Amp Microphones

Vocal mics are generally designed for human voice, prioritizing warmth and proximity effect. Amp mics are built for high SPLs and capturing the nuances of an amplifier's output.

While less common, some engineers use amp mics on DI signals to add character and a more 'real' feel than a clean DI track, especially for bass.

The polar pattern describes the microphone’s sensitivity to sound from different directions. Cardioid patterns are common for focused amp capture, while omnidirectional patterns can capture more room ambience.