mic placement help

[lbj273]

So I just bought the MXL 990/991 mic package used from Craigslist, and I've heard while not preferable, condenser mics can be used with good results when micing amps. Is this true? If it is how far away should I place the mics? I play at fairly low volumes most of the time, and will probably record at a little above what would be ocnsidered bedroom levels.

[SlappyTheFish]

I don't think there's any right or wrong way to mic an amp, just different ways. The standard way is to use a Shure SM57, but it doesn't have to be and isn't always the best way.

Try placing your condenser about 6" away from the speaker, but you'll need to turn the amp up otherwise you'll start recording room noise and reflections.

[lbj273]

ok, the only way I've recorded with an amp was using a dynamic mic about a half inch from the speaker grill.

[fridge_raider]

There's literally unlimited ways of micing an amp. Just experiment, because there's only so much advice we can give, without knowing what your room is like, what style of play etc. I wouldn't put a condenser too close to the grille on a high volume though, condensers are delicate!

[willieturnip]

I love large diaphragm condensers on clean/crunchy electrics.

Play about until you get it good, I never mic the same way twice..

[lbj273]

I just wasn't sure if I could damage the mic by recording an amp

[aetherspear]

If you play too loud, the condenser mic could be damaged. Use the -10db button (i think they have one) on the mic if you're playing at above bedroom levels.

[lbj273]

mine doesn't have one

[timbit2006]

mine doesn't have one

Perhaps on your mixer/interface??
I can set mine to double -10DB with my Behringer C-2s, then again with my mixer. I don't really notice any difference between the two.

[lbj273]

possibly on the mixer, I don't know though, I just borrow my buddies anytime I want to record

[lank81]

LBJ,
There are a ton of ways to record your electric guitar but most of the time people do close micing techniques. The further away you are from the source of sound the more of your room you will pick up and unless you have it properly treated will probably not be wanted. I would say a few inches away from the speaker would be the best. There are a couple of ways you can record. Directly on the cone will give you more definition on your highs. If you record on the outside of the cone you'll get more low end thickness. Finally you can do an off axis mic - angled toward the cone which will give you a nice sound as well. Give all three a shot. There is no wrong way to mic an amp but some ways just sound better than others. Experiment and you might surprise yourself.

Lank