Guitar Amplifier Recording Quiz

What is a recommended starting point for setting up a guitar amplifier for recording?

• An overdriven Metallica-Esque sound

• A clean guitar sound

• A heavily distorted sound

• A sound with built-in reverb

Answer explanation

A clean guitar sound is recommended for recording as it provides a clear foundation. This allows for better mixing and effects to be added later, making it easier to achieve the desired tone without unwanted distortion.

Where should the microphone be placed when mic'ing an electric guitar amplifier?

• Directly on the speaker cone

• Around seven inches away from the speaker cone

• At the back of the amplifier

• On the floor in front of the amplifier

Answer explanation

Placing the microphone around seven inches away from the speaker cone captures a balanced sound, allowing for clarity and depth without overwhelming distortion, making it the ideal choice for mic'ing an electric guitar amplifier.

What should you do if the recorded sound is not cutting well enough?

• Move the mic closer to the edge of the speaker cone

• Move the mic a little towards the center of the speaker cone

• Increase the amplifier's volume

• Add more reverb

Answer explanation

Moving the mic towards the center of the speaker cone captures more direct sound, improving clarity and cutting through the mix. This is more effective than other options like increasing volume or adding reverb.

What has the most dramatic effect on the final recording when mic'ing an amplifier?

• Adjusting the amplifier's built-in EQ

• Moving the microphone

• Changing the guitar strings

• Using a different guitar pick

Answer explanation

Moving the microphone has the most dramatic effect on the final recording because it changes the mic's distance and angle to the amplifier, significantly altering the sound capture and tonal quality.

What is the result of aiming the mic at the center of the speaker?

• It results in a brighter sound.

• It reduces the brightness.

• It gives more low end.

• It makes the sound quieter.

Answer explanation

Aiming the mic at the center of the speaker captures more high frequencies, resulting in a brighter sound. This is because the center typically produces clearer and more pronounced treble compared to other areas.

What happens when you move the mic toward the outer edge of the speaker?

• It results in a brighter sound.

• It reduces the brightness and gives more low end.

• It increases the volume.

• It makes the sound sharper.

Answer explanation

Moving the mic toward the outer edge of the speaker captures more low frequencies, which reduces the brightness of the sound. This results in a warmer tone with enhanced low-end response.

What should you do before hitting record in Logic?

• Adjust the volume

• Tune-up the instrument

• Change the track color

• Add a new instrument

Answer explanation

Before recording in Logic, it's essential to tune-up the instrument to ensure optimal sound quality. Adjusting volume, changing track color, or adding instruments can be done later, but a well-tuned instrument is crucial for a good recording.

How does the distance of the microphone from the speaker affect the sound?

• Closer distance results in a more focused sound.

• Closer distance results in a more diffused sound.

• Farther distance results in a brighter sound.

• Farther distance results in a quieter sound.

Answer explanation

Closer distance to the microphone captures sound more directly from the speaker, resulting in a more focused sound. This reduces background noise and enhances clarity, making it the correct choice.

What is the effect of using a dynamic microphone on an amplifier?

• It captures more high frequencies.

• It captures more low frequencies.

• It provides a more natural sound.

• It provides a more compressed sound.

Answer explanation

Dynamic microphones tend to compress sound due to their design, which limits the capture of extreme frequencies. This results in a more compressed sound, making the correct choice 'It provides a more compressed sound.'

What should you consider when choosing a microphone for recording an electric guitar amplifier?

• The microphone's frequency response

• The microphone's color

• The microphone's weight

• The microphone's brand

Answer explanation

When recording an electric guitar amplifier, the microphone's frequency response is crucial as it determines how well the mic captures the tonal characteristics of the amp. Other factors like color, weight, and brand are less relevant.