Hi, I hope this question is on target for this forum. Anyhow, I just got a nice amp (Fender Vibrolux Reverb 1970's) and so obviously I'd like to do any future recording to my computer through this amp, instead of just plugging guitar into mixer/usb. I'm just wondering whether anyone as any advice for the a good microphone (if not specific recommendation, then general guidance). I'd love your thoughts on:

A good balance between quality and price. (Does a $100 mic = a $200 mic? Does a $200 mic = a $500 mic?)

What's all this fuss about cardoid (sp?) mics? I hear they sound good, but they're more fragile??

Finally, any thoughts on mic placement would also be welcome (ie: how close is too close...i'm set up in a basement with lots of noises from my nearby computer, etc. Thanks!

Now where talking.... Well believe it or not a basic Shure Sm 57 is a popular choice. If you place it corretly you will get some good sounds. I would plug my headphones in and place the mic about 2 to 3 inches from the cone of the speaker(Center) and then move it slightly left or right until you find the sound your looking for. Also you can use as many mcs as you want. Just plug them into your mixing console and set one for treble one for bass and the other for mids. I like micing close then having one far way catching the sound of the room.

It doesn't matter f you buy a $5000 tube mic or a cheap one, if the room sounds like crap so will everything else. If you have a closet close to where your recording, I would put the amp in there with the mics. Either that or build some buffles so you can control the room a little better. Concrete sucks for recording, too many highs and mids plus all the slapback.

What about putting a mic behind the amp to see how it sounds...I like bottom end in my guitar sound...I dont like crisp tinty sound...

Would this work...sounds like it would...mic behind amp.

Sure why not. Sometimes I put a mic behind the amp if openback of course. There's tons of tricks that will work for some but not for others.

Thanks so much guys. I like the idea that a basic mic can do the job. Sometimes it's like going down the rabbit hole when you see a million options for expensive gear.

I also like the multiple mic option that you suggested. It reminds me of how engineers set up the singing mics for Bowie for the song "Heroes". He had a normal mic right by his mouth. Then there was one 10 feet away. Apparently they set up a noise gate or something that would trigger the far away mic when he was singing loud. By the way, I'm new to these forums. If I have future questions that are strictly about recording, what's the best forum for that?

When you say forum do you mean another website or another topic thread to where you would post...wasnt sure what you meant.

I would pick a catagory thats closest related to the topic...If you cant find one use off topic catagory...

Welcome to the forum

No, I'm thinking on this site, which I think is great.