Setting up your Amp for the Stage - Part 3

#1 - Setup your amp off the floor
#2 - Get away from your amp
#3 - Turn your mic to 10 if you have a volume control

The general rule of thumb is that we want to send the strongest signal we can to the amplifier. This is why you commonly see "hot" associated with the description of an expensive element for sale. If you've purchased mics through the years, you know the moment of disappointment when you receive a mic and it's output is weak. A strong element means that you can relax your cup a bit and let the amp/mic combo do the work. If you have a weak mic, you have to cup tighter and work a little bit harder for your tone.

With this said... if you have a volume control, turn it to 10. Use the volume control as an on-off switch... roll it on to play and roll it off to walk to the amp and set the mic down without feedback. YOU are the volume control... play softly to lower your volume and play loudly when you want to kick some butt. Your overall tone spectrum will be better.

P.S., some amps are inherently more distorted... so a mic with a "weaker" output can actually be the better choice. When playing my MegaTone or Masco I tend to use my mics that are a little softer in their sound, knowing the amp will take the mic that extra step. My "powerful" elements tend to be more feedback prone on those amps... but is the more appropriate choice for my Bassman. Could you do that same taming for the more distorted amps with a volume control?... sure! Something to chew on...