1) Second microphone to complement my SM57

I've been getting some really good results using my SM57 to mic up my Line 6 Valve amp, but I've also been experimenting using a second mic. However, this mic isn't much cop, so I've been looking around with a view to getting something half decent in the same price range as the SM57.
 
After a bit of research, I've found three candidates that look like they're up to the job:

• Audio-Technica ATM 650 (~£98/$152)
• Audix i5 (~£86/$134)
• Sennheiser e 906 (~£149/232$)

Does any one have any experience and opinions on these microphones?
 
Or maybe another model in this sort of price range that would be worth my considering?
 
 
 
2) Should I use a Line 6 preamp or not?
 
I've been running my SM57 and the cheaper microphone into the two XLR inputs on my Toneport UX2, and then completely dry straight into two separate tracks in SONAR.
 
However, I notice that most of you seem to run your mics into a preamp of some sort before routing the signal into SONAR.
 
I see that in my Line 6 POD Farm software, there are six modelled preamps available to use:

• API 512c
• Neve 1073
• Avalon Vt737
• Requisite Y7
• Line 6 Solid State Console
• Line 6 Lo-Fi

So, what I'm asking is do you think there are any advantages to routing the mic signals through one of these virtual preamps when recording, or should I be fine continuing to record dry into SONAR?
 
 
Thanks in advance

 
1) Here's my personal opinion; do yourself a favor, save up a little more and buy a clean, used AKG 414.
 
2) No opinion.
 
 
all the best,
mike

AKG 414=Sell your first born for a new one. Lease your first born out for a year for a used one.
 
AKG 414 is the schnizzle.

On 2).... Isn't the Toneport an interface and preamp?
 
From the Line 6 site:
TonePort UX2 Ins and Outs:
Inputs:

• 2x XLR mic preamp inputs with +48V phantom power and trim knobs
• 2x 1/4-inch instrument inputs, including a -10 dB pad input for instruments with high gain output

 

Garsh, I answered your question with a DUH!!!!
 
Mic preamp. Line input.
 
 
DOH!!!
 

Do you think Sweetwater would take a firstborn as a trade on a 414? I'd throw in some cash...
 
J

i'd DI at the same time and then use an amp sim to get that room sound mix....rather than spending £700 on an AKG414! as an alternative to the second mike - the digital amp will give you the treble fizz and the mike'd amp the body...

Steve it's been a long time since I mic'd an amp so....
 
I think you're thinking right to use two mic's. To get the full
character of the amp it's not unusual to mic the back.
 
I'd probably go with the Sennheiser e609 (which I think you meant).
 
Before I'd do that I'd split going to amp and direct. Even two mic's I'd still
want a direct track (dry) to play with.
 
 

 
Thanks gents for the great advice
 
Thanks Ed for spotting that re the Toneport mic preamps.
 
Ed, Mike M, thanks for the AKG414 recommendation; I'm sorry if my question was a bit woolly, but price isn't the governing factor here. I could buy myself a nice new AGK414, but then again, I'm sure there are more expensive and better sounding microphones than that. Where do you stop? That's the only reason I included the price range I want to buy one for, or I'd have just asked what is the 'best' mic for recording a guitar cab
 
Mark/Mike H, thanks for the input, but I'm really trying to move over to an all tube guitar sound whenever possible. And Mike, I've seen a lot of tutorials that recommend miking the back of the speaker, that's something I want to try for sure, and for wanting a half-decent mic to do it.
 
Cheers!!

spacey
 
I'd probably go with the Sennheiser e609 (which I think you meant).

I'm not sure to be honest Mike.
 
This is the mic I was looking at: http://en-uk.sennheiser.com/instrument-microphone-guitar-percussion-brass-e-906
 
It does seem very similar to the e609, but according to the blurb, it has "three adjustable sound characteristics (bright, normal, smooth)".