Recording rock guitars
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Posted on Oct 20, 2008 09:21 am
Martín González
Martín
Member Since: Oct 15, 2008
Hey everyone, just wanted to ask.
How could I get a larger-than life sound from my guitar amp. I have 2 sm57's and two c-2's small diaphragm condenser mics. are small diaphragm condenser mics good for amps? or should i go and get a large diaphragm.
I'm also on a tight budget so, any tips on miking with more than one mic and mixing, etc.?
thanks!
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Oct 20, 2008 11:09 am Slipperman technique is quite thorough, though a little potty-mouthed.
A small recap:
1. get your signal as good as possible, don't over-do the distortion, as it'll be more muddy on tape.
2. get the mic in the absolute best spot possible. Take time to get this right. having someone to help will be a great benefit.
I'd use the 57 close, in the perfect spot. Then add the SDC a bit further back, but also putting this in a 'perfect' a spot as possible. Minding the phase issues.
Once in your software, you can duplicate the two tracks to make four, or just play with the two. Change EQ for each one, or pan them different. Record one of the tracks clean, if possible, and add modeling afterwards, and mix these with a real track (or two).
Lots of available options, it just takes time to try them out, and see what works for you.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 20, 2008 10:35 pm An LDC is a good choice for an off cab mic. Some are good for close miccing, but those that are will not be cheap.
YOu can grab something like an MXL 990 to do the job for under the $100 mark these days.
My preferred technique with a 57 is off access. Have it on the grill, not touching of course. Place it near the outer edge of the speaker cone point toward the center, or near center. This will keep it from picking up a real blast as they sometimes do when pointed straight into the speaker. It also give a bit better sound then having it pointed straight into the center of the speaker.
Then if you do grab an LDC you can place that out front a bit. And as pjk mentioned, you will probably have to move it about a bit to find that sweet spot. And again as he stated, be mindful of phase issues.
Oct 21, 2008 05:57 pm how do I know if there are phase issues?
and what would be the consequences?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 21, 2008 06:35 pm The 2 mics will cancel each others sound out if they are out of phase. Or you will get a deteriorated sound from them being mixed together.
Using headphones or if your mixing room is isolated from the guitar cabinet you are micing, listen while you have someone move the second mic around until it sounds good. Then that should be the sweet spot.
And honestly, there could be many sweet spots in one room.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Oct 21, 2008 10:26 pm We have been using a 3 mic setup at class. 1 SM57 just off of the centre of the cone... a ATM25 on the edge the same distance away and either a KSM32 or a 414 about 5 feet away. The idea being that you exaggerate the characteristics of each mic and mic placement and blend them all together. It works really well.
Dematrixhttp://www.reverbnation.com/2ndgMember
Since: Nov 27, 2007
Oct 22, 2008 03:58 am that sounds really cool beerhunter, might have to give it wurl,
have you or anyone here ever tried a mix of anologue tape and digital when layering your guitars?
or even a plug ins?
Oct 22, 2008 09:25 pm For rythm guitar I use a 57 tight on the grill for one track. On the other I use a Senn 609 and a Senn 421 (with the bass rolled off) tight on the grill and a Neumann U-87 back off the cab. You could do the same thing with a 57 tight and a LDC in the room. That gives you one good crunchy guitar and one with a more open feel to it. If it's a lead guitar part I don't use a 57 alone ever! I hate the sound of a 57 on leads. I normally use the 609, 421 and U-87 for lead parts. One thing I like to do is point the cab at a 45 degree angle towards a wall and then put the U-87 at a 45 degree angle to catch the reflection from the cab. You just have to move it around to get it right.
