How to capture the 4x10 sound?

[RaistMagus]

I want to record my 4x10 Super Reverb. The chorus of four speakers contributes greatly to this amp's awesome sound (you're essentially hearing four sounds, not one).

When I place my SM58 at the grill at the center of one speaker (90 degrees), the resulting recording is great, full of bass and all. But it's the sound of one speaker, I'm losing the fullness of the 4x10 sound. I tried placing the mic at ~80cm from the speakers and approx. in the middle of them all but the resulting recording sucked, no bass and no clarity.

Is there any way to capture this 4x10 sound with a single mic? (for home usage)

If I record for our next album should I use four mics, one on each speaker, to get this sound?

[SamClemons]

Try backing the mike away and cranking the amp pretty good. Multiple mikes may be your answer. I would also try something like a large diaphragm condenser at a good distance from the cabinet, say 2-3 feet.

[vjf1968]

When adding mics you have to watch out for phase problems. I recommend putting one dynamic mic on the speaker and a condenser mic a few feet away. There is really no need to mic all four speakers.

[klasaine]

Yeah, two mics.
Keep the 57 right up on one of the 10"'s and also use a condenser (preferably) back about a foot or 18 inches (or more - ?).

*listen for phase problems.

[telleutelleme]

Whereas I like two stereo condensers about a foot in front and the 57 almost touching the grill and offset to one side or the other. I even place another in the back of the amp. Which means keep trying combinations until you hear what you like.

[SilentCityRob]

Common technique, sounds great! You get the "bite" from the on axis mic and the depth and cabinet boom from the off axis mic. Make sure everything's in phase.... or not if you want to experiment with phasing to further EQ the sound.

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by klasaine

Yeah, two mics.
Keep the 57 right up on one of the 10"'s and also use a condenser (preferably) back about a foot or 18 inches (or more - ?).

*listen for phase problems.

I like a little more than you and Sam. I do about 2" and then 5-6 feet and a little above with LDC.

[klasaine]

Yeah, I think all that works. If you've got the room to use some 'distance' do it!
I should have said that my suggestion is just a general starting point.
*Remember, moving a mic even an inch can (will usually) have a huge affect on EQ.

[RaistMagus]

Thanks for the advice :)

I'll make do with the 58 for home usage but I'll use 2 mics in the serious recording for the 7". You can't be sure the studio guy is also a good producer (/knows how to mic amps).

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by klasaine

Yeah, I think all that works. If you've got the room to use some 'distance' do it!
I should have said that my suggestion is just a general starting point.
*Remember, moving a mic even an inch can (will usually) have a huge affect on EQ.

Distance is one thing I have plenty of. Even my wife likes it that way. I haven't noticed the heart growing fonder but we're giving it some time. And yeah, moving it one inch can have a big affect on the effect. I won't even make a wife joke there.