SM57 Position on your speaker

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ido1957

ido1957

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Was recording some junk this week and couldn't find that "tone" I was looking for. Had recently moved the mic in front of my amp - just to get it out of my way when plugging something in. Put it back where I thought it had been - it will sound the same right? Nope. Brittle and trebly. Moved the SM57 mic about an inch and bingo! there's the sound I want. Did a mental reference for the future. Some guys actually chalk mark the spot. I don't go that far...
 
I tend to just shove it up at the grill halfway from centre to edge without worrying about it too much... but then again I only use electrics as an ancillary sound, so I'm not seeking "perfect" tone...
 
ido1957 said:
Was recording some junk this week and couldn't find that "tone" I was looking for. Had recently moved the mic in front of my amp - just to get it out of my way when plugging something in. Put it back where I thought it had been - it will sound the same right? Nope. Brittle and trebly. Moved the SM57 mic about an inch and bingo! there's the sound I want. Did a mental reference for the future. Some guys actually chalk mark the spot. I don't go that far...
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Just out of curiousity, where in regards to the speaker was the mic? Do you mic straight on axis or do you angle the mic some? I have a e609 that I use for recording cabs, thought about getting a sm57 (still don't know why I don't have one yet) to add to my mic arsenal though.
 
guitaristic said:
I take pictures! of like...everything!
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That is smart. And with digital cameras and phones it is VERY easy. I don't know why I haven't done that more. I would draw scratch sketches of knob setting and stuff and for some bigger stuff have taken pictures.
 
That's all fine but under certain conditions your sweat spot will move but at lest it's a good starting point.
 
Right, were talking small variances in different rooms for recording or venues for live.
 
All right, all right must of been a Freudian slip :D SWEET SPOT
 
ido1957 said:
Some guys actually chalk mark the spot.
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If it's gonna go flush against the grill cloth I outline the mic diaphraghm with a square of gaffer's tape. If it's farther away I outline the speaker cabinet & all the feet of the mic stand with white board tape, plus drop a plumb bob from the diaphragm to the floor & mark that spot with an "X" (& then write the height on that X).

This is all of course if that spot truly was magical. If it was just a good guitar sound & I'm not expected to match it the next day (...or three months later) I won't bother with any of that.
 
guitaristic said:
I take pictures! of like...everything!
Click to expand...

Ive started doing that recently, partly for reference, partly because im planning to write some little articals on how you can record cirtain things. Ive also started writing down my amp settings when I find a tone I like, even if I can't use it in the current song. Alot of people seem to like to put mics right infront of the amp, but I find I get a better tone backing the 57 off a bit. I find placing it at the edge of the cone is a littly bassy so I have it further center unless im doubleing some rhythm parts where the extra bass is nice. I also like angling the mic a bit from the amp it seems to round off the tone making it smooth and creamy.
 
phriq said:
I have a e609 that I use for recording cabs, thought about getting a sm57 (still don't know why I don't have one yet) to add to my mic arsenal though.
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Man, get the sm57. I have both and I find that the e609 is really hollow and airy. It'd be nice for a tom or something (for my next album) but that mic has no meat to it at all.
 
moresound said:
All right, all right must of been a Freudian slip :D SWEET SPOT
Click to expand...
So let me get this straight... You can spell 'Freudian' but somehow you were confused by sweet?

Anyway, my starting point is always to point the mic right where the cone and the dust cap meet. If that isn't bright enough, I move it towards the center, if it's too bright I move it outward.

The 4x12 cab I have here in the studio has some black gaff tape that marks where the mic goes.
 
Farview said:
So let me get this straight... You can spell 'Freudian' but somehow you were confused by sweet?

Anyway, my starting point is always to point the mic right where the cone and the dust cap meet. If that isn't bright enough, I move it towards the center, if it's too bright I move it outward.

The 4x12 cab I have here in the studio has some black gaff tape that marks where the mic goes.
Click to expand...

I'll start my Mnemonics ;

It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.
It's a sweet sweat spot.




There! I think I've got it down pack now.

Has anyone seen my sweet pants?
 
Bob Ross said:
If it's gonna go flush against the grill cloth I outline the mic diaphraghm with a square of gaffer's tape. If it's farther away I outline the speaker cabinet & all the feet of the mic stand with white board tape, plus drop a plumb bob from the diaphragm to the floor & mark that spot with an "X" (& then write the height on that X).
Click to expand...

i use a wind sock and a laser-level.
this is of course after taking atmospheric pressure readings.
 
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