Wy not use condensors for mic'ing guitar amps?

[terrestrial]

. . . That's really just it. Why are dynamic mics better than condensors for micing amplifiers? What are the issues of using a condensor on an amp?

 

[Track Rat]

They're not. Where did you hear that? I use AT 4033's or a C-1000 on amps all the time better yet would be a ribbon mic.

 

[Big Kenny]

ditto.... though i don't have a ribbon yet

 

[Han]

There's no problem using a condenser mic on guitar or bass amps.

Dynamic mics work different from condensers, because of Lenz's rule a dynamic mic has a kind of compression which condensers don't have.

 

[cellardweller]

I hope I don't incite any undue negativity with this question...

Will an SPB1 be useful for micing a cabinet, and how easily could I ruin it?

I've tried it approx. 5-8 feet out in conjunction w/sm57 on grill, and didn't like the sound.

I'm actually only concerned with how easy would it be to cause damage to it???

Thanks,
CD

 

[mrface2112]

i've gotten plenty of pleasing results using a combination of the SP B1 and a 57 (well, the older 545) on an amp. in fact, sticking it in front of an amp is one of my favorite uses for the B1.

the trick is that you have to make sure that the amp sounds good in the room first. *especially* when "distance" micing--it's far less of an importance/concern with a 57 on the grille. but when you have the room come into play (even at 5ft), you've gotta take it into account.

second, get the amp up off the floor--floors kill amp tone. the easiest way for mic placement is that while the amp is being played through, move yourself around the room and find where the amp sounds best--and put the mic right there. mix to taste with your close mic.

and watch out for phase relationships--that *could* be a source of your "dissatisfaction" with the B1/57 combo in the past. if both sources sound ok on their own yet like ass when combined.....you've likely got a phase problem.


can you hurt the B1 with an amp? i suppose......if you stick it in front of a marshall stack on 10......but i think it's more likely that you'll clip the preamp input than the mic. i've used my B1 as a snare mic (within inches of my snare) and had no problems with that. use a pad if you find your levels are too hot.

i think the B1/57 combo is a nice match for a low-wattage tube amp like a Fender Blues Junior, Champ, etc.


cheers,
wade

 

[Han]

Don't be afraid to put your B1 close to the speaker grill, I do it all the time, on bass amps as well. I put a $5k Neumann close to the speaker, no problemo.

 

[cellardweller]

I guess for the price I shouldn't be too concerned with damaging my B1, but I'd rather not have to replace it (anytime soon) if I can avoid it. (I hope to be making a "major" purchase, of course "major" is relative!)

Is there anyway of judging while monitoring that you are pushing a condensor too hard?

So, if I "trial and error" it, how will I know I've fried the B1? Is it a gradual degeneration, or is it abrupt and noticeable?
I guess that's probably the only way I will learn...

Thanks for the responses...
CD

 

[Adam P]

I've recently discovered the fun that is a 4033 a couple feet out from a guitar amp.