Recording - May 2016 - 49

For single-mic use on a guitar amp, I
would suggest starting with the mic moved
all the way forward (X models) and aimed
at the center of the cone, as close as possible in the grille. The reason is that the app
starts with the mic visually represented in
this position-you can even choose speaker size in the app. For a two-mic setup,
you may need to forgo a bit of the graphic
representation (which can be turned off) as
it may not correspond to your optimum
placement-since both DynaMounts probably can not be centered with the mic in the
cone at the same time.
Once you are happy with placement,
launch the app and it will ask/suggest
you calibrate the DynaMount, which runs
it through its full paces and rotations
(rather like firing up an inkjet printer). This
is a great time to check your positioning
a second time and watch for obstructions,
collisions, and cord entanglements.
The app is pretty straightforward and
scales itself to your specific DynaMount in
regard to axis and angles. You can flip
between multiple DynaMounts and each
one can have up to six nameable placements for instant one-touch recall.
In use
I tried both DynaMount models separately and side-by-side on a Marshall
4x12 cabinet, a vintage Fender

Vibrasonic with a 15" speaker, and a
small 12" Fender Princeton reissue. I
mounted the X1-R to a Primacoustic
KickStand-a low-profile mic stand with a
rubber recoil stabilizer on its underside. I
mounted the V-1 to a generic yet nicely
weighted mini boom mic stand that I usually use for guitar miking.

The only real issue I had was that some
amps like the Princeton sit low and I
could not get the DynaMount, the stand
and the mic low enough. In those cases, I
needed to place the amp on a stand.
The best thing I can say is, both units
worked flawlessly and I loved having full
remote control over mic placement that can
be adjusted in degrees and inches. These

small adjustments can make a huge difference in sound, and I felt like I actually
landed on better tones because it was so
easy to further fine-tune my positioning
beyond my initial setups. It's great for
adding additional tonal options when layering takes as well. Overall it's similar to
using a virtual microphone-equipped guitar
amp emulation in your DAW... but with
real mics!
My only caution is to remember that
the DynaMount moves incrementally, one
touch for one movement. If you quickly
press the controls a dozen times, the
DynaMount won't move any faster, and it
won't stop until it's gone a dozen steps,
which might overshoot your preferred
placement. Patience is a virtue.
I know all of this may sound complicated and tweaky, but I prefer the word
"detailed". Once positioned and dialed in,
it really works great! Yes, for many this will
be a luxury device, but if you like detailed,
recallable placement options and dialing
in the sweet spot in beautifully small increments, all from the comfort of the control
room, check out the DynaMounts!
Prices: V1 (as reviewed), $299; V1-R,
$499; X1, $549; X1-R (as reviewed), $749
More from: DynaMount,
www.dynamount.com
http://www.dynamount.com http://www.realtraps.com http://www.transaudiogroup.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - May 2016
