I am a guitar player for a metal oriented band. My sound guy and I have been trying to get a good guitar tone to record with but haven't been able to obtain the good solid tone that my Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier has. We are using two SM57 mics on one speaker of my 4x12 cabinet speakers.

I'm going to be tracking some Heavy Guitars for a project I'm working on, and I want to use a condenser on the guitar cab. But I'm a little worried that this will damage my condenser Mic. I plan on using a Studio Projects C3 along with an SM57.

I was wondering if there is anyway to measure SPL so I know if it's safe to use my C3 at close range on the Guitar Cab.

What are some good techniques to use when recording heavy metal music? How do you mic the drums to get that punchy new wave of heavy metal sound? How could i get more warmth to my recordings? Im only looking for suggestions. Thanks.

I started my recording life as an assistant in a jazz/classical studio, then left and did a punk album for my friends back home. Now their band is heavy metal. I can get the EXACT sounds I want for punk drums, but Metal sounds so different.

Any suggestions on getting a super tight, heavy guitar sound (ie new deftones, tool, chevelle, etc.)? I have a semipro recording studio so I don't, by far, have all the best gear, but I'm sure it can make the guitars sound pretty good with what I have if I knew what I was doing. My problem has always been too much "shhhhh" and not enough balls/warmth/punch.

so i just ordered a soundelux U95s, and i've heard it's heavy as hell. i'm a small time guy, and this will be my first serious tube mic. what kind of stand do i need to use to prevent any horrible tip-overs?

--owen