So, you’ve got your acoustic guitar all tuned up and you’re ready to capture its beautiful sound in a recording. But wait, what microphone should you use? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 microphones that are perfect for recording acoustic guitar. From dynamic to condenser mics, we’ll explore the best options out there to help you achieve that crystal-clear and rich sound that will make your guitar truly shine. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, these microphones are sure to take your recordings to the next level. So, let’s dive right into it and find the best mic for recording acoustic guitar!
1. Overview
1.1 Importance of Choosing the Right Microphone
When it comes to recording acoustic guitar, choosing the right microphone is essential. The microphone you select will directly impact the quality and tone of the recorded sound. Each microphone has its own unique characteristics, and finding the best fit for your acoustic guitar can make a world of difference in capturing its true sound.
1.2 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Microphone for Recording Acoustic Guitar
Before delving into the specific microphone options, it’s important to understand the factors to consider when choosing a microphone for recording acoustic guitar. These factors can include the microphone’s polar pattern, frequency response, sensitivity, and self-noise. Additionally, the type of microphone – whether it be a condenser, dynamic, ribbon, or small diaphragm condenser microphone – will also play a role in the final sound recorded.
2. Condenser Microphones
2.1 Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a popular choice among musicians for recording acoustic guitar. This condenser microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps to capture the sound directly in front of it while minimizing background noise. The AT2020 has a wide frequency response and a high SPL handling, making it capable of capturing the nuances of acoustic guitar playing. With its affordable price point, this microphone is a great option for those on a budget.
2.2 Neumann U87
The Neumann U87 is a legendary condenser microphone that is renowned for its versatility and high-quality sound reproduction. With its switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8), the U87 offers flexibility in capturing acoustic guitar in various recording situations. Its extended frequency response and low self-noise contribute to a rich and detailed recording. While the U87 comes with a higher price tag, its exceptional performance makes it worth considering for professional recordings.
2.3 Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is another excellent condenser microphone for recording acoustic guitar. This microphone features a low self-noise level, ensuring a clean recording even in quiet passages. With its wide dynamic range and extended frequency response, the NT1 captures the full breadth of acoustic guitar tones. The NT1 also comes with an integrated pop filter, reducing plosive sounds and improving overall recording quality. Its affordable price point and high-quality performance make it a favorite among musicians.
3. Dynamic Microphones
3.1 Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone that has become a staple in the recording industry. Though commonly used for amplifiers and drums, the SM57 is also an excellent choice for recording acoustic guitar. Its tight cardioid polar pattern allows for precise sound capture, while its high sound pressure level handling ensures distortion-free recordings, even with aggressive playing. The SM57’s durability and affordability make it a reliable option for both studio and live performances.
3.2 Sennheiser e906
The Sennheiser e906 is a dynamic microphone specifically designed for capturing electric guitar cabinets. However, its versatility extends to acoustic guitar recordings as well. With its supercardioid polar pattern, the e906 captures the direct sound from the acoustic guitar while rejecting unwanted ambient noise. The microphone’s extended frequency response and high SPL handling make it suitable for capturing the nuances and dynamics of acoustic guitar playing.
3.3 Audix i5
The Audix i5 is a dynamic microphone favored for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels while maintaining clarity. While commonly used for close-miking drums and guitar amplifiers, the i5 can also produce exceptional results when recording acoustic guitar. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to isolate the sound source and reduce feedback, while its wide frequency response captures the full range of acoustic guitar tones. The i5’s affordable price and reliability make it an attractive option for recording acoustic guitar.
4. Ribbon Microphones
4.1 Royer R-121
The Royer R-121 is a ribbon microphone renowned for its warm and natural sound reproduction. Ribbon microphones are known for their smooth high-frequency response, making them an excellent choice for capturing the nuances of acoustic guitar. The R-121 features a figure-8 polar pattern, allowing the microphone to capture sound equally from the front and back while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides. Its high SPL handling and low self-noise make it suitable for both studio and live recordings.
4.2 Cascade Fat Head II
The Cascade Fat Head II is another popular ribbon microphone for recording acoustic guitar. This microphone is known for its smooth and natural tonal characteristics, adding a touch of vintage warmth to the recorded sound. With its figure-8 polar pattern, the Fat Head II captures sound from both the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. Its high SPL handling and affordability make it a great option for musicians looking to achieve a classic sound.
4.3 Coles 4038
The Coles 4038 is a ribbon microphone that has been used in professional studios for decades. Its smooth frequency response and natural sound reproduction make it a favorite among engineers for recording acoustic guitar. The 4038’s figure-8 polar pattern captures sound equally from the front and back, allowing for versatile placement options. With its high SPL handling and robust build quality, this microphone is a reliable option for achieving a vintage and warm acoustic guitar sound.
5. Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
5.1 AKG C451 B
The AKG C451 B is a small diaphragm condenser microphone that offers exceptional detail and clarity in acoustic guitar recording. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on capturing the sound directly in front of it, contributing to a clean and accurate recording. The C451 B features a high SPL handling and a neutral frequency response, allowing it to faithfully reproduce the natural sound of the acoustic guitar. Its durability, affordability, and versatility make it a popular choice among musicians and engineers alike.
5.2 Audio-Technica AT4051b
The Audio-Technica AT4051b is another small diaphragm condenser microphone suitable for recording acoustic guitar. With its wide dynamic range and extended frequency response, the AT4051b captures the full range of tones and dynamics of the acoustic guitar. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture, while its low self-noise and high SPL handling contribute to a clean and detailed recording. The AT4051b’s durability and high-quality performance make it a reliable option for professional recordings.
5.3 Neumann KM184
The Neumann KM184 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone renowned for its transparent and natural sound reproduction. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures precise sound capture while rejecting unwanted ambient noise. With its wide frequency response and high SPL handling, the KM184 captures the intricate details and nuances of acoustic guitar playing. The microphone’s build quality, reliability, and accuracy make it a top choice for professional audio engineers and musicians.
6. Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
6.1 Neumann U87
As mentioned earlier, the Neumann U87 is a versatile microphone that excels in many recording applications, including acoustic guitar. With its switchable polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, the U87 offers flexibility in capturing acoustic guitar in different acoustic environments. Its extended frequency response and low self-noise ensure a faithful and detailed recording. The U87’s high-end quality and performance make it a top choice for those seeking professional audio results.
6.2 AKG C414 XLII
The AKG C414 XLII is a large diaphragm condenser microphone renowned for its versatility and sonic accuracy. With its nine selectable polar patterns, the C414 XLII offers considerable flexibility in capturing acoustic guitar in various recording situations. The microphone’s high SPL handling and extended frequency response capture both the delicate nuances and the dynamic range of the acoustic guitar. The C414 XLII’s build quality, reliability, and exceptional sound reproduction make it a favorite among engineers and musicians.
6.3 Audio-Technica AT4047/SV
The Audio-Technica AT4047/SV is another large diaphragm condenser microphone well-suited for recording acoustic guitar. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture, while its extended frequency response and high SPL handling accurately reproduce the full tonal range and dynamics of the acoustic guitar. The AT4047/SV’s warm and vintage-inspired sound character adds a unique flavor to the recorded sound. With its build quality and affordability, this microphone is valued both by professionals and home studio owners.
7. Popular Microphone Combos
7.1 Neumann U87 and Audio-Technica AT2020
Combining the Neumann U87 and Audio-Technica AT2020 can result in a fantastic recording setup for acoustic guitar. The U87 captures the detailed nuances and offers versatility in capturing the guitar’s sound in different recording environments, while the AT2020 provides a budget-friendly option for capturing additional room ambience or as a backup microphone. This microphone combo offers a balance between high-end quality and affordability.
7.2 Shure SM57 and AKG C451 B
The Shure SM57 and AKG C451 B can be an excellent combination for recording acoustic guitar. The SM57’s tight cardioid polar pattern captures the direct sound from the guitar, while the C451 B provides a detailed and accurate representation of the guitar’s tone. This pairing allows for a versatile recording setup, offering both focused sound capture and additional room ambience. With their respective durability and affordability, this microphone combo is well-suited for both studio and live performances.
7.3 Rode NT1 and Neumann KM184
Pairing the Rode NT1 with the Neumann KM184 can result in a high-quality recording setup for acoustic guitar. The NT1’s low self-noise levels and wide dynamic range provide a clean and transparent recording, while the KM184 brings out the subtle details and nuances of the guitar’s sound. This microphone combo offers a balance between affordability and sonic accuracy, making it suitable for both professional and home studio recordings.
8. Best Budget Microphones
8.1 Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020, previously mentioned, stands out as one of the best budget microphones for recording acoustic guitar. With its affordable price point, the AT2020 offers a decent sound quality while still being accessible to musicians on a tight budget. Its cardioid polar pattern, extended frequency response, and high SPL handling make it capable of capturing the full range of acoustic guitar tones without breaking the bank.
8.2 Shure SM57
The Shure SM57, also previously discussed, is another budget-friendly microphone option for recording acoustic guitar. With its renowned durability and versatility, the SM57 is an affordable choice that can withstand the demands of both studio and live performances. While it may be primarily known for its use with amplifiers and drums, its tight cardioid polar pattern and high SPL handling make it a reliable option for capturing the sound of an acoustic guitar without compromising on quality.
8.3 Rode NT1
The Rode NT1, mentioned earlier, is a budget-friendly microphone that offers exceptional sound quality for recording acoustic guitar. With its low self-noise and wide dynamic range, the NT1 ensures a clean and transparent recording. Its extended frequency response captures the full range of acoustic guitar tones, providing a detailed and accurate representation of the instrument. The NT1’s affordability and high-quality performance make it a popular choice among budget-conscious musicians.
9. Best Mid-Range Microphones
9.1 AKG C414 XLII
The AKG C414 XLII, previously discussed, shines as one of the best mid-range microphones for recording acoustic guitar. With its nine selectable polar patterns and extended frequency response, the C414 XLII offers versatility and accuracy in capturing the sound of an acoustic guitar in different recording environments. Its high SPL handling allows for capturing both delicate fingerpicking and more energetic strumming. The C414 XLII’s exceptional sound quality and reliability make it a go-to choice for many professional engineers.
9.2 Neumann KM184
The Neumann KM184, mentioned earlier, is another top choice for mid-range microphones when it comes to recording acoustic guitar. With its transparent and natural sound reproduction, the KM184 captures the delicate details and nuances of the acoustic guitar with exceptional accuracy. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures focused sound capture while rejecting unwanted ambient noise. The KM184’s build quality and reliability, combined with its sonic performance, make it a highly regarded microphone in the mid-range category.
9.3 Audio-Technica AT4047/SV
The Audio-Technica AT4047/SV, previously discussed, stands out as a top mid-range microphone option for recording acoustic guitar. With its warm and vintage-inspired sound character, the AT4047/SV adds a unique flavor to the recorded sound. Its extended frequency response and high SPL handling capture the full tonal range and dynamics of the acoustic guitar. The AT4047/SV’s build quality, affordability, and exceptional sound reproduction make it a favorite among musicians and engineers looking for a mid-range option.
10. Best High-End Microphones
10.1 Neumann U87
As mentioned earlier, the Neumann U87 deserves recognition as one of the best high-end microphones for recording acoustic guitar. Its legendary reputation, versatile switchable polar patterns, extended frequency response, and low self-noise contribute to a rich and detailed recording. While it comes with a higher price tag, the U87’s exceptional performance and high-end quality make it a favorite among professionals seeking the best possible sound reproduction for their acoustic guitar recordings.
10.2 Royer R-121
The Royer R-121, previously discussed, is a high-end ribbon microphone that excels in capturing the natural sound of an acoustic guitar. With its smooth high-frequency response and figure-8 polar pattern, the R-121 captures both the direct sound and the room ambience while rejecting sound from the sides. Its high SPL handling and low self-noise make it a versatile option for both studio and live recordings. The R-121’s exceptional build quality and sonic performance make it a top choice among audio professionals.
10.3 Coles 4038
Lastly, the Coles 4038, mentioned earlier, stands out as one of the best high-end microphones for recording acoustic guitar. Its smooth frequency response and natural sound reproduction make it a favorite among engineers for capturing the true essence of acoustic guitar recordings. With its figure-8 polar pattern and high SPL handling, the 4038 offers versatility and accuracy in various recording situations. The Coles 4038’s top-notch build quality, reliability, and exceptional sound reproduction make it a go-to choice for those seeking the highest level of sonic excellence.
