SM57 with ART Preamp

[Astro1derboy]

Hello. I'm really not a techie so thought I'd ask; I have an SM57 going into an ART preamp. I have no idea what would be even general settings to really bring out the warmth of the tube. The ART manual didn't really go deep with explanations. I know settings are specific but any kind of general explanation of how to achieve the best input with my SM57 running through the ART pre would be great appreciated. What should I be listening for, should the preamp meters be moving some/at all, etc? Thanks.

 

[Zeppe]

You didn't not say a specific model but generally you want to drive up the input or gain level first to get a strong signal to the tube without clipping. Then raise the output level to get it hot enough for your system.

Find what sounds good.Tell me what model you have and I'll tell you if lights should be on.

 

[Washburn100]

Zeppe's answer was very good.

Basically, if you have a low input gain, and turn up the output to get a hot enough signal, you are keeping the signal clean with little drive. As you turn up the input, you start driving the tube until it becomes completely distorted. It is at the threshhold where the tube just starts to distort that most people look for. That is the sound of the tube most appreciate.

A solid state signal driven to the edge of distortion sounds horrible, but tubes at that same level sound "warm"

Like Zeppe said though, play with it until you find what you like and sounds good to you.

 

[FoulPhil]

It depends on what you're recording and who you're recording. Because I can't get my own voice to sound GREAT with an SM57 and I think I've tried everything.

I can mic up an acoustic guitar with one and make it sound pretty good. Guitar cabs, snares, etc. Needless to say are a piece of cake.

I've spent a few months now trying to get a good clean vocal sound with one and I just cant replace a nice condenser mic for clean vocals.

On the other hand it's not too shabby when I growl death metal vocals, but I still think a mid range condenser mic captures a clean voice better.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Overdriving the ART might be noisy...but with death metal that noise might work...with a 57 Id recomend the line6 UX1 ...its not really that much more than the ART.