How To Mic A Guitar Amp - Tips For Live Stage and Studio Sound - Mic Technique For Guitar Amps

How to mic an electric guitar amplifier for live sound or close miking in the studio. Tips for getting a more natural guitar sound in the PA or DAW. Also, tips for mixing guitar in IEMs (in ear monitors).

This video is a live sound and studio tutorial focused on guitar. Mic position on a guitar amp is extremely important, regardless of the genre. Whether country, rock, jazz or other, the guitar will translate much differently to the PA or DAW depending on the position of the mic. It can enhance, or detract, from the sound. Finding the sweet spot can get a guitarist a more natural sound and minimize house EQ. Every amp and guitar player is different, and the differences in a small movement of the microphone can be dramatic. The best position for one musician and amp, might be totally different for another musician an amp. The goal is to get the most natural, yet useful guitar sound into the PA (or recorder) to blend with the band and enhance the sound of the band. A solid guitar sound can really help pull together a band's mix.

An RTA overlay is added to show you the frequency responses changes with the moving of the microphone (so you don't have to rely on your ear alone to notice the changes).

Useful for stage or studio. From arenas to clubs, auditoriums to church sound.

I'm using a Shure SM57 mic on the guitar amp (Fender Mustang with an Epiphone ES335 guitar). Recorded on Reaper DAW (on PC) using the Behringer XR18 as the audio interface for the guitar.
X-Edit/XR-Edit PC software for the Behringer X32 and Behringer XR18 (Midas M32 / Midas MR18) is shown. Free to download from Behringer's site.


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►Patreon Page where Patrons have access to script files, other PDF tutorials, Behringer X32/M32/XR18/MR18 channel and scene files, and other audio production information:
https://www.patreon.com/AlanHamiltonAudio
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►►Amazon Affiliate Links To Equip Used/Shown/Mentioned In Video-

►Shure SM57 Microphone on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3jhczXp

►Sennheiser e609 Microphone on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3AwnQZu

►Behringer P1 In Ear Monitor Beltpack on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3p5DAjU

►KZ ZS10 Pro earpieces on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/37Q8mnJ

►Behringer X32 on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/2X4AHnD

►Behringer XR18 on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/2LfTpmO

►Stellar X2 (Narration Mic) on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3ggUWFq

"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."
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Suggested videos:

►Five Tips For Better Live Vocal Mixes:
https://youtu.be/oP4sdpkkNhY

►Cable Management For Live Audio:
https://youtu.be/nYZ9nrPGswo

►Patch Order and Input Lists For Live Sound:
https://youtu.be/FE2KRj8vEEc

►Behringer XR18 Monitor Setup Tutorial:
https://youtu.be/5gzsEErKdb8

►Behringer X32 Monitor Setup Tutorial:
https://youtu.be/Vz9E6FaCatQ

►Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About the XR18 (and MR18):
https://youtu.be/x9wciA2wFd0

►Installing a Live Streaming System in a Small Church:
https://youtu.be/lrN8Wk69r2k

►5 Typical Mistakes Behringer XR18 and Midas MR18 Users Make:
https://youtu.be/EilVDp39A9g

►5 Typical Mistakes Behringer X32 and Midas M32 Users Make:
https://youtu.be/tP7dO2Za6bw


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►Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livesoundproduction
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#LiveSound
#AlanHamiltonAudio
#Guitar

0:00 Intro
0:05 Band Scene
0:29 Mic Placement
1:20 Audio Demo
3:10 IEM Discussion
3:19 Consistent and Proper Placement
4:13 Final Thoughts And Considerations