Using a Mic with My Amp vs Direct Recording!

[Raz]

OK so I read somewhere (plus I've seen pics like Tristan's setup) where using a mic on an amp is better than direct recording...so I'll take thoughts and suggestions...any tips and tricks. Also mic suggestions will be helpful (mics that are reasonably priced that offer good quality always make me smile)...thanks!

 

[lostrebel]

I personally go direct because without the sound deading of a studio the quaity is never as clear to me.

 

[Jimi D]

I don't know from recording 'cause I haven't tried to do any really, but for LIVE I always prefer a mic'd cab to the PA rather than direct to PA... I was running my Super Champ with an SM57 in front of it for regular jamming and it sounded HUGE! It was a terrific sound for a tiny little amp...

 

[PRSPlayer]

I also HAVE to go direct ... have you seen the size of my amp?

I use a Zoom MRS1266 with a built-in effects module.
Sounds "okay", but I really prefer mic'd amps.

 

[Raz]

I guess some amps sound better cranked so that may be an issue also...hmmm I may need to experiment...thanks!

 

[SteveB]

Raz,

Use close mic'ing if you can. (i.e. you're not recording at 3am).

You can use something as general purpose as a Shure SM-57, place the mic close to the speaker cab (within 2 inches, let's say), and try near the edge of one of the speaker cones. You can experiment with different placements to find your fav.

If you want to capture more of the reflections of the room, move the mic farther away, or consider placing one mic near the speakers and one further away and mix the two sounds until you get the tone you want.

I tend to record direct a lot, since I'm down there in the wee hours doing my work, but I find that I just can't get great sustain when recording direct, even with speaker cabinet simulation.

In the long run, it's a personal preference thing. You'll probably use different techniques for different results.

 

[Raz]

Thanks Steve so the Shure, that's a mic? and are you suggesting I use 2, cause someone else told me the same...

 

[shrkdvr]

mic/direct

Steve gave great advice! One mic close near the edge and one further away. You can blend them in the mix for great results. I have used a Shure Betta 56 for the close mic, cleaner to me. Now I record direct using a Palmer PGA-04. I use the Palmer live with my Head, no cabs, and it sounds better than the mics with cabs. Better control as well. Problems with mics, like phase or stage rumble or just that it is in an ever so slightly different spot (different sound), or the volume of the amp are eliminated going direct. The Palmer is the only direct box I have ever liked and I have tried just about everything. D.

 

[deadringer]

It all depends on your situation really. If you have the chance micing an amp can sound great. There are a lot of speaker sims out there that can do a pretty good job though.

I'd look at these factors:

1. What rig are you using? Tube amps almost always sound better when cranked up a bit. Solid state and modelers can sound pretty good at low volumes. And for quick and easy, it's hard to beat a modeler direct. It's not quite as sweet as a mic'd cab but it's also ten times easier.

2. Where are you living and can you crank it up a bit? If so, the moving air of a mic'd cab is really hard to beat. If you live in a small apartment (or with sensitive neighbors or record at night or with sleeping kids or whatever) you may very well be better off with a direct approach.

3. What recording gear are you using? If you have a decent mic preamp (either from a mixer, sound card, or standalone unit) then mic'ing an amp should sound pretty sweet. If you are just running into a cheap simple solution then the difference will probably be not as obvious.

4. Do you have the experience or patience to learn to mic cabs? Learning where to get the sweet spots and at what volume and with what combination of gear can take some serious time. You don't have to be a seasoned veteran but if you're new to it you'll need some trial and error time.

I have a little home studio that I just started using out for commercial stuff this year. I've recorded a ton of guitar parts both direct and mic'd. Right now, I use a Line 6 Vetta for a lot of it. Whenever possible I mic it up using a Mesa Recto 4x12 cab. For mics, the Shure SM57 is pretty much the industry standard for micing an amp. I use it quite a bit. My current favorite right now though, is the Sennheiser E609. They're both under a $100 and both are great at micing an amp.

The whole key to micing an amp is experimenting. You can read or hear about the ideal micing positions and distances but to really find the sweet spot you just have to experiment.

Here's a crazy example. I found (through trial and error) that each one of the four 12" speakers in my cab seems to sound better and certain applications. For tight chunky distorted rhythms the bottom right speaker just owns. Why? Who knows? Could be slight variances in the wood of the cab, in the speakers themselves (all are stock vintage 30's) or whatever. The top left handles cleans better. And I mic them at different positions and angles.

If you can email or pm me with the details of you rig I'd be happy to answer any questions I can that you may have.

Have fun man, a cool recording always makes my day.

 

[SteveB]

Raz,

Lots of good ideas in this thread. Yes, the Shure SM57 is a microphone, and as deadringer mentioned, it's a de facto standard for mic'ing amps. I have heard lots of great things about Sennheiser mics, too.

You can begin with one mic and see if you get satisfactory results. If you have the time, money, and inclination you can add more mics to the picture and just go nuts mic'ing all over the place and experimenting with mixing them to your liking.