two mics?

[Bloodsoaked]

With the equipment I just ordered (should be here soon) I am asuming I can mic my guitar cab with two mic correct?

2 Behringer XM8500 Microphone
2 20 Foot Ernie Ball XLR Microphone Cable 20 Foot
1 Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer

I have been reading (in ohter fourms) that micing an amp with two mics will give me a much better sound.

I am also correct in assuming that both the mics will be blended into on sound file? 2 mics going into the mixer and one mono to stereo cable going to my computer = one .wav file that has captured the guitar sounds from the two mics.

Anyone have advice on micing a guitar amp with two mics?

 

[MadAudio]

Generaly one uses two different types of mics when doing this.

 

[bennychico11]

look here to get you started:
http://bruceamiller.us/audio_course/02_rec_elgtr.html

 

[punkin]

In that budget, I would have picked up one SM57 or one E609 but working with what you have, just experiment.

Put one mic in close right up to the grill pointed at the speaker cone somewhere in the middle between the center cone and the outer edge. Take the second mic and move it back about 3 to 5 feet out and about 2 feet above the cabinet. Then, start moving them around for the best sound you can get. Note how the phasing (spacing distance between the mics) effect the over all sound.

After you get your gear put together, experiment, have fun and check back with us again later.

 

[ericlingus]

when I mic my amp with a sm57 going into a firebox, I have to crank it wayyy up. I didn't realize how loud you have a crank an amp to get it to even register a slight bit. Is this normal? I even boosted the firebox mic input 12db. Also I plan on buying a condenser mic for vocals and micing my amp. I play metal btw and my budget is 200 and under.

 

[Sonixx]

are you recording distorted tones or clean tones?

I'm not familiar with the XM8500, is it a Condenser?

if you're tracking distorted tones, a dynamic like a i5, 57, 421, e609 would be some choices.

as for two mics this method works very well...

one mic is pointed dead-on straight at the speaker dust cover at some distance

the second mic is positioned right beside the first mic but angled about 45 degrees to the first.

these two should be mixed to taste and check to ensure correct phase alignment

you can use similar or dissimilar mics. my preference is either two i5s or an i5/md421

as for positioning the first mic, I either pipe white noise into the amp or just turn it up to hear the hiss, then poisition the mic for the brightest tone. next I move it nearer/further to taste

most of the amp clips in my sig were double mic tracked.

 

[Bluester]

I used 3 mics on one of my recordings. SM57 on the grill, SM57 about 6' away pointed at the cab....And a condenser in the room. Up close for those screeching, ripping leads....mid way for a more mellow 'assembled' sound and the room mic for an overall, larger, 'room' sound. Gives you a lot of options when mixing together.

 

[punkin]

when I mic my amp with a sm57 going into a firebox, I have to crank it wayyy up. I didn't realize how loud you have a crank an amp to get it to even register a slight bit. Is this normal? I even boosted the firebox mic input 12db. Also I plan on buying a condenser mic for vocals and micing my amp. I play metal btw and my budget is 200 and under.

You need a pre-amp. I would suggest a DMP3...it's nice and clean and reasonably priced.

 

[Bloodsoaked]

You need a pre-amp. I would suggest a DMP3...it's nice and clean and reasonably priced.

Will the pre-amp built into a mixer work? One like the Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer? Will a seperate pre-amp make a big enough difference?

 

[Bloodsoaked]

are you recording distorted tones or clean tones?.

I am recording distorted (death metal style) guitars.

I'm not familiar with the XM8500, is it a Condenser?

The XM8500 is a Dynamic Cardioid Microphone.

as for positioning the first mic, I either pipe white noise into the amp or just turn it up to hear the hiss, then poisition the mic for the brightest tone. next I move it nearer/further to taste.

I will give it a try in the next few days and let you know my results. Thanks...

 

[Bloodsoaked]

Generaly one uses two different types of mics when doing this.

Thank you for the link, it was very helpful!!!

 

[up-fiddler]

as for positioning the first mic, I either pipe white noise into the amp or just turn it up to hear the hiss, then poisition the mic for the brightest tone. next I move it nearer/further to taste

Yeah, this is pretty standard. DON'T LET ANYONE ELSE NEAR THE GUITAR while doing this. ESPECIALLY if you're wearing headphones. A few years ago my dog came in and hit the strings on the guitar with her wagging tail while I was messing around with mic placement. It sounds funny but was painful as hell.