Amp recording with attenuator vs. dynamic mic?

[EtherealWidow]

So basically I have 2 options of recording an amp. An Express 5:25 with an Avatar 2x12 with Celestion 70th anniversary speakers to be specific. Unfortunately though, I'm having a bit of trouble deciding on how to record it though. I was thinking about using a hotplate, but I hear that it can take away a lot of the harmonics and presence to the sound. I guess I could just have the head plugged into the hotplate without the cab, use a higher dB setting and use the line out, although I have heard that it can be a bit sterile sounding.

On the other hand, I could use a mic. e609 or sm57 or something. No one is home during the day so I could probably be able to crank it pretty well, close mic the cab, and then maybe put up a cheap fiber glass shield to protect my ears or something. Do you think that I would get the sound of the fiber glass/room/whatever at that loud of a volume being close mic'ed? Any help is appreciated.

 

[gonzo]

this was MY answer to a similar issue:

guitar goes to the pedalboard, with the requisite overdrive, compressor, noise gate, tuner, wah and vibe....

that goes into a 1981 Mesa Boogie Mark2B 60 watt short shell head....

out of that, directly into the Palmer PDI-09, which is how i capture the sound that goes on the recording. at line level.

out of the palmer thru a parallel out, into a Weber Mass lite attenuator, so i can bring the cabinet volume down for monitoring or micing, at either whisper or screaming volume.

out of the Mass Lite, into a AVATAR vintage closed back cab, with a Celestion Heritage G12.

i can mic that cab using either a sm57, or a AT4033, and blend it with the direct Palmer sound, or just use the Palmer signal, which is what i typically do.

A Yamaha DG stomp effects pedal, is in the effects loop of the boogie, which is great live, but i never use it for recording..

i always record bone dry, and add effects at mix down.


the way i record with it tho, the palmer pdi-09 comes directly off of the amp output, BEFORE the weber sees it, and that's what goes to the mixer.

the weber then attenuates, and i have the option of micing the cab at that point, so the direct sees full output, the cab sees the attenuated output.
i can control the 'monitoring' volume at any volume up to full output (60 watts is pretty freakin' loud)......

or i can crank down on the attenuator, and record the boogie at full output, but at whisper volume.
i'd prefer an isolation room with a wide open cabinet, but alas, the landlord does not like that sound.

LOL

 

[EtherealWidow]

Yeah that recording method sounds like it would be really solid, but alas, I don't have that kind of cash. Either one or the other. I think I'm just gonna go with the E609. Cheaper and I know for a fact it doesn't color (or uncolor) the sound at all.

 

[gonzo]

CLOSE MICING.....
and careful placement of the element, will eliminate most of the room sound.
which is what you want...
so the shield shouldn't be a problem.