Guitar Amp Miking Techniques
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Electric guitars are usually plugged
into an amp with any normal guitar effects desired plugged
into the signal path. A mic is usually placed in front of
a speaker in the amp or speaker cabinet, pointed toward
the speaker. Obviously, the type and brand of the guitar
and the amp can greatly effect the sound. Also, different
players and different styles of music will call for different
miking techniques to achieve different sounds. Most guitar
amps are miked with cardioid dynamic mics, for their ruggedness
compared to condensers as well as their tendency to reduce
unwanted noises from the player and the room. The speaker
can be miked from a distance of 1 foot all the way up to
the grill cloth. Also, some bands have used loud amps placed
at the end of stairwells or long hallways and miked from
a distance for a warm, distant echoing sound. This technique
has mostly been used for special effect. The closer the
mic placement to the speaker, the more crucial the mic angle
and and aim. Place the mic directly in front of the center
of the speaker aimed toward the center for a brighter sound.
For a more mellow sound, you would place the mic more towards
the speaker cone's edge, but not all the way past the speaker
surround. A good jazz guitar sound can be obtained at medium
volume levels with a chorus pedal plugged in and an omni-directional
condenser mic placed between the center and edge of the
speaker, pointed toward the center of the speaker. Also,
a stereo effects pedal can be plugged into two amps, with
both amps miked seperately and routed to two tracks, panned
hard left and hard right. A noticeable sweeping movement
from left to right speakers can be heard if this is done
properly. Live miking is often done in the center of the
speaker, as close to the grill as possible, to reduce feedback.
Also, some amps have built in direct outs to use live, plugged
into the mixing board.
