If you're making a demo vid, buy a mic!

[SDS]

If I watch one more video online of some dude playing something that could be amazing but sounds unbelievably terrible because they're using the built in mic on the camera to capture the sound... I'm gonna lose it.

You probably just spent >$1000 on your amp (or well more than that in time spent building it) but you can't afford the $100 or less for an SM57?!? It's too bad because your unique, boutique, tone machine sounds like a hair dryer without it.

[Structo]

I hear ya.

Also, have the amp mic'd and have a lapel mic on your body so you can describe what's going on.

Or at least edit the video with some commentary added later.

That is one reason I always like Greg V's demo's.

Total pro and he takes some pretty good photos as well.

[SDS]

Bingo, Structo!

Although for most of the 'personalities' in the videos, not talking is a totally viable option.

Just because you're on camera it doesn't mean you're Stephen Colbert.

[ampmike]

Good advice guys,I'm going to get one.Somebody got me the hookup to plug in my iPad so all I need a decent mic now.when you run an amp build thread it only seems right to end it with a demo.im going to try to get a used 57 for that purpose.mikey

[SDS]

Good stuff, Mikey... can't wait to hear it.

And contrary to common sense - don't bother getting the most expensive, high end mic you can find - especially for demo purposes. Every guitar player should get to know the sound of a 57. It's one of the most widely used, readily available mics on the planet and if you play live it's likely what your sound guy will use on your cab.

There are better/different mics out there for sure but the Shure SM57 is the standard for the industry so it's perfect for demos and great for studio work.

If you can't make your amp sound great through a 57 it's because your amp probably doesn't sound great.

[HeeBGB]

A 57 is also virtually bulletproof. You could drop it of a building and it would still work well

[JazzGuitarGimp]

A 57 is also virtually bulletproof. You could drop it of a building and it would still work well

I still have the 57 I bought new in 1976. It's still going strong nearly 40 years down the road.

[Structo]

Yeah I got one as well.

[NickC]

A 57 is also virtually bulletproof. You could drop it of a building and it would still work well

I still have the 57 I bought new in 1976. It's still going strong nearly 40 years down the road.

If Roger Daltrey can't destroy one, I doubt anyone can.

[guitarmike2107]

I have a 57 too, but haven't found a decent windows based movie program, any suggestions?

[amplifiednation]

I just bought a HD camera with an external mic hookup for $40 shipped. It's a Kodak Zi10

I'm sorry if you were watching my YouTube videos!

Sm57 into mixer into HD camera

Im still working on the mic placement and the gain levels, but it sounds a lot better than the camera mic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-U96wB ... ata_player