Miking Guitar Amps: Finding the Sweet Spot by Sweetwater

[@JohnLeaf]

0:30 Amp on Floor 0:55 Amp On The Chair 3:11 Sm 57 two inches 3:32 Center of Spaker 2 inches 4:03 microfone on the surround of the speaker 4:34 angle to the dust cap 4:54 tiny amount changed - crossing back and forth 5:41 right on speaker move by a foot 5:55 right on speaker move by a foot 6:52 one strasighn one - other slight acess 7:32 once center one cone in phase 7:51 one close up and other back none - way back ambience natural reverb if it helps you say in the comments : i would eat a cup full of watercress thank you!

[@juanpablomorenopitti]

I would eat a cup of watercress thank you

[@BrockBrotato]

I would eat a cup overflowing with watercress

[@dilansishta3561]

I would eat a cup full of watercress

[@iganpparamarta8813]

But tone is in the wood and fingers, amirite? And now there are tone from microphone, cabinet speaker, and wait...... the angle of the microphone position? Wait...there’s another one.. different brand of microphone?? I’ve been worshipping a false god. It’s not the tonewood or your fingers...it’s the microphone!

[@garrettnorthrup]

For you, O Leaf, I would drink a cup full of the foulest of watercress, and devour the cup. Thank you, my comrade; I hope you are well.

[@PhilRemington]

Tried putting my 4x12 on a chair. No more chair.

[@graxjpg]

Lol I put mine slant cab facing straight up, works great with the high ceilings at my church.

[@folkestonehorror2723]

Thanks for this excellent tutorial.

[@gregorywilson3318]

@@graxjpg ☯️

[@Thearcherfl]

Tried putting my chair on my 4x12. Only have 2x12. So I used two chairs.

[@michaeltobin9142]

😂😂😂

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I set up mics by using a looper pedal and moving mics. Just remember to wear headphones and move your head away as much as possible while adjusting.

[@A_A_ron-Phillips]

Fantastic idea!

[@EiElBiAi]

Dude, you just gave me a potential, great solution. Thanks!!!

[@only-legitness]

i was thinking the same

[@godofspacetime333]

I like how much information was covered in a fairly short video. Most videos like this would be half an hour long.

[@fndrn8]

mic’ed setups are so much better than a direct setup. i always want to play and practice mic’ed up. there are alot of simulated mic software and even digital amp setups that do ok but you wont get that live sound unless you setup this way

[@tucko11]

fndrn8 💯👍👊🏻

[@JiTiAr35]

the question is, can you tell the difference?

[@nygmaa]

Or get a DI box to have both!

[@marcl3278]

@@JiTiAr35 you can't

[@fromaggio7654]

there is a lot less 200hz buildup on a real miked cabinet

[@Hellseeker1]

Quick and to the point, what a gentleman.

[@averytyler9776]

Best company ever

[@blckwaterpark]

Seriously, Sweetwater is amazing!

[@BrianZwienerCCN]

Did you know? A dynamic mic (which has a voice coil) when placed in the center of the amp's speaker (which also has a voice coil) some of the electomagnetic energy (speaker acting as a transformer primary) will pass through the short distace to the microphone (transformer secondary) this will influence the tone, but not that much. A good condencer microphone with high SPL rating will remove ant doubt.

[@fakename3474]

That guitar player is just there for the ride.

[@schipbreukeling3]

haha yeah ,well he's got a ticket

[@fjk1138]

Great video, I like that we get to see multiple setups and combos.

[@loekmulders]

This is a godlike video! I have seen several on this topic but this one nails all the details. I think i get it now, thanks so much!!

[@placidbomb6654]

angle to the dust cap aka Fred technique sounds the best in this. Thanks.

[@siriusfun]

Depends what type of song it is.

[@pantsmckeks4603]

Thanks Don and Mitch, for the really informative video.

[@lance134679]

Great tutorial on miking guitar amps. My favourite amp microphone is the Sennheiser e906, but you can't go wrong with a 57.

[@MotivGuy94]

Lawrence Gillespie especially for 3 bucks a month lol

[@NominalTopic]

Very useful information. Great video!

[@danielsperry8114]

I'm not an expert but i use 3 or 4 different microphones on my guitar amps and pick and choose what i like . A combo amp i put a mic on the back of the cabinet , yeah and again i pick what sounds i like . Great video .

[@JeBrown101]

A bit late to the party on this one but hoping that someone might see my post and be able to help a novice guitar player with some helpful information. In this video I think I am seeing the guitar signal going into the pre-amp and then the mic(s) capturing the signal as it leaves the amp/speaker. What I am missing is where is the sound going to / coming from after it is captured by the mic? Is it going to another speaker off screen?

[@david.sthilaire]

The guitar is plugged directly into the amp and then the mics that capture the sound, can go either to a microphone preamp, to an audio interface, or directly into a mixing board.

[@michaelanderson108]

thanks so much ,that helped me alot on getting the right sound. thanks mitch and don your awesome as always, i'll order from sweetwaters for life

[@anttik5764]

Really informative, thankyou! Looking forward to start recording so this was a real good video for me atleast, and with Mitch and Don demoing, adds up to a great package.

[@gringochucha]

So basically, you can do anything, as long as you know what you're doing : D

[@theodore738]

gringochucha and a lot of time, even if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can experiment until you find something you like!

[@jette2001]

thanks for the education here, i like the surround of the speaker tone @ 4:03

[@thesesignals]

took off the grill cloth, pushed the mic all the way through the cone and the basket. not getting any sound. what am i doing wrong here @Sweetwater?

[@fastronaut909]

Never thought I could love a company

[@46b19]

This guy goes right for it... well done.

[@goldensleeves]

Regarding example at 8:00… How can you make sure the mics are in phase even when one is further away from the amp than the other?? Is that possible? Thanks in advance for any tips!!!!!

[@sweetwater]

Hey, goldensleeves. Thanks for reaching out! The easiest way to check for phase problems is to sum your mix to mono. If you have a monitor controller or a mixing console, chances are it has a mono switch, which makes the process of summing easy. You can also use a plugin with a mono switch, like InPhase from Waves, inserted on your master buss. A handy way to check is to loop a section of your song, preferably during the chorus or another part where most or all the instruments are playing. Switch back and forth between stereo and mono as it plays back. Listen for elements dropping out entirely, getting lower in volume, or experiencing a change in tone. The biggest thing to do is experiment! I hope this information helps, but if you have any other questions feel free to contact us! Jack Wellington, Sweetwater Sale Engineer, [phone] ext. 3240, [e-mail]

[@danielbridges9384]

What is the mic plugged into?

[@ricmel8008]

Does anyone knows the best distance to mic the amp in a live setting to prevent feedback while avoiding picking up too much of the other sounds on stage thanks?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Ric. Thanks for reaching out! Because of all the variables involved with sound, there is no exact distance to place a mic to prevent feedback. All of this can depend on a number of things, such as: what kind of instruments on stage, the volume of the amp, the model of microphone, and many more. Send me an email or give me a buzz and I'd be happy to assist! Rock On! Philip Courtney, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1968, [e-mail]

[@ricmel8008]

@@sweetwater Thank you very much Philip Courtney.

[@garrettmehl1427]

Incredible video! Thank you!

[@WSRTheWetShaverReview]

What do you mean by “in phase” microphones ? Is this like tubes where you get a matched set ? I’m not sure I understand. Thanks !

[@sweetwater]

Hello, W.S.R! Great question! To answer this, I’d like to quote an article we posted on our site back in 1997, as it sums it up quite well: "Audio waveforms are cyclical; that is, they proceed through regular cycles or repetitions. Phase is defined as how far along its cycle a given waveform is. The measurement of phase is given in degrees, with 360 degrees being one complete cycle. One concern with phase becomes apparent when mixing together two waveforms. If these waveform are “out of phase”, or delayed with respect to one another, there will be some cancellation in the resulting audio. This often produces what is described as a “hollow” sound. How much cancellation, and which frequencies it occurs at depends on the waveforms involved, and how far out of phase they are (two identical waveforms, 180 degrees out of phase, will cancel completely)." Thanks for the interest! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@tomzeto]

watching to figure out which specific mic placement Marshall IR to use lol Thanks Sweetwater!

[@jamesjoot]

Really enjoyed this vid, very helpful- thanks for posting.

[@tedbaker9070]

Are they demoing tones in Janet's Void? =D Thanks for the information!

[@gennadiysdengi]

very nice demo

[@MrFuzzleupagus]

I’m new at mic placement. I am currently recording in stereo. Both of my amps are in different corners and face each other. Will I have phase issues? (Using SM 57s if that helps.) Thanks!

[@sweetwater]

Hey there! Yes, that could possibly present phase issues, but without more information, it’s hard to get an idea of exactly what your setup is. This article from Premier Guitar goes into some detail extremely well with some different techniques you can try out: www.premierguitar.com/the-recording-guitarist-a-study-in-stereo-miking Give us a call when you have some time and we’d be more than happy to chat further, as well! Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3230, [e-mail]

[@nicholas_james]

4:52 Dude Thank You!

[@doorkeepers5949]

3:41 Akward moment of Silence!

Most likely he didn't want to speak over any reverb trails so the sound engineer has an easier time mixing the guitar mic without the room mic.

[@100chuckjones]

0:09 "A great guitar player like Don" (Who is absolutely capable of playing 3 chords throughout the whole video)

[@100chuckjones]

is it really ? When you mic up your cab, do you only play 3 chords ? or do you play a series of notes up and down the neck to check for grill noise..offending frequency's through out the room ? I know this video is an example, but it would be nice to hear some octaves or possibly even a freakin 'Bend" !

[@andrewpolitano]

chuck jones don is actually really radical, but that comment DID make me laugh out loud a little. FWIW, I just play a few cowboy chords when setting up mics to check balance of strings and overall string to string volume. That’s really all you need. There’s only so much you can do about specific offending frequencies at the microphone level short of what they demonstrate. A good setup (including pickup height and pole adjustments, Switching out mics and guitars, amp EQ are really the only other thing to do if you’re having that string balance issue.) Tldr: its a tutorial. We don’t need Yngwie in it.

[@mattryan2489]

I wonder if the other guy was creeped out with how he was starring at him while explaining the mic positions.

[@fndrn8]

if you dont play the same thing on each test, it wouldnt be a very good test now would it.

[@birdbraINCorporated]

hes precise and consistent tho

[@ricmel8008]

So where is the best to place to put the mic in relation to the speaker?

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Ric Mel. Thank you so much for checking out our KZbin video. There is not an exact answer to your question. There are a lot of good places to mic a cab, and there are a lot of different mic techniques and theories for the process, as well. It also greatly varies based on the type of microphone you are using and the tone you are going for. The best bet, honestly, is to experiment and move the mic around and see the placement that gives you the best tone. Just as a starting point though, I would mic about 1-3 inches off the speaker and then off to one side a bit. The closer you are to center the brighter it tends to be and then warmer to the edges. If there is anything else I can help with, please let me know. Thanks, Grant Embury, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1647, [e-mail]

[@ricmel8008]

@@sweetwater Thank you very much Grant Embury for the reply.

[@Artesound]

Do you have video with SM57 close and large cond. mic in room? Thanks for answer.

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

Nobody seems to mention amp volume... that’s my only question left! What volume do most people set on their amps when recording? I have an amp that can sound great at many levels, so I’m not sure what the ideal volume is for recording?

[@outdoorzee7964]

11 jk

[@manicmurph]

Yeah plus my amp and monitors are in the same room and I'm basically just hearing the amp sound and have to move the mic, record something, see how it sounds and then move it if need be. Plus what about the gain staging on the interface?

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

My answer is unfortunately the worst answer of all.... Depends on the sound you’re after !! You have to experiment! I’ve been studying sound for like 20 years now, and that’s the one thing I hate when people say, because I know it’s true. 🤩🤩🤩 I ask “how much is 2+2?” And they’re like “well it’s actually 5-1, or 2+3-1, or 8-4”... But unfortunately it’s true. If you’re playing Lynyrd Skynyrd style you need a certain guitar with a certain amp at a certain volume and a certain gain staging. If you’re playing like Metallica stuff you need that, if you’re playing jazz, etc. etc. So yes... take your time, experiment, learn to make firm decisions once you come upon something that you like, and enjoy the art of recording as well as playing !!! That’s what I’ve come to, and it really did save my sanity. ✌️✌️✌️

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

Steve Stockmal I appreciate the reply and I think you’re right. I’ve gotten much better at dialling in the sound that I like best and what works for this amp too and it’s not really any of the settings I’ve seen recommended even. It just sounds the best. I’ve found that my guitar pots also contribute a lot more than I initially would’ve expected in terms of finding that perfect sound. Oddly, I used your advice before ya gave it Lol but it’s good to know someone understands it and backs up the idea 😆

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

Yes sir...and another great tidbit I picked up is to think of your mic as your ears. So basically move around (earplugs) the source and find where it sounds best, then put the mic there. I just did a session right now and messed with the mic placement, did two takes, panned them stereo L & R and was amazed !!! Woohoooooo

[@forexhamster6997]

Don rules ! He looks like he's wearing the same clothes he did in high school.

[@emersonmiles07]

Mitch, seems like a cool guy to hang out with. 😎

[@maegjohncareeon639]

Can i use A Wireless Mic as Alternative?

[@hanten10]

Very nice demo. Its hard to find the natural spot, i mean what we hear is what we get.

[@testbeeld2877]

wich mic stand are you guys using?

[@gumball3049]

can anyone name the exact model and color of that LP, please???

[@Itsallawesome]

basically there are no rules. just play around with the placements until it sounds good. only thing to really watch for is phase issues.

[@rcboals]

Thank you for this very informative excellent not has hard as I thought.

[@Pissarrio]

Mitch/anyone, what do we need to do when using two microphone to make sure the signals are in phase and we don't get cancelation, what technique is used?

[@RitusG]

+Pissarrio You can try reversing the polarity of one of the mics and see which way sounds fuller. If your mixer has this ability.

[@Pissarrio]

+Rictus Thanks, if the mixer does not have this function can it be done any other way short of doing in post?

[@RitusG]

+Pissarrio There are xlr adapters that can reverse the polarity of the mic cable out there, just google it. You could do it yourself if you understand how a XLR wiring works. Search for "phase reversing mic cable".

[@Pissarrio]

+Rictus thanks much!

[@kingswift5675]

Don is a good player

[@eoinypower9138]

This is a great video, Well done : )

[@RizingMisT]

Really helpful. Thanks!

[@watchitnow765]

Gotta get a Shure SM-57, to start with.

[@rubberband9570]

Can you crank your amp with this mic close up?

[@caseybell2475]

that depends on the mic. some mics can deal with really high db output and others cant. im pretty sure that the Shure sm57 can handle a lot. hence it is used a lot for recording guitar. but if it cant then just pull it back a little and boost the signal and or eq in post

[@krisgilbert3671]

What mics are you using?

[@thecolumbiancolaltd2829]

I'm confused why the low end sound more clear when the amp was on the floor？I‘m told in order to get a more clear low end sound and more tremble I should get my amp on a chair or a table

[@Dang...]

Thanks!

[@justinTime077]

My homies at shweetwawtah always saving me from headache!

[@IcaroArthur]

Awesome!

[@hadeseye2297]

Tab are included.

[@jeroenvanlelieveldmusic]

very good 🙏

[@double_humbucker]

can i have question where do you plug in the microphone, at the same amps?

[@samcurtis5707]

Thank you for that... That was very informative. Do you ever recommend using a mic that has more bass pickup on the cone and one that has more high pick up far back?

[@kevinkmny]

A standard technique is to use a ribbon mic and an sm57 and blend them....or also have a large diaphragm condenser mic further back in the room...blend to taste..

[@kingswift5675]

Awesome

[@alrecks619]

6:34 ah yes, the fredman technique

[@nsc217]

Why does it sound better off the floor?

[@danielbridges9384]

Its closer to your ears!!

[@marcl3278]

3:48 :)

[@pvampman]

If you have a 1x12 with two mics. When measuring the two mics say 57 at the center and a condenser more off to the side,or edge. Should the two mics still be equal distance from the speaker? Or should the condenser be pulled back a little further away from the speaker cause on the speaker edge there is less depth from the mic capsule to speaker than the 57 at the center cause of the shape of the speaker?

[@tucko11]

On the floor for my sound ....

[@LonskiBig]

.....Vocals & guitar...??...It's hard to find a video recording both with a single mic...Smartphones shoot the video into Utube with ease, but getting vocals and guitar from the amp to the phone is unbelievably difficult....The plug has to have "3" rings for the phone and the mic has to pick- up from "2" cones on the amp...I've looked at dozens of videos and none tell you how to do this

[@riccardobadalone7964]

Great vid

[@mickeymiguel2726]

Mitch G.splendi lesson, thanks

[@wbspensfan28]

What about a half stack

[@maxxgraphix]

Yeah, so just mess with it until you like it.

[@gunnarmarks5754]

Effects Pedals ❌ Sound Guy Waving Mic Around Speaker Whole Show ✅

[@mdlindsey]

Can we get a taller amp stand so he doesn't have to be on his knees the whole time?

[@krisreyes0720]

A n00bie here..where do you c0nnect that sm57?

[@PatrickWard4]

If you are recording to your computer, the mic will likely need to be connected to an audio interface. Otherwise, if you are doing a live performance , it will need to go to a mixing board and then into a PA system. There are plenty of other ways to use mics, but those are probably the two most common.

[@RizingMisT]

Sm57 needs an xlr cable. Plug the cable into the mic and then into your Audio interface. Your audio interface should be plugged into your computer and ready to go. Open whatever recording software you are using to record.

[@brownpunk1794]

great vid and to the point.. but main presenter looks like he directs adult films lol

[@ME-ru4hv]

Sweetwater University! (oh no! did I open my big mouth! never mind.. carry on..)

[@TunesMac4uk]

Don needs a restyle...

[@jakebee6218]

For beginners? Where is the mic plugged into if you have basic equipment and you are not using a computer or PA system. Put another way, what is the basic setup for a beginner? Before mic placement, I think a beginner needs to know the basic equipment and setup.

[@siriusfun]

The title is mic'ing guitar amps, not recording 101. It is meant to illustrate different techniques/placement, not teach you how to run a signal. That's an entirely different topic.

[@jakebee6218]

@@siriusfun Yep, got you. I called Sweetwater and they may work on the video for the setup (but Drew said it's just easier to call). But the tech talked me through one process. I use a 2 amp and sometimes a 1 amp setup and a TUBE MP preamp, but sometimes the 1 amp system gives too much noise even with a 'Whirlwind XLRF-TS In-Line Transformer', so that's one thing I was trying to figure out. Thanks again for the response. I guess the key is 'finding the sweet spot'. (I should pay more attention.) Though if I posted such a video I would go through the entire setup -that's just me.

[@martinexoticsusa]

Uses a Morgan set up and 2K Gibson...no wonder it sounds good, what sweet spot? lol

[@BringTheBeaver]

I couldn’t get over the fact that it looks like his crotch is facing the mic in certain Shots haha

[@kutilkol]

I heard almost none dramatic difference, but nice vid.

[@Mmsmickey]

I need a dedicated flashlight

[@kingkatalogas]

its not don, its eric idle! :)

[@standalowen]

I'm confused.And sound stupid. Why? Do you only do this when mike is plugged into recording unit for recording only? The guitar&mike plugged into amp. Amp plays sound. Where is sound going when mike plugged in?

[@Florida_Living1]

Hey Craig! The mic is going into the recording console when you’re recording guitar in the studio. If you’re playing live the mic is going into the PA system mixer so your amp’s sound can go through the speakers in the venue. Hope that was helpful!

[@linusorri]

DENIM

[@Muddybagclean]

Jesus Loves You

[@danielsmith-gw7lz]

It's spelled Micing not Miking

[@handyjobson5900]

daniel smith nope. Both are correct. It’s slang after all.

[@imonlysleeping4491]

Sorry, milking? Come again?

[@williamsisk6707]

This dude talks fast. Like micro machine guy fast. Slow down.

[@bwz1979]

"fat man in a little coat" Chris Farley signing

[@Johnyevil]

..I had to check the play speed of this video, I thought it was sped up. Play it at 0.75 and you'll see what I mean.

[@joecastro6902]

That guitarist is a one trick pony

[@bradh128]

talk faster plz