I would normally prefer getting the sound I want from the guitar and amp - then put the right mic(s) in the right place to capture that sound. I think there's something special about having the amp and guitar react to each other in the same room. But with super loud, high-gain guitars re-amping is a great option. (which is still micing)

So, one vote for micing.

But I've had some good results from hardware amp simulators like Pods and Sans Amps.

(Hey I was just in New Castle a couple days ago)

Thanks for the reply, im actually excited to start micing my amp (Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead DSL-50). I can never get a decent sound out of my VST's (Amplitube) etc. But what are some of the pod's that you have used and had success with? Also, where do you normally place your condensers im new to amp micing.

PS. Oh really I might actually know you PM me your name and what school you went to if you want :P

I like Amplitube because I can always change my mind about things as the mix progresses.

But there is one trick I discovered - never DI the guitar, it always has to pass through an amp. So I run my electrics into my "real" amp. The real amp is set as clean and neutral sounding as I can get it. This matches the impedance between the guitar and the rest of things. That causes the clean electric to sound proper, respond proper, etc. It makes Amplitube sound so much better since it is getting a real guitar sound to process. I just go DI from the amp to the A/D converters.

As for micing, I have a Carvin 4X12 slant cab and when I was micing I always miced with an SM57. I tried a condenser and it had too much treble for an electric. My condenser goes on my acoustic. I haven't miced with my ribbon yet - I'll have to try it and see what it sounds like.

JohnTodd, post: 364300 wrote: I like Amplitube because I can always change my mind about things as the mix progresses.

But there is one trick I discovered - never DI the guitar, it always has to pass through an amp. So I run my electrics into my "real" amp. The real amp is set as clean and neutral sounding as I can get it. This matches the impedance between the guitar and the rest of things. That causes the clean electric to sound proper, respond proper, etc. It makes Amplitube sound so much better since it is getting a real guitar sound to process. I just go DI from the amp to the A/D converters.

As for micing, I have a Carvin 4X12 slant cab and when I was micing I always miced with an SM57. I tried a condenser and it had too much treble for an electric. My condenser goes on my acoustic. I haven't miced with my ribbon yet - I'll have to try it and see what it sounds like.

What do you mean by "DI"? Correct me if im wrong, you begin by setting your "real amp" to clean you then mic it, record, then mix with amplitude?

Nah, I don't mic it anymore. Most amps now-a-days have DI outs on them somewhere. I run from guitar to amp to converters. Some amps call it "recording out", some call it "DI out", some call it "AUX out", and so on. As long as it's not SPEAKER OUT!!!

The FX send can also be used if you can set the gain right.

DI means direct inject. As in plugging the guitar cable straight into a console or recording device. Or plugging the guitar cable into a simple Direct Injection box ("direct box") and then into the console. These ways sometimes don't sound good.

So, I was saying, never DI the guitar, but it's OK to DI the amp.

Ok awesome thanks for making things clear. Basically I can run my Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead DSL-50 head Effect's Loop "Send" to my Behringer Eurodesk SX2442FX Studio/Live mixer? Then my mixer to my audio interface to use amplitude in cubase correct?

CAn you go amp straight to interface? Try avoiding the mixer if at all possible.

mr todd,
i see what you're saying about impedance, i think....but if you're using amplitube, etc, have you tried skiping the DI and amp all together...and just using your interface's built in preamp (assuming it has 1...or 8)? i'm just wandering because i'm a little confused as to why you think that would make amplitube sound better...it's meant for amp simulation, so i would think the dryest path to the interface would be the best? i'm not trying to be a smart ass, really...this has me truly interested....ya know, why not go guitar straight to interface? most interface's now a days have an instrument input- i assume that type of input would take care of any impedance issues?

ps- loved your ADL song! good luck dude.

Thanks for the ADL compliment! I really appreciate it.

As for going through an amp...I tried plugging straight in with the guitar, and it didn't sound as good, even with Amplitube. I think the "real" amp shapes the tone a little. Something is different, that's for sure. Plugging straight in gave me a "I wanna be a Marshall" sound, and going through an amp said "I am a Marshall."

It is counter-intuitive to me that it would work that way. Might just be something dumb I've overlooked.

i see i see...i'll have to give that a whirl. although i prefer micing, i'm always down to experiment :)

I have every thing working that you suggested but im getting a scratchy sound on my clean gain channel not sure why.

Something's up with that amp.

Mike Miller, post: 364294 wrote: I can never get a decent sound out of my VST's (Amplitube) etc.

The most reactive software amp I've heard was from [[url=http://[/URL]="http://softube.com/"]Softube[/]="http://softube.com/"]Softube[/]

Mike Miller, post: 364294 wrote: But what are some of the pod's that you have used and had success with?

I've had pretty decent results with a Pod XT Live pedalboard and the SansAmp PSA1 used with an outboard room reverb.

Mike Miller, post: 364294 wrote: Also, where do you normally place your condensers im new to amp micing.

I am more inclined to use a dynamic mic to mic a guitar amp. If I used a condenser it would be back a few feet and used in addition to a dynamic mic right against the grill cloth of the amp. It can take a lot of experimentation to find the exact spot you like. It helps to have a assistant. Playing a consistent steady rhythm on the guitar - start with the mic at the edge of the speaker and work your way in toward the center 1/2" at a time. Try straight on, and try slight angles. Record the whole process. Every time you move the mic say out loud where the mic is and what angle if any. When you play it back you should hear the position that sounds best for the song. The verbal notes on the recording will help you get pretty close to the same spot again.

The Shure SM57 is probably the most popular. I personally prefer mics with less proximity effect (added bass), like a Sennheiser 441 and the under-rated [and out-of-production] AKG D3600. The majority of people seem to love an SM57 for the close mic, (many of whom will automatically roll off most of that added bass with their EQ anyway)

old-skool

Thanks for the reply dvd, it cleared a few things up for me! Heres a quick update of my situation... I ran out to Guitar Center today and purchased a iSP Technologies DECIMATION Noise Reduction pedal It's working great. As I turned on my head right away you could notice the hum/scratchy sound fade away without a loss of tone! (Not using the FX Loop Send) Anyway I purchased this to try to solve my noisy Effect Loop Send but it was to no avail. I'm running my Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro into the iSP Technologies DECIMATION Noise Reduction pedal from the pedal to the input on my Marshall JCM 2000 DSL-50 (Using the Classic Gain Channel with less then 1 Gain to get the clean preamp for a better Amplitude sound.) Next im running my Effect Loop Send into my Eurodesk SX2442FX Mixer, from the Mixer to my Audio Interface from the Interface to A Live Wire Head Phone/Monitor Amplifier from the live wire to my KRK Rokit Monitors. My problem is it seems as soon as I flip my Effect's Loop switch to engage the Send it has a scratchy hiss. If anyone could help or give me some direction I would greatly appreciate it.