Recording a Hiwatt?

[Analog103]

I remember there used to be a thread about this on the Plexipalace board, but for some reason I can't find it again. This summer I'm planning to do some recording so any input would be greatly appreciated.

Things like which mic works good, mic placement, etc...

[Zells]

I suggest using either a Shure M57 mic or Sennheiser e609/e906 mic facing the speaker cone mid-radius at 45° angle. I haven't recorded my Hiwatts yet, but that's where I'd start if I did. If it's an option with your setup, you could simultaneously record an additional track using a small/medium condenser mic int he room further away from the speakers

[Dr.HI-TONE]

Mikhailwatt and JC103 can give lots of good tips.

[mhuss]

+1 on Zells' advice, but be careful where you place the room mike, distance-wise (and reflection-wise). If it's in the wrong place, you'll have phasing/cancellation issues when you mix the two signals. Listen to both together when placing the mike.

--mark

[mikhailwatt]

Royer R-121 + Shure SM-57 close mic'd together on the same cone = very good.

The Royer by itself can sound really nice, but it can sometimes be a little TOO smooth, and the -57 gives you a bit more of that in-your-face-ness to let you cut through a mix.

I've also gotten pretty good results with the Sennheiser e906, alone or in combination with the SM-57.

[Bossco]

Royer R-121 + Shure SM-57 close mic'd together on the same cone = very good.
The Royer by itself can sound really nice, but it can sometimes be a little TOO smooth, and the -57 gives you a bit more of that in-your-face-ness to let you cut through a mix.
I've also gotten pretty good results with the Sennheiser e906, alone or in combination with the SM-57.

Ooh yeah. Thumbs up!
e906 is the best bang for the buck IMHO. Great price for mic specifically designed for recording high energy like guitar amps. I'd love the opportunity to compare with a great ribbon like the Royer, but that's a steep admission price to play. Some interesting shootouts between ribbon mics on various recording blogs/forums.