Microphones are as important as your guitar. A quality microphone will help preserve the guitar’s tone and bring smooth sounds to the performance. A good recording microphone is also an important factor in determining the quality of the recording. This article is for you if you want to own professional quality acoustic guitar recordings.
With the development of technology, the recording microphone market is increasingly diverse and rich. But how to choose a microphone that suits your needs in the huge sea of products? Eguitarmania will help you find the best mic for acoustic guitar and suggest the top picks of professional players.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing Mic for Acoustic Guitar?
Before we discuss the best mic for acoustic guitar, let’s consider the important factors to consider when choosing a microphone. These factors will help make the process of choosing a suitable microphone quicker and easier.
You probably already know that there are many different types of microphones on the market today. Each type of microphone will bring different musical nuances and is suitable for different recording environments.
Dynamic
Dynamics are one of the most popular microphone types due to their affordability and convenient features. They don’t require phantom power and are pretty resistant to noisy sounds. Dynamic microphones also go well in amateur studios.
If you do not have a professional and well-soundproofed studio or have very noisy neighbors, dynamic microphones will suit your needs. With a design that is low in sensitivity, dynamic microphones will never pick up ambient noise like dogs barking or arguing with neighbors.
The good news, however, is you will have to bear the trade-off that dynamic microphones are limited in frequency and just cannot record above 15kHz. Dynamic microphones may lack subtlety in the recording because of their low sensitivity.
Condenser
A condenser microphone is the ideal choice if you want a more sensitive microphone to bring out the nuances of music. It will subtly convey every nuance of sound with true clarity.
Condensers come in two types: large diaphragm and small diaphragm. Small diaphragm condensers are suitable for those who need a compact, highly sensitive microphone with excellent sound recording capabilities. Large-diaphragm condensers mean lower noise and increased sensitivity. If the subtlety of a small diaphragm condenser doesn’t meet your needs, a large diaphragm condenser will do the trick.
However, because of the increased sensitivity, condensers need to be used in a professionally treated and soundproofed recording environment. Otherwise, condensers will pick up outside sounds like barking dogs or sounds from the neighbors.
Ribbon
Finally, the ribbon, the best mic for acoustic guitar, is famous for its natural sound and excellent transient response. The ribbon has a gentle high-frequency roll-off and a smooth off-axis response, resulting in harmonious recordings. Thanks to its frequency roll-off, the ribbon can reduce harshness and preserve the subtlety of the sound.
The ribbon is also highly regarded for its excellent transient response. It is the most responsive microphone, adapting quickly to changes in sound intensity and frequency. Therefore, the ribbon will accurately capture the rapidly changing tones when playing acoustic guitar or electric guitar.
However, the ribbon has the disadvantage of being expensive and quite fragile, so it may not be suitable for beginners. The fragility of the ribbon also requires careful handling and requires an intact preamp.
Top 10 Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar
If you already know how to choose the right microphone for your guitar, here are the top 10 picks. Eguitarmania experts have researched and selected the 10 best products on the market today. Each product will have its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can consider choosing the right microphone for you.
Best Recommendation Dynamic
Shure SM57 Pro XLR
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Shure
- Item Weight: 10 Ounces
- Item dimensions: 6.19 x 1.25 x 1.25 inches
- Frequency Range: 40 Hz – 15 kHz
- Frequency Response: 15000 Hz
$89.009
- Good noise cancellation
- Clear and crisp sound reproduction
- Exceptional vocal performance
- High durability with anti-break base adapter
- May not deliver as subtle a tone as a condenser or ribbon mic
Why We Love It
If you are looking for an affordable, stable microphone that does not pick up outside noise, the Shure SM57 Pro XLR is for you. Thanks to its tailored frequency response and brighter midrange, the Shure SM57 impresses with its ability to deliver clear, lively sound.
The Shure SM57 is equipped with a uniform cardioid polar pattern for warm and crisp sound reproduction. It also has a spherical grille and a built-in noise filter to eliminate unwanted noise in the pickup panel. The Shure SM57 is also durable thanks to its stable construction and anti-break stand adapter. You can use the Shure SM57 anywhere, from stage to studio.
Best Detailed
AKG P170 Pro Audio
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: AKG
- Item Weight: 0.13 Kilograms
- Item dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 7.09 inches
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Audio Sensitivity: 75 dB
$149.00
- Solid, durable design
- Deep, clear bass
- Warm midrange and clear treble
- Easy to use
- The price is a bit high compared to other condenser microphones
Why We Love It
The AKG P170 Pro Audio is a small diaphragm condenser microphone that is a favorite choice for many users. This microphone model is specially designed for musical instruments, ranging from acoustic guitars to drums, flutes, trumpets, etc. The AKG P170 has a sturdy design and good load-bearing capacity, so you can bring it to any studio, home studio, or large performance.
The AKG P170 has good bass reproduction, so it is suitable for both acoustics and bass guitars. This product is also highly appreciated for its warm midrange and well-balanced treble, helping to bring a brighter and easier-to-listen tone. The AKG P170 also has a cardioid to limit surrounding noise.
Best Crisp
Rode NT5-S Small-Diaphragm
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Rode
- Item Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Item dimensions: 11 x 2 x 5 inches
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Noise Level: 16 dB
$219.00
- Durable metal-plated housing
- Compact design
- Wide frequency range and stereo imaging
- Low noise
- Versatile, can be used for many different instruments
- Slightly more expensive than other small diaphragm condenser mics
Why We Love It
When it comes to the best mic for acoustic guitar, we cannot fail to mention the Rode NT5-S Small-Diaphragm. The Rode NT5 impresses at first sight with its eye-catching, luxurious appearance. It has a satin nickel-plated outer body that is highly resistant and durable over time.
With its compact size, lightweight, and excellent sound quality, the NT5-S has become one of the top choices for artists and sound engineers around the world. This mic model can reproduce detailed and accurate sounds with every tone. The Rode NT5 also has a wide frequency range and stereo image, helping to create a variety of sounds vividly.
Best Budget
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Item Weight: 0.317 ounces
- Item dimensions: 9.6 x 9.6 x 2.6 inches
- Audio Sensitivity: 37 dB
- Noise Level: 20 dB
$79.00
- Highly detailed sound quality
- Wide frequency range and outstanding transient response
- Natural, faithful, and noise-free sound reproduction
- The cardioid pickup pattern reduces ambient noise
- Affordable price
- No sound pad, which can make recording high-pressure sound sources difficult
Why We Love It
The best mic for acoustic guitar game cannot be without the big guy Audio-Technica. The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid is one of the recording microphones that many users trust and choose. With a low noise level of 20 dB SPL, this microphone model is suitable for home recording environments.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 has a wide frequency range and superior instantaneous response to reproduce detailed tones and a variety of sounds. The AT2020 is also equipped with a cardioid polar pattern that reduces sound pickup from the sides and rear to limit the pickup of ambient noise. The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone that handles high SPLs for increased flexibility, creating natural and distortion-free recordings.
Best High-end Stereo
Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Set
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Neumann
- Item Weight: 12.16 ounces
- Item dimensions: 9.33 x 6.14 x 2.6 inches
$1,309.15
- Smooth frequency response
- Highly detailed and accurate sound reproduction
- The low noise floor for capturing even the tiniest sounds
- High durability and stable construction
- Versatile
- High price
Why We Love It
The Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Set of Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones is a pair of microphones that are highly regarded for their excellent sound quality and versatility. They are widely used in professional recording studios to record a wide range of instruments, from acoustic guitars and pianos to drums and orchestras.
The Neumann KM 184 is loved for its ability to capture every little detail of the sound, resulting in extremely clear and realistic recordings. The KM 184 also has a wide frequency range for full sound reproduction, from warm bass to bright treble. The KM 184’s low noise floor ensures that even the quietest sounds are recorded clearly, without distortion. You can use the KM 184 for a variety of purposes, from stereo, overhead, or close-up recording.
Best Versatile
Shure KSM44A Multi-Pattern
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Shure
- Item Weight: 3.08 pounds
- Item dimensions: 14.5 x 10.5 x 6.5 inches
- Audio Sensitivity: 127 dB
- Noise Level: 7 dB
$799.00
- Advanced Prethos preamp technology
- Breakthrough specifications
- Multiple polar patterns – cardioid for added recording versatility
- Premium electronics
- Subsonic filter for noise cancellation
- Equipped with audio pads for high-performance sound processing
- Luxurious metal shell design
- High price
Why We Love It
Shure continues to be a prominent name when it comes to the best mic for acoustic guitar. In particular, the Shure KSM44A Multi-Pattern is a product chosen by many professional musicians and artists. The Shure KSM44A is designed with a beautiful appearance and many great features.
The Shure KSM44A has advanced Prethos type A preamplifier technology to create clear sound, superior instantaneous response, and reduced crossover distortion. With a 4dB natural noise design and a maximum SPL of 131 dB for a total dynamic range of 127 dB, the mic can accurately record and preserve the sound’s sharpness. For further flexibility, the Shure KSM44A also features a variety of bidirectional and omnidirectional cardioid polar patterns.
In addition, the Shure KSM44A Multi-Pattern is also loved for its advanced subsonic filter, which eliminates rumble from mechanical vibrations below 17 Hz. The KSM44A is also equipped with a 15 dB pad for easy switching to handle extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL).
Best Live Sound
Sennheiser e 609 Silver Super-Cardioid
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Sennheiser
- Item Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Item dimensions: 2.2 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
- Frequency Range: 40 – 18 kHz
- Frequency Response: 18000 Hz
$119.99
- The special super-cardioid pickup pattern
- Detailed and realistic sound
- Unique side-mounted design that requires no clamps and can be hung from a speaker cabinet
- 3-6,000 Hz midrange peak captures the true sound character of the instrument
- Solid design with premium materials
- Compared to other dynamic microphones, the Sennheiser e 609 is quite expensive.
Why We Love It
Sennheiser e 609 Silver Super-Cardioid is also the best mic for acoustic guitar that you can refer to. With a compact, sturdy design and convenient additional features, the Sennheiser e 609 has become the choice of many artists and musicians.
Sennheiser e 609 has a super-cardioid pickup pattern that helps isolate from other signals on stage, effectively limiting noise and interference. This microphone model is also equipped with a lightweight voice coil and hard dome to deliver extended high-frequency performance. Sennheiser e 609 can reproduce sound in detail and honestly, helping you capture every nuance of guitar sound.
With a metal case and shockproof design, Sennheiser e 609 is highly durable, suitable for professional performance and recording environments. The Sennheiser e 609 is also designed with a side-mounted capsule to mount the microphone for the guitar amplifier directly and extremely close to the signal source without distortion, making it perfect for electric guitars.
Best Warm Vocals
AKG Pro Audio C214
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: AKG
- Item Weight: 1.76 pounds
- Item dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 3.9 inches
- Audio Sensitivity: 156 dB
$338.16
- Rugged, impact-resistant design for long-term use
- It can be used to record a variety of instruments
- Warm, detailed sound
- Affordable
- No sound-dampening pads
Why We Love It
If you love the AKG C414 but it’s a little pricey, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is a more affordable option. High-end large-diaphragm condenser microphones like the AKG C214 are made for a variety of recording uses. With a premium one-inch capsule and integrated suspension system, it delivers optimal sonic performance.
The AKG C214 also impresses with its accurate recording capabilities, delivering natural-toned sound and capturing every nuance of detailed sound. It combines a dual-capsule system and custom Back-Plate technology to achieve the same performance as the legendary C414 XLII. The cardioid polar pattern and premium components ensure optimal audio accuracy and fidelity.
The AKG C214 is versatile enough to be used for a variety of purposes, from recording to performing. The all-metal die-cast body features a shock- and scratch-resistant finish, designed to withstand the rigors of extensive and extended use. Additionally, the microphone comes with the H85 universal shock mount and a sturdy metal carrying case to store and transport your microphone, with maximum protection.
Best Modern Mic
Aston Microphones Origin Large Diaphragm
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: Aston Microphones
- Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
- Item dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 inches
- Noise Level: 94 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 KHz
$244.00
- Warm and natural sound quality
- Smart body pop filter design
- Can be used to record a variety of sound sources
- Affordable price
- A stainless steel frame ensures superior durability
- Limited cardioid pickup pattern
Why We Love It
The next impressive name when mentioning the best mic for acoustic guitar is Aston Microphones Origin Large Diaphragm. Aston Spirit is a large-diaphragm, switchable, high-performance condenser microphone, using a 1″ gold evaporative capsule. This is a microphone model that is intelligently designed with a pop filter and a wave-shaped mesh head.
The pop filter is integrated right into the body of the Aston Spirit to minimize the popping sound when pronouncing the letters “P” and “B.” This design also effectively saves costs without having to buy additional accessories. Aston Spirit also has a wave-shaped mesh head design, which helps absorb shock and protect the capsule with an elastic mesh layer.
The Aston Spirit mic uses a built-in noise filter that uses the latest stainless steel mesh technology to increase noise reduction efficiency. You can also be completely assured of the durability of the mic thanks to the 2mm thick solid stainless steel frame, laser cut and engraved.
Best Budget Live Vocal
SE ELECTRONICS – VR2 Voodoo
Photo credit: Amazon
Product Information
- Brand: SE ELECTRONICS
- Item Weight: 1.81 Pounds
- Item dimensions: 16.02 x 4.72 x 3.5 inches
- Noise Level: 19 dB
- Frequency Response: 18 KHz
$499.00
- Full-range frequency response for dynamic sound
- Deal with harsh sounds while maintaining true clarity
- Equipped with new improved designs
- Comes with a flexible shock mount for durability
- Packed in a luxurious wooden box
- Quite bulky
- A bit pricey
Why We Love It
The final name on Eguitarmania’s top picks list is a versatile ribbon microphone: SE ELECTRONICS VR2 Voodoo. This model applies many of the latest innovations from the SE ELECTRONICS brand to deliver optimal recording performance.
The VR2 Voodoo’s full-range frequency response is made possible by the mechanical device created by design director Siwei Zou. The mic also has a custom transformer, active circuitry, and a hand-tensioned ribbon to produce the most detailed, open, and natural recordings.
Unlike traditional ribbons, which can sometimes sound very dull at high frequencies, the VR2’s clever mechanical design allows the mic to achieve an extended frequency response. Thanks to that, it can preserve the sharpness and edge of a guitar cabinet or cymbal, while still smoothing out any harsh sounds.
The VR2 Voodoo also comes with a shock mount to help isolate it from mechanical vibrations and is packaged completely inside a wooden box with all accessories included.
Wrap Up
There are three different types of microphones available today: dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. Each type of microphone will provide different sound nuances and is suitable for a specific recording environment. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the types of microphones and find the best mic for acoustic guitar. Don’t forget to save the 10 top picks we shared to save more time choosing!
