How to Record a Guitar Amp

To record a guitar amp, place a dynamic microphone close to one speaker in the cabinet, point it between the centre and edge of the cone, set a clean level into your interface, and capture the tone you have already dialled in. Most great recorded electric guitar tones come from one well-placed mic on a good-sounding amp.

This is the classic approach for electric guitar. For amp-free options like DI and amp sims, see our wider guide to recording electric guitar.

Step 1: Get the tone right in the room first

The microphone only captures what the amp produces, so dial in the amp before you record. Set the gain, EQ and volume so it sounds good at the volume you will track at. A small valve amp pushed a little usually records better than a large amp barely ticking over. Trust your ears in the room first.

Step 2: Choose your microphone

• Dynamic mic: the standard choice. A Shure SM57 is the industry workhorse for guitar cabs — it handles high volume, rejects room sound, and has a midrange bump that suits guitars. The Sennheiser MD 421 is another classic.
• Condenser mic: a small-diaphragm or large-diaphragm condenser can capture more detail and air, often used a little further back or as a second mic.
• Ribbon mic: smooth and natural on bright amps, but more fragile and quieter.

If you are unsure which type to use, condenser vs dynamic microphones explains the trade-offs, and large vs small diaphragm condensers helps if you go condenser.

Step 3: Position the mic on the speaker

Position is where the tone really lives. Start here and adjust by ear:

• Distance: place the mic close, almost touching the grille cloth, for a tight, present sound. Pull it back a few inches for more air and room.
• Left to right: aim at the centre of the cone (dust cap) for the brightest, most aggressive tone. Move toward the edge of the cone for a warmer, darker sound. Somewhere between the two is usually the sweet spot.
• Angle: straight on is brightest; angling the mic slightly tames harshness.

If the cab has multiple speakers, pick the one that sounds best — they are rarely identical. These same placement principles echo our microphone placement approach: small moves, big changes.

Step 4: Set levels and record clean

Plug the mic into your interface (no phantom power needed for a dynamic; a condenser needs phantom power). Play the loudest part you will perform and set the interface gain so peaks land around -12 to -6 dBFS, leaving headroom so nothing clips. Loud cabs put out a strong signal, so you often need less gain than you expect. Clean capture is the start of good gain staging. Connecting and configuring your interface is covered in how to set up an audio interface.

Step 5: Multi-mic and room options (optional)

• Two close mics: a dynamic plus a condenser on the same speaker can be blended for the best of both — but watch phase. Keep the capsules level and flip polarity if the blend sounds thin.
• Room mic: a mic a few feet back captures natural ambience to mix in for size. This works best in a decent-sounding room — see acoustic treatment for home studios.

Step 6: Tips for a usable take

• Record dry and add effects later where you can, so you keep options open at mix.
• Commit to a tone you like rather than recording flat and fixing everything afterward.
• If neighbours or volume are a problem, a low-wattage amp or a DI plus amp sim is a practical alternative, covered in recording electric guitar.

For more techniques, browse the recording techniques hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mic to record a guitar amp?

A dynamic mic like the Shure SM57 is the standard first choice — it handles loud cabs, rejects room sound and flatters guitar midrange. Condensers and ribbons add detail or smoothness when you want a different character.

Where should I point the mic on the speaker?

Aim near the centre of the cone for a brighter, more aggressive tone and toward the edge for a warmer one. Start with the mic close to the grille between centre and edge, then move it by small amounts and listen.

Do I need to mic the amp loud?

You need it loud enough to sound good, since most amps open up with volume. But a close mic only hears the speaker, so you do not need it deafening — a small amp at a moderate level records very well.