mic - try directly in front of the cone, right on the edge of the cone, slightly to the outside of the cone, on axis/off axis, right up on the screen, a few inches back from the screen, behind the amp, etc. You may come up with some cool sounds, even if they're not what you're looking for at present (make note of the setup and what kinda sound you got in case you want to use that for a certain feel later).

Play around a bit with the sound coming out of the amp too. For example, you may be used to playing with really thick distortion, but when recording you might find that you get the sound you want to tape when you back off the distortion from the amp some. And, sure, you can get some great sounds with just a tiny little amp over a stack a lot of times.

Also, the placement of the whole thing can make a difference. Get the amp up off the floor a ways and you'll notice a difference. The floor causes a lot of early reflections of the sound that gets into the mic. Also, move the amp away from walls so it's less boomy.

Sounds like you've got some killer computing power there - I'm jealous! Just grab yourself a decent mic and preamp and start experimenting.

Enjoy!
-Jeff

 

[Oldwood]

Hi guys, I want to record using some mics but I dont know where to start! I have the computer (Dell, 4 Ghz HT technology, 1 gig ram, all the good stuff), and I belive I am going to get the MBOX. So now comes the question...If I am recording my amp, what Mic should I use? Should I get more than one? Do I need a preamp or are the ones on the MBOX good? I dont want to spend tooo much (under 200 would be nice) but I also want some nice quality recordings. I also want a mic that wouldnt bee boxy or muddy, just something that is crisp, but isnt nasily if that makes sense. Also can I use my Peavey Classic 50 for recording? Do I really need a cab or a half stack, or can I just have a 50 watt combo amp? Will I get good results with this, I really dont know much about amps, If I can use the combo or if I need a cab and head to get that pro sound. So if you guys could explain what mic I should use and If I need cabs or whatever that would be so awesome! Thank you so much guys!

I would recommend a dynamic mic. They're cheaper and more durable than condenser mics. Read about the differences before you spend money on one (or them). Here's a link to some reading: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/jun95/microphones.html

The Mbox has built-in preamps, so you could use that just fine. Actually you could plug a mic into your sound cards "mic in" with a plug adaptor (1/4" to 1/8") and put the mic in front of your amp. You can experiment with placement, but be careful if you use a condensor mic. Fast moving air can damage them. Use a wind screen and keep it back some if you go that route.

One mic is ok. Two could be used - one in front of the amp, one further away to add depth is also an option. I've recorded with two mics plugged into a splitter ( two 1/4" into one 1/8") plugged into an external USB 2 soundcard plugged into my laptop - with good results.

I like your amp. I have one just like it. Peavy Classic, all tubes. It's way more than you need for recording. I use mine for playing gigs, and my Peavy 15 watt practice amp for recording (exept when I do field recording).

If you get a mic with an XLR connector you'll have to use an adapter/converter, the Mbox, or a preamp. Oh yeah, if you have an XLR connector it's probably on a condenser mic. The third wire in the cord is for phantom power. Another reason I would recommend the dynamic mics.

 

[Dwire1550]

Hey guys!!! Thanks for your help so far, so what IVe gathered is that the MBOX has some pre amps in it that can be used, i should try some dynamic and condenser mics, and my amp is fine for the job. So when you guys say "Whatever sounds good" and all are there any basics that have the characteristics that im looking for? Are the shure's good? Ive heard they are a standard. Also when you say re create the set up...so I take an amp like mine, bring my guitar, and plug in a mic...but where does it go after that, I dont belive the places around me have computers with Mboxs and such. Also i know my amp is fine for recording but what about the smaller amps and such, are they ok too? Im just wondering because my friend has one of those V-Amps and normally the tones sound horrible without the "Cab emulation" or whatever and Im pretty sure these smaller amps dont have cabs. Well thank you guys for your time, this is really helpfull!