Author Topic: Miked recording - Is it always so annoying? (Read 9043 times)

Scotty477 · « **on:** May 04, 2008, 03:52:48 PM »

I've spent 4 hours yesterday and 3 hours today trying to get a decent sound recorded of my LP through a Marshall TSL601, using an SM57 and a Boss BR-900CD and it's been the most annoying 7 hours that I can recall.

No matter what I do I can't record what I'm hearing with my ears. I understand placement of the mike is crucial but I think I've tried just about everywhere, with no joy.

I'm basically looking for a bit of advice on amp recording with a mike. I had a lot more fun using a multi effect unit direct into my digi recorder - and better results.

maverickf1jockey · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2008, 04:03:09 PM »

The SM57 is SHURE isn't it?

If that's the case then you may just have the wrong microphone as SHURE mics are still made to their original spec and the technology has improved significantly since then with the wide availability of neodymium magnetic elements for example.

viking · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2008, 04:32:26 PM »

I guess you need a good pre-amp.That's key.

Scotty477 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2008, 04:38:55 PM »

Quote from: viking

I guess you need a good pre-amp.That's key.

A good preamp ... as in the unit I'm recording to?

Jonny · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2008, 04:48:40 PM »

Only getting this off Google for you Machinehead, I hope it helps somewhat maybe:

"A weak signal produced by a microphone or camera pickup device may need to be strengthened by a preamplifier before they can be used."

More likely what you're recording from, not to.

badgermark · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2008, 04:56:24 PM »

Have a look at this youtube video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUIxxmykEz0 some good advice here.

TomW · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2008, 05:05:37 PM »

I have a dsl100 which is similar to your amp, and I found that with the stock speakers that were in my cab (G12T-75's) it was almost impossible to get a decent recorded tone. So perhaps a change of speaker could help. Mic placement can also take a long while to get right, I have had many days where I have gotten really frustrated trying to get a decent recorded tone, seemingly trying every possible mic position with no success. I find that placing the mic at a slight angle towards the outside of the speaker with the mic touching the grill cloth works best for me, so maybe try that. However changing the speakers in my cab really did improve the tone a hell of a lot in person and when recorded, so maybe that would be your best bet.

kevincurtis · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2008, 05:43:00 PM »

The Boss unit will be fine for recording, what you have to keep in mind is that the ears and the brain processing is very complex and a mic will never capture what we 'hear'. The speakers can make a huge difference as will the mic - obviously the SM57 is an industry standard so you won't go too far wrong with it.

Try and define what it is that is wrong with the sound - too thin, too 'distant'...once you can work out what you don't like you can try and get a fix for it.

Hope this helps.

Lew · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2008, 05:45:25 PM »

Quote from: maverickf1jockey

The SM57 is SHURE isn't it?

If that's the case then you may just have the wrong microphone as SHURE mics are still made to their original spec and the technology has improved significantly since then with the wide availability of neodymium magnetic elements for example.

A 57 or 58 is fine for the job.

ailean · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2008, 06:04:05 PM »

Is it a genuine SM57?

I just bought one from the Amazon marketplace and it's a fake (and being returned). It sounds awful, I'm hopeful of a better tone once I've got a genuine unit.

If you bought it secondhand check this article:

http://www.tts.se/UserFiles/File/FalskaShure-mikrofoner.pdf

stuh84 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 04, 2008, 07:50:08 PM »

Are you turning gain down, maxing mids, and double tracking?

If you aren't, then its going to be hard to get a really good tone. To capture that sound you hear in the room, you have to actually change what you are hearing to get it to disk, your ears aren't the same as a microphone, and do you have your ear right next to the speaker every time you play?

I always record with gain about 30% less, if not closer to 50% less than I usually use, absolutely crank the mids if they aren't already, and do about 4 tracks of guitar (two panned left, two panned right, to make it sound like two guitarists).

MrBump · « **Reply #11 on:** May 04, 2008, 08:21:21 PM »

Interesting read about the SM57 fakes... I'd NEVER have noticed, certainly not from the visual aspect.

Mark.

MDV · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2008, 08:33:46 PM »

Yes it is.

EXCEPT when you FINALLY get a tone that you like. Then its AWESOME.

Then the MOST annoying part, by FAR

Losing it and trying to find it again.

All it takes is bumping the mic, or one of your (at the time they will be) dickhead mates coming round and $%&#ing with your settings.

_tom_ · « **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2008, 08:41:11 PM »

Quote from: MDV

Yes it is.

EXCEPT when you FINALLY get a tone that you like. Then its AWESOME.

Then the MOST annoying part, by FAR

Losing it and trying to find it again.

All it takes is bumping the mic, or one of your (at the time they will be) dickhead mates coming round and #$%!& with your settings.

Yep. Mic positioning is the most frustrating thing I've done with recording. I suppose it doesnt help that I dont have a proper mic stand tho :lol: :oops:

hunter · « **Reply #14 on:** May 04, 2008, 09:14:54 PM »

For me it's always easy peasy, like 2 minutes playing with an SM57 and checking with a headphone connected to my mixer and I'm done. Usually between cone and border of the speaker, on axis, like 3-4 inches away from the cab.

Maybe I am just lucky that my Mackie mixer's preamps are really good and that's why it has the punch and the depth ...

Author Topic: Miked recording - Is it always so annoying? (Read 9043 times)

Lew