top 3 mics for guitar amp?

[riffmeister]

I've been using SM57's.

What are your favorite three mics for electric guitar amp? And how are they different than an SM57?

[MichaelK]

My wife and son got me a Sennheiser MD421 for my birthday... I've tried it a few times. So far I like it marginally more than the 57 on "twang"-type clean tone, but I mean just a fraction. In a mix you can't hear that fraction. I'll continue to experiment with it, but so far it hasn't knocked me on my ass.

My son uses the 421 and a Royer R-121. I like the Royer a lot, but as yet I haven't felt a compelling need to have that open, smooth sound in any of my songs. The close-miked sound just seems to fit so well, every time.

[ricoh]

Riff...............a 57 works well ................Senn 421 pretty close like Michael reported.I have also used a AT 4033 large diaphram condensor for some decent results
I recently got a ribbon mic. I liked the sound alot. It was different than any other type of mic I have used. It seemed to breath -w- the volume fluctuations of my picking attack

Rico

[mccreadyisgod]

Top 3? In order of preference:

1. Royer 121 ribbon
2. Sennheiser 421
3. Shure SM57

Honorable mention goes to the Beta 52, which usually gets the stuff a 57 leaves behind. I love combining a 57 and a Beta 52 on guitar amps... so long as there aren't a lot of other instruments in the mix. If you have drums, bass, and one guitar... it's a killer combo. I used this method on a project where I panned the two mics apart and used about a 60/40 mix of 57/B52 and got a huge sound out of a Fender Blues DeVille 410.

[neve1073]

royer 121
beyer m88
beyer m201
sm57
coles ribbons (4038 or 4040)


choose three.

[Kiwi]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

[riffmeister]

hmmm

Royer 121 ribbon seems like it might be interesting

thanks for the suggestions

any others?

[jokerjkny]

whatever else is lying around. ;)

but seriously, i've used a radio shack PZM "mic", if you could call it that, a few feet back from an amp for some killer howlin' wolf like tones.

[vladorg]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi


I have a e906 and a few SM57's and I much prefer the e906.I would not say it's better,it's different and to my ears and for the type of sound I'm after it sounds more appropriate.To me it sounds smoother and fuller than the SM57 plus it has a 3-position mini switch to determine the EQ curve.It's akeeper in my book along with the SM57.


Vlad

[teefus]

i have an original senn black e609 (not to be confused with the $90 silver series MF sells now) and i like it much better than a 57. this was the first mic i thought didn't color the amp overly. i like knowing that the sound i hear on stage is the sound that goes to the mixing board and doesn't need any eq'ing or messing with. i don't know if this model became the e906 or if it is even available any more.

[riffmeister]

hmmm

Royer 121 ribbon seems like it might be interesting



D'OH! Well outside my budget, though!

Can you say.......Sennheiser?? :D

[stratofied]

D'OH! Well outside my budget, though!

Can you say.......Sennheiser??

Hard to beat the 57 in it's price range. The Audix I-5 is similar to the SM57 with a little more open top end. The e609 is another flavor in that price range and the next step up (MD421) is three time the price.

[scottl]

EV is sending me some mics to try out. Their new Raven sounds uber cool! I will report my findings. I am doing A/B clips as well!

Scott

[Mojoman]

Hey....
For guitar I like the following:
1) The Royer 121/122 are AMAZING microphones for electric.
2) I am also really enjoying my Audix i5 I just got.....like a 57, but just a little nicer on some amps;
3) The good old sm57.......always works, usually better than the rest, well except the Royer.

[stratofied]

I will report my findings. I am doing A/B clips as well!
Sounds interesting, I'll be watching for them.:AOK

[scottl]

Well, the mics are not here yet! The Raven is like $150 btw! Based on the chatter I hear, it may be the bomb....

I am getting a Cardinal and RE20 as well.

On another note, Groove Tubes is sending both a FET and Tube Condenser mic to me on loan to demo.

Good time to be mic shopping....

Sounds interesting, I'll be watching for them.:AOK

[cocheese]

Sennheiser 421
Shure 57
Royer R-122

I have a Beta 57A and it sounds pretty harsh; more brittle than a 57. The 421 I've been using lately is very nice. I defeinitely prefer it to the tone of a 57. My bro swears by the Royer/57 or 421/57 combo in his studio.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

top 3?

royer R121
wes dooley R92
manley stereo gold reference micing an amp array that's gathered around in a 3-5 foot radius. MONSTROUS!!!

honourable mention to the ubiquitous SM57.
it can be used to nail down the mic stands for above mentioned transducers.

[justicetones]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

I use the Sennheiser 609, SM57, Octava MK012, and Studio Projects C3 on amps. Not all at the same time but usually two at a time, very ocassionally three at a time.

I like the 609. Especially for live. Just hang it over the amp just off the center of the speaker and you are done. If your amp tone is good then the mic should sound close. They are a little fuller sound than a SM57 when I use them.

SM57, a guitar cab staple. Add a little room mic and they really sound great.

Octava, and Studio Projects. Good for certain sounds. Not all.

[vanborgen]

Kiwi,

The Sennheiser 906 is indeed smoother and fuller sounding. It does not seem to have the upper-mid peak that gives the 57 it's signature sound. To my ears, it is a fuller, more balanced sound with a bit more low end represented. I'm a big fan of the 906...and it works well on toms, too!!

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

[SteveVHT]

I own many mics, and I feel that all of you are cheating yourself if you don't try an Audix i5
If you like a 57 or 609, you will absolutely love the Audix.
Cheap and has much more clarity and range than the 57's...
I just bought one on Ebay for $99 brand new with a free mic cable and shipping, and have since ordered 5 more.
I was shocked how good this mic is.
Steve

[T.Wesley]

Let's see...

1. Royer 121. I don't own one, but I've used one in the past and it was the best mic I've ever used on a cranked-up, gained-out guitar rig.

2. Studio Projects C3. My 'main' mic for doing guitars, especially clean to moderate-gain tones. It's an inexpensive mic but it works great; the figure-8 polar pattern means very low proximity effect, too.

3. Sennheiser e609. Great for when you want a more compressed guitar sound in the studio, and phenomenal for live applications.

--chiba

[Denyle_Guitars]

EV is sending me some mics to try out. Their new Raven sounds uber cool! I will report my findings. I am doing A/B clips as well!

Scott

Can't wait to hear your results. What's the deal with these anyway? Are the somehow connected with Blue? I was about to buy one and thought I don't really need another dynamic right now.

[scottl]

They were designed in conjunction with Blue but are not the same according to the mic project manager. He said that a/b tests with the reps were amazing with nobody believing that they were merely switching between SM57 and Raven. As I have no dog in the show, and they are sending me one, I tend to give them credibility with their claims. I am really anxious to try it.

I also own an Audix I5 and I concur that it has way more clarity than teh SM57. I just wish that it and the SM had more of that low end stuff that the condensers get.

EV says the Raven does both. We shall see......

Scott

Can't wait to hear your results. What's the deal with these anyway? Are the somehow connected with Blue? I was about to buy one and thought I don't really need another dynamic right now.

[1radicalron]

Telefunken U-47
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y209/1radicalron/Lentz-S3.jpg
With Leather

The Lentz Strat, 1966 Deluxe Reverb, And Fulltone Overdrive help a bit too.

[Madsman]

1). SM57. You can never escape it. Tons of mics sound better solo'd, but in a mix, the 57 is king.
2). Senn 421 is a great mic. Pretty good multitasker too.
3). Audix i5 is a cool mic in a mix too, but though I own one, I still prefer the 57.
4). Royer 121 in conjunction with a 57 is a great sound.
5). IF YOU HAVE A REAL ROOM FOR RECORDING (I.E. you are going into a REAL studio, and not someone's house or someone's inexpensive idea of what a studio should be) there are a lot of cool large diaphragm condensers that do a killer job... some expensive, and some less so (like the AT4033 earlier mentioned, which I think is under $500). But I really think most people fool themselves into thinking "yeah, my basement actually sounds pretty good...." when it sounds like "your basement." I'm a total fan of home recording, but specifically, CLOSE MIC'D GUITARS. I've never heard a good "room mic" sound from a home recording.

[playon]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

The flat shape of the Sennheiser mic makes it really easy to use for close-miked applications and I like the sound a lot. I have the silver 609 which a few different guys told was the best sounding version.

My top three:

SM57
Good ribbon mic (Royer 121/122, Beyer M500, RCA 44, BK11, etc)
Sennheiser 609 Silver

A more distant large condenser mic combined with the obove is my ideal setup. Even if it's just a couple of feet away it adds a lot, especially for solos.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

My top three:

SM57
Good ribbon mic (Royer 121/122, Beyer M500, RCA 44, BK11, etc)
Sennheiser 609 Silver

good lord, U are a brave man.
i wouldn't put my RCA R44 anywhere near the front of a guitar amp.
sounds gorgeous a foot away and pointed at the bridge of a double bass, tho'.

[MichaelK]

i wouldn't put my RCA R44 anywhere near the front of a guitar amp.
splatt mentioned the 44, too. I'd be interested to hear how he places it.

[GYBE!]

Audix d3
Shure sm57
A/T 4047 or 4033 close mic'd
I really like using a couple of earthworks (SROs is all I have at the moment) a foot or two back from the cab

So, I guess technically thats 5...I will swap out the 57 and d3 depending on the amp. The d3 doesn`t agree with everything (didn`t mix well with my old rivera knucklehead or bonehead), sat ok with my xtc, but is beautiful with my Herbert. It also liked a DSL and plexi, but was better suited mixed with a 57 for those instead of just on its own.

[Bob Savage]

I've been using SM57's.

What are your favorite three mics for electric guitar amp? And how are they different than an SM57?

It depends on what type of guitar style/tone, but my top three right now are:

SM57
E609
i5

[Antero]

D'OH! Well outside my budget, though!

Can you say.......Sennheiser?? :DThere are other ribbon mics that are cheaper - the Beyer stuff sounds damn good, and there are those Chinese ribbons that seem to be the same mic under fifty thousand brand names...

[playon]

good lord, U are a brave man.
i wouldn't put my RCA R44 anywhere near the front of a guitar amp.
sounds gorgeous a foot away and pointed at the bridge of a double bass, tho'.

No, you don' want to put them right in front of a loud amp... actually I don't own a 44, I do own a BK-11 which isn't quite as fragile, and sounds better than the Royer to me... more detailed but still smooth.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

No, you don' want to put them right in front of a loud amp... actually I don't own a 44...

mine actually isn't an RCA, it's a wes dooley.
it does sound dramatically different that the royer tho'.
to me, the royer sounds more accurate and it's robust enough to just plunk down right in front of the amp. if the amp is too bright sounding, just turn the mic around 180º and use the backside of the mic.
the R44 is another beast altogether. huge sounding, but very romantic and actually quite coloured sounding w/ a mucho huge proximity effect. i'm still not sure about micing a loud amp. tho'.
i guess that my first foray into using the R44 on an amp would be to mic up the univalve at moderate levels. i can see that this combination could be very flattering to each other, actually.

[dehughes]

Great thread, and great timing. I'm wondering how much "operator error" lies in my inability to achieve good results with my 57 and my guitars/amps, as I'm getting pretty frustrated with it all. Occasionally I happen to accidentally put the 57 in just the right spot, but come on, how picky is the mic supposed to be? ;) The Audix i5 seems interesting, the Royer would be great ($$$), and the e609 wasn't pleasing to my ears.

On a side note, I find that slightly boosting 300hz and cutting about 3db from 3-7khz with my 57 seems to get it sounding better, IMHO, and more like what I'm hearing as a player. It seems to still sit well in mixes, even after the adjustments, but sometimes I doubt my methods (well, ALWAYS doubt my methods...:) ).


david

[justicetones]

Great thread, and great timing. I'm wondering how much "operator error" lies in my inability to achieve good results with my 57 and my guitars/amps, as I'm getting pretty frustrated with it all. Occasionally I happen to accidentally put the 57 in just the right spot, but come on, how picky is the mic supposed to be? ;) The Audix i5 seems interesting, the Royer would be great ($$$), and the e609 wasn't pleasing to my ears.

On a side note, I find that slightly boosting 300hz and cutting about 3db from 3-7khz with my 57 seems to get it sounding better, IMHO, and more like what I'm hearing as a player. It seems to still sit well in mixes, even after the adjustments, but sometimes I doubt my methods (well, ALWAYS doubt my methods...:) ).


david

I can't remember which huge engineer said this but it works for me when I am micing an amp I am unfamiliar with.
First make sure the amp is not turned up to loud as you will blow your ears out. :jo

Place a 1/4" guitar cable in the amp input and hold the other end in your hand. Making sure the amp is not turned up loud, IMPORTANT. Ground out the tip of the 1/4" cable end in your hand and move your ear around close to the speaker. I loosely cup my other free hand over my ear for some protection. Focus on where the noise sounds the fullest and then place the mic there. Viola. It get's you there if not really close almost every time.

Please I can't stress enough BE CAREFUL with the amps volume when doing this. It does not have to be that loud at all for this to work. Once you are done then turn up the amp to the desired volume.


:RoCkIn

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Occasionally I happen to accidentally put the 57 in just the right spot, but come on, how picky is the mic supposed to be? ;)

ah huh...
so U've already found out that moving a SM57 by even a half an inch can change the sound dramatically. THAT'S a very important first step.
the only mic that i use for close micing an amp and get totally consistent results with is the R121. plunk it down directly on axis w/ the speaker about six inches from the grill clothe.
pretty good representation of what U're hearing from the amp w/o the room effects.

[dehughes]

I can't remember which huge engineer said this but it works for me when I am micing an amp I am unfamiliar with.
First make sure the amp is not turned up to loud as you will blow your ears out. :jo

Place a 1/4" guitar cable in the amp input and hold the other end in your hand. Making sure the amp is not turned up loud, IMPORTANT. Ground out the tip of the 1/4" cable end in your hand and move your ear around close to the speaker. I loosely cup my other free hand over my ear for some protection. Focus on where the noise sounds the fullest and then place the mic there. Viola. It get's you there if not really close almost every time.

Please I can't stress enough BE CAREFUL with the amps volume when doing this. It does not have to be that loud at all for this to work. Once you are done then turn up the amp to the desired volume.


:RoCkIn

That's an interesting method....I get the principle of it....I'll have to try it sometime. Why not? :)


david

[dehughes]

ah huh...
so U've already found out that moving a SM57 by even a half an inch can change the sound dramatically. THAT'S a very important first step.
the only mic that i use for close micing an amp and get totally consistent results with is the R121. plunk it down directly on axis w/ the speaker about six inches from the grill clothe.
pretty good representation of what U're hearing from the amp w/o the room effects.


Yup. I'm just curious if this is a natural thing with the 57 (being SO picky about placement), for if it isn't, then I'm truly OCD.

Even my inexpensive Rode NT3 sounds pretty neutral/consistent when placed about a foot from the amp, on axis with the center of the speaker. The 57 has to be JUST RIGHT for the amp to sound killer...


david

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

Yup. I'm just curious if this is a natural thing with the 57 (being SO picky about placement), for if it isn't, then I'm truly OCD.

The 57 has to be JUST RIGHT for the amp to sound killer...


david

nope, this is my experience as well.
i also find that most vintage style condensers (ie., not overly hyped highs like so many modern mics) usually sound fairly decent just pointed directly at the speaker from six inches out.
try that w/ an SM57 and all U get is harsh, fizzy crap.
the prorec website had a thread that went on for dozens of pages about contemporary micing techniques for guitar amps. the angled 57 swept across the radius of the speaker to find the sweet spot was a constant theme. that's pretty well the way i see other engineers using the SM57 as well. half an inch can mean the difference between horrid, fizzy, harsh, overly bright guitar tone or warm, somewhat soft lushness.
go figger.
for expediency i'm sticking w/ the royer just plopped down in front of the amp.

[oxtone]

Since I started to use Sennheiser e609's, everywhere I've played I've had FOH sound engineers come up to me ask: "What are those mics you are using?! Man, they sound GREAT!!!!" These take high pressure sounds very well.

e609 - +1000!!!! :AOK

[riffmeister]

Anyone compare the Sennheiser e609 and e906?

Is the 906 the same as the 609 when the 906's three-position "presence" switch is set in the middle position?

Is the 906 worth the extra bucks?

[Damon]

My Favourites:

RCA BK-5A - unidirectional ribbon with blast filter - smooth AND present
Sennheiser MD 421 N - white, script logo, early 60's - full warm lows, flat mids, detailed highs
Shure 545 Unidyne III - "proto" SM57
Bang & Olufsen BM5 stereo ribbon - VERY realistic sounding room mic, not for close miking though... you can't "Bang" these at all
Altec 633A "saltshaker" - prominent high-mids cut through mix


Mics I've read are good for guitar but haven't tried:

Shure SM7 - lg diaphragm dynamic, announcer's mic
Electrovoice RE-20 - LDD, same as above
Sennheiser MD409 - LDD, supposedly fat and warm, smooth highs
Altec M11 "coke bottle" - glass diaphragm omni tube condenser, said to make a great room mic if PS is quiet enough
Beyer Dynamic M160 - double ribbon, E. Kramer used these on many classic recordings
Shure 548 Unidyne III - apparently like the 545 but warmer - Plant's vocal mic in TSRTS I think

...and it goes without saying I'd also like to try all the big German condensers and RCA ribbons!

[MichaelK]

I never had trouble finding the "sweet spot" for a 57 once I learned that it's always the same place.

I point it straight on-axis at the seam where the dust cap meets the cone, about 1" away from the speaker grill. It sometimes requires a flashlight to make sure I'm there, but nothing more complicated than that. No searching, no trial and error, no EQ needed to make it right. What I hear on "tape" is what I hear coming from the amp, every time.

I also learned a trick from a buddy of mine, to put the cab in a small, highly resonant space like a hallway or tile bathroom. This focuses a LOT of immediate sound back into the mic and makes a much richer-sounding recording. When I do that, I have the mic about 2" away from the grill.

[dehughes]

I never had trouble finding the "sweet spot" for a 57 once I learned that it's always the same place.

I point it straight on-axis at the seam where the dust cap meets the cone, about 1" away from the speaker grill. It sometimes requires a flashlight to make sure I'm there, but nothing more complicated than that. No searching, no trial and error, no EQ needed to make it right. What I hear on "tape" is what I hear coming from the amp, every time.

I also learned a trick from a buddy of mine, to put the cab in a small, highly resonant space like a hallway or tile bathroom. This focuses a LOT of immediate sound back into the mic and makes a much richer-sounding recording. When I do that, I have the mic about 2" away from the grill.

Right on. I'll definitely have to try that now. 1" from the grill, eh? I've been putting it RIGHT up against it, so that'll be interesting. Thanks!


david

[Blueser]

Audio Technica ATM29HE
Audix i5

[Mastervolume]

I just picked up a 609.

After years of scewing around with 57's and trying to dial them in at different venues with different amps.....

Threw it over my AC30 cab and bam......... great tones...even balanced...I might even be able to listen to my tone in the monitors now.

[TheArchitect]

Hmmm.... SM57, e609, Kel HM-1, AT4050

[Dickie Fredericks]

Audio Technica ATM29HE
Audix i5

Ill second the 29HE. Works great every time. Tubes amp tubyness comes through very nicely.

Ill also second the M160. If Im not mistaken Vai uses it to record his guitars...

Edited to spell Vai correctly

[tedm]

I recall reading in the past couple or few months an interview with the Death Cab for Cutie guitarist, who I think is also the producer, and he mentioned a ribbon mic he uses, anyone still have that issue? Thanks.

btw, I prefer the SM57 to e609 silver, but would love to try a 421 or 409 sometime.

ALso love mixing mxl990 about 10 ft. back to the mix.

[riffmeister]

Anyone compare the Sennheiser e609 and e906?

Is the 906 the same as the 609 when the 906's three-position "presence" switch is set in the middle position?

Is the 906 worth the extra bucks?

Bump......is the 906 just a 609 with a three-way voicing switch? If so, is the switch useful?

[wooldl]

i have an original senn black e609 (not to be confused with the $90 silver series MF sells now) and i like it much better than a 57. this was the first mic i thought didn't color the amp overly. i like knowing that the sound i hear on stage is the sound that goes to the mixing board and doesn't need any eq'ing or messing with. i don't know if this model became the e906 or if it is even available any more.

+1 I have the same mic and really like it. I use it live all the time and use it to record as well. For my taste, I prefer it to the 57. Below is a link to my band's website, and under the music area is am mp3 we did in our practice basement. I just hung the 609 over the front of my amp and hit record.

[MichaelK]

is the 906 just a 609 with a three-way voicing switch? If so, is the switch useful?
It's a good question. I would only take the lack of response to mean no one here knows the answer.

Did you look it up on the web?

[route14]

On my Marshall jcm800 full gain:

Dragonfly
TLM103
57

I'm really interested in the Royer 121. Lots o folks seem to like this one.

[bluetweed]

This kills most mics for tone/ sennhesier e845/ what a tone/57 sounds like a toy after hearing this mic/ I know its a favorite vocal mic but try it/ when I called sennheiser to tell about my findings, they confirmed that a lot of people had reported it being used on guitar combos with awesome results!

[Sub-D]

sm57 almost always sounds good for me, but I have also gotten good sounds out of an sm81 on clean and slightly overdriven sounds with a smilar placement as the 57.....the 81 is also very good on the neck of some acoustics............... need to try a royer too, heard too many good things about them..............

[Gary Ladd]

On my Marshall jcm800 full gain:

Dragonfly
TLM103
57

I'm really interested in the Royer 121. Lots o folks seem to like this one.
So was I, but I still prefer my DragonFly FWIW...interesting no one else mentioned Blue mics, I've got a Cactus and a DragonFly and love em' both!

Blue DragonFly
Royer R-121
SM-57

[KungFuLio]

Top 3

U87 - It's a completely different beast the the 57. Getting the amp off the floor so the mic can be afew feet up is essential. You can't mic too close, but if you get close enough so you can avoid loud early reflections, it's a wonderful sound.

Audix i5 in tandem with a 421 on the back side of an open cab - Don't forget to flip phase on the back mic. The main difference is incredible depth that holds up even in digital land.

Number 3 is a 57 - uh well because it sounds like a 57.

If your interested in a good long and amusing read on miking guitars, I must refer you to this...

http://www.badmuckingfastard.com/sound/slipperman.html

edited cause the URL was wrong.

[µ¿ z3®ø™]

If your interested in a good long and amusing read on miking guitars, I must refer you to this...

truly a classic.

[tedm]

but way too expensive for me to try:

AEA R84 and Coles 4038 form p 182 pf Guitar World - feb / 06


I recall reading in the past couple or few months an interview with the Death Cab for Cutie guitarist, who I think is also the producer, and he mentioned a ribbon mic he uses, anyone still have that issue? Thanks.

btw, I prefer the SM57 to e609 silver, but would love to try a 421 or 409 sometime.

ALso love mixing mxl990 about 10 ft. back to the mix.

[big mike]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

much better fidelity, and more range IMO. Just flat SOUNDS better.

[Mac-P]

Anyone compare the Sennheiser e609 and e906?

Is the 906 the same as the 609 when the 906's three-position "presence" switch is set in the middle position?

Is the 906 worth the extra bucks?


I have not compared the 609 to the 906, but the information online tends to indicate that they are the same with the 906 having the 3 position switch (which is a HUGE deal IMHO).

I have the 906 and love it.

As far as it comparing to a 57, with flat senheiser mics you do not have to worry about angle, which is great. Only location. Just drape the mic over the guitar amp and find the right spot. It lays there flat on the grille cloth.

(assume Ali G voice) "Very nice"


:D

[smoove]

I just picked up a 609...after years of scewing around with 57's and trying to dial them in at different venues with different amps...
+1 for switching to an E609 from an SM57.

I just did a week-long gig and the sound guys (who I've worked with for a few years at that gig) were nuts over having me try an e609, so I used it instead of my trusty 57. Best FOH sound I've ever had - I just heard the recordings and couldn't believe it. It sounded fuller, richer.

The 57 is off to the Bay and I'll be buying an E609. Now if if only my playing sounded that much better...

[Chevelle]

Would owners of the Senn 609 and/or 906 comment on their sound and utility, compared to SM57s? Thanks -

Kiwi

I've got one of the newer cheaper 609s, and I think it sounds great. Not a huge difference in sound from a 57, with the added bonus of not requiring a stand or anything. You can just throw it over the cab and forget about it.

[Effect of Sound]

I was sold on the Senn 609 Silver when a sound guy used it live instead of a 57. It had a warmer sound. I have not used it yet in the studio, but I am "shure" (pun intended) that it will yield great results. If you already have a 57, use that. Any mic such as these have the best results when you place them on the speaker grill or about two fingers distance away. Place the mic between the edge and the center for a nice balance of frequencies.

[kendog]

SM57, R121, E906 for close mics ( 1" to 3' )
Elux 251, Modded 4060, 451 Omni for room mics