Recording Guitar with Mic

[EJinCho]

Hey guys, I've got a question.
So I hear that it is good to record guitars by cranking the amp loud with a mic placed in front of the amp.
So my question is....
Wouldnt cranking the amp up that loud right in front of the amp, damage the mic?
Also how exactly would your record with mic to amp without CLIPPING?
Do you just CRANK the amp loud and turn the recording volume down on the audio interface? I would figure that putting a mic that close would cause the recording to sound really messy and scratchy, but i could be wrong.
Anyways thank you for your help.

[10571z]

Ok man step 1.

Get a good mic.. Somthing like a sm57 can stand very high spl (sound pressure levals)

get a pre amp or mixer. This will let you control the leval of sound entering your sound card.. Hence not letting it clip

People turn there amps loud while recording to get the best sound.. No u wont damage the mic unless ur using a condensor which is SOME cases u may

[EJinCho]

got it. Thanks for the info.
I actually have an sm57 mic that i bought a while back..
im just waiting to buy an audio interface... cant really make up my mind.

[Moseph]

People turn there amps loud while recording to get the best sound.. No u wont damage the mic unless ur using a condensor which is SOME cases u may


Any mic is potentially damageable by abuse. Typical abuse includes tapping on the mic while it's hot, or blowing into it. This includes dynamics and ribbons (especially ribbons) as well as condensers.

Extremely high dBSPL levels (more than what a mic is rated for) can have similar damaging effects on a microphone. Keep in mind that a level of about 120 dBSPL is what a small rock show produces (though that number seems to be going up). Stay within the volume that the mic is spec'd for and you should be alright.

Most mics don't have any trouble with damage. A good way to go about is to record with a good sound as quietly as you can. This not only helps to protect your micrphones aren't damaged, it helps you in avoiding unwanted sound leakage and other issues presented by using multiple mics.

[EJinCho]

ahh ic, ok cool.
I really wish i could play quieter, but all i have is my one and only CARVIN MTS 2X12. It would be really awesome if i had an attenuator, because i live in an apartment... but i just can't afford it now. So ill probably have to record with my amp not reaching its potential with the tubes.
but thanx again for the info.