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Hi all... looking for some input regarding volume level when recording heavily distorted guitar in a hard rock or metal context. I'm not recording direct as I haven't found any satisfactory amp modeling software in Ubuntu yet, so I'm Micing the amp into an audio interface.

Barring more trial and error (a process from which I learn a lot at a very slow pace), do better educated folks usually keep the amp volume low and turn up the mic input level, or do you keep mic inputs lower and crank the amp? I've tried both ways and really don't like the results of either too much, so I'm kinda trying to take this back to step 1 and work my way through from there.

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natural Fri, 12/10/2010 - 20:34

Unfortunately it starts further back with the player, gtr, then amp, mic etc.
It player, gtr and amp are all working well together, it's difficult to screw it up.
That being said, the common wisdom is:
- lower wattage is better than higher wattage
- Amp volume is only as loud as it needs to be to get the tubes, and cones to their desired fuzzyness. (more than that and the sound starts to collapse in on itself, less than that and the guitarist will cease to function properly)
- At least one mic should be close up to the grill.
- When tweeking the amp in the room, it's better to listen to the sound down at the height that the mics are.
- Watch for and eliminate reflections off the floor

I'm sure others will be along shortly to add to, clarify better, or debate the llst.
stay tuned.