Let me answer your guitar question. Say you're using an SM57 on the cone, about 2 to 6 inches away. If you put the mic right in the center, it will sound "crunchy" becuase you're capturing all the high frequencies, right? And as you move the mic away from the center of the cone, you'll get less crunch and more warmth. So, moving the mic around is the first and easiest adjustment you can make.

Next, add a second mic for the room sound. Just walk around and put a mic where it sounds good, 6 to 12 feet away. Sometimes it's cool to point the amp at a wall and get the reflected sound with the room mic. Mix a little of this into the first signal, panned away from the primary signal, and it will really fatten up the sound.

I don't know how experienced you are, so let me know if I'm telling you something you already know...

-aaron

please dont take this the wrong way.

Are you in a hurry? If so, why? These things take time.

Experiment.
Use your ears.
Twist the knobs.
Move the mics
repeat until it sounds good.

Its that simple.

Its also that difficult.

:oops: Lord I hope that didnt sound mean.

Thanks for the info.

What about using a mic preamp?

Get at least 1 channel of KILLER pre amp.
Or 2 if you can afford it.
You will love yourself for doing it.
Trust me, I did.
And I love myself more than anybody else in the world :lol:

Like Kevin said.. play around with it. :)

What works for me might not be right for you. Experiment with mic placement first, then when you're happy with that play with the EQs to bring out certain elements. Making a recording you're happy with is a great feeling, but knowing you worked it all out on your own is even better. :)