Microphone suggestion?

kswilson89

So I'm trying to record my Supro 1605r in my flat but I have to keep volumes pretty low. I'm  recording with my SM57 into a UA volt but I'm finding I'm having to up the input gain on the audio interface pretty high in order to get a decent signal. I've read that low sensitivity is common for dynamic mics such as the SM57 so would I be better off using a condenser mic so that I can keep the amount volume pretty low? Or is this a daft idea?

Danny1969

You do need a decent level of sound in order to get a good signal into a 57, and most dynamic mics. 

Condensor mics are better in this respect but then you have another problem .. the condensor mic will pick up everything else as well including the acoustic sound of you playing the strings. 

One thing I used to do before I had a studio was put the amp in a large dog cage and then drape it over with heavy blankets. Just don't leave the amp on otherwise it may get too hot. 

Musicwolf

Danny1969 said:

One thing I used to do before I had a studio was put the amp in a large dog cage and then drape it over with heavy blankets. Just don't leave the amp on otherwise it may get too hot. 

And goes without saying - take the dog out first

octatonic

The SM57 is the sound of rock guitar and it is worth spending the time to figure out how to get a good guitar sound with it.

I don't especially like the SM57, I spent years avoiding using one, except that it has a sound that you can't easily get anywhere else.
It is common to blend the SM57 with another mic- the Royer 121 is common but I also like the Beyer M201 (which needs more gain than the SM57) or sometimes an AEA R84a ribbon.

'I'm finding I'm having to up the input gain on the audio interface pretty high in order to get a decent signal.'

My thought here is 'so what?'.
There are no points for being able to get a higher level signal with less gain.
Preamp gain is there to be used.
Turn it up until it sounds good.

Now, if that means then there is too much noise then you have a different problem.
I've not used the UA Volt but interface preamps often have insufficient gain, or insufficient clean gain, compared with outboard.
If that is the case then an outboard preamp might be the way forward.

I like Neve (or BAE) 1073's, API 512's, Chandler Germanium's and Burl B1's on guitar.
My favourite guitar preamp though is the A Designs Pacifica.
These all cost orders of magnitude more than your interface though.

If you want another solution that involves less outlay then look at a Cloudlifter.
These are phantom powered preamps that give you an additional 25dB of clean gain.
They are commonly used with ribbon microphones and low output dynamics like the SM7b (another great guitar amp microphone). I have a pair in the studio and they are worth having around as a problem solver. These are in line between the microphone and your main mic preamp (or interface preamp).

I also EQ guitars on the way in, IMHO it is better to capture it at the recording, it makes things easier to mix later on.

Condensers on guitar amps are a thing, sure- but I would say 90% of my guitar recording is done with a dynamic and a ribbon  or a pair of dynamics and an SM57 is in the mix most of the time.

Stuckfast

octatonic said:

'I'm finding I'm having to up the input gain on the audio interface pretty high in order to get a decent signal.'

My thought here is 'so what?'.
There are no points for being able to get a higher level signal with less gain.
Preamp gain is there to be used.
Turn it up until it sounds good.

+1

flying_pie

Musicwolf said:

Danny1969 said:

One thing I used to do before I had a studio was put the amp in a large dog cage and then drape it over with heavy blankets. Just don't leave the amp on otherwise it may get too hot. 

And goes without saying - take the dog out first

Unless you want your tone to have a specific bark and a good amount of bite

Danny1969

flying_pie said:

Musicwolf said:

Danny1969 said:

One thing I used to do before I had a studio was put the amp in a large dog cage and then drape it over with heavy blankets. Just don't leave the amp on otherwise it may get too hot. 

And goes without saying - take the dog out first

Unless you want your tone to have a specific bark and a good amount of bite

Lol

I have had many a good take ruined by my dog Archie when recording in the house. He did come to the studio when he was a puppy a lot and was Ward Thomas’s Instagram profile pic for a while during a week of sessions