How should I mic my amp?

[guitarman13]

I have a Digitech Workstation and I am not very happy with the recording quality through the USB. I would really like to start recording my 2x12 combo amp through a mic. I only have one mic input on my workstation. Would one mic do it? Or would I need 2 for better sound quality? And how would I get the mics into my computer through USB? I'm really new to this so I don't know what kind of mic to buy. What are some good mics?

[Dee]

Just 1 mic. A Shure SM57 about 5 inches away from the speaker. Experiment with positioning until you're happy. Buy a good soundcard to capture the signal into your PC.

If all else fails, buy a Behringer V-Amp Pro and save your amp for live use.

[guitarman13]

I have an Creative Audigy 2 ZS as my souncard. Do I need something like an inbox to get the mic connected to the soundcard? Or can I just use the mic input on my workstation, which is connected to the computer through a USB port? And what are other mics I should consider?

[Drew]

Dude, that's like asking "I have an electric guita,r and it's just not cutting it unplugged. How should I amplify it?"

There's nearly an infinite number of ways to get a guitar on tape. An old standby is a SM57 right up against the grille, but even then a mm or two in either direction can drastically change the sound.

I'm no expert myself, but even I could write a book on this. Lately, I've had a thing for an Audix i5 45 degrees off axis against the cone and very slightly off center, or dead on, an inch or so off center, and 2-3 inches back. However, I'd recommend doing a netsearch, reading everything you can, theng etting a quality mic and spending a couple weeks experimenting to see what works for you and for your gear.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by guitarman13

I have an Creative Audigy 2 ZS as my souncard. Do I need something like an inbox to get the mic connected to the soundcard? Or can I just use the mic input on my workstation, which is connected to the computer through a USB port? And what are other mics I should consider?

Sorry for the late reply.

I'd try just using the mic input on your soundcard. As for considering other mic's, well maybe I sound close-minded, but no, the SM57 would get you the best results!

[Ferrous Lepidoptera]

(warning, strictly amateur advice ahead)

The SM57 will work likely work well if your amp is turned up pretty loud and if the sm57 likes your preamp, otherwise I think it will work merely OK. If you're in a situation where you have to record at lower volumes (e.g. in an apartment, or your preamps don't seem to like the sm57, (and perhaps if you like an extra sizzly high gain sound -- some people love that, many hate it) a small diaphragm condenser might be the better choce.

Also, moving the mic around a little bit can make a huge difference in the sound, you have to experiment a bit.

When I've mic'ed an amp in my situation, I've found the small diaphragm condensers almost always seem better to me than the SM57s. Usually, I find amp modellers (v-amp, pod, etc.) do a better job than I can do with my amps and mics anyway though, despite seeming rather gauche compared to mic'ing an amp. Could be I'm just not turning up loud enough, I don't know. I think my preamps (yamaha AW4416 preamps) are known for being pretty transparent, but lacking in gain, which maybe isn't the best match for an SM57 on
electric guitar.