One of the major truths of recording music goes something like this: put the right instrument in the hands of the right player and getting a great sound will be easy. But today, we're diving deeper into the process and looking at ten different mic techniques you can use to record a guitar amplifier and achieve the sound you're after.
We recently spent the day at Chicago's IV Lab Studios with producer, engineer, and Reverb bud, Brian Deck. With production credits including Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica, Fruit Bats' Mouthfuls, plus projects with Iron & Wine, Califone, and Counting Crows records to name just a few, Brian has recorded more than a few electric guitar tracks and was happy to guide us through his process.
Two important takeaways. First, we were working in a top-notch recording facility, but these techniques translate into any recording application—in the studio, in your practice space, in your bedroom, or anywhere else. Second and perhaps most importantly, every player and every session is different. The mic placement you use on a alt-country rhythm guitar part won't necessarily be the approach you'd use on a blazing metal lead.
Always experiment, move the mics, and never settle for anything less than what sounds cool to you.
Microphones