10 Best Microphone for Acoustic Guitar

The acoustic guitars are the most ideal guitars for pop, country, rock, blues, folk, and many other music styles. These are the most popular instruments in the music world because of their specific and unique features, you can get excellent sound quality. for using the acoustic guitar you must use the best acoustic guitar mics. The recording is a basic skill, you must know audio engineering and you must be familiar with phase, proximity, and tonality terms. Different technologies are used to amplify and record the instrument such as acoustic guitar pickups but many engineers still prefer using microphones for recordings.

The different types of microphones are available at different prices in the market and there are only some microphones that support the acoustic guitar sound. Some of the microphones show the frequency response that sounds great when combined with vocals that make the acoustic guitar sound brittle and thicker.

The Best Mics for Recording Acoustic Guitar

After doing the research on the best microphones for recording we have made a list of acoustic guitar mics. There are almost six types of microphones that Furthur include different options these types are

Small Diaphragm Condenser

• Audio-Technica ATM450
• Shure SM81
• Neumann KM 184

Budget Small Diaphragm Condenser

• Shure PGA181

Large Diaphragm Condenser

• Neumann TLM102
• Audio-Technica AT4050

Budget Large Diaphragm Condenser

• MXL 770

Dynamic Microphones

• Shure SM57
• Sennheiser MD421 75

Ribbon Microphone

• Royer R-121 Studio Ribbon Microphone

Overall the acoustic guitar mics are:

• Audio-Technica ATM450
• Shure SM81
• Neumann KM 184
• Shure PGA181
• Neumann TLM 102
• Audio-Technica AT4050
• MXL 770
• Shure SM57
• Sennheiser MD 421-II
• Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphone

Audio-Technica ATM450

This is the best Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics for Recording Acoustic Guitar. This microphone is available in normal price ranges that almost everyone can buy with a cardioid condenser mic designed specifically for increased SPL (Sound Pressure Level). It includes different tools like a drum, cymbals, amplifier boxes, and many others. These microphones are with special sensitivity as they can capture the variations of acoustic guitar.

Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
• Impedance:200 ohms
• Max SPL: 152dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

it is most known for capturing the recordings in a very soft, clear, and natural sound most prominent features of mid and high tones. It provides you a variety of ranges with high Sound Pressure Level controlling power. The ATM450 characteristics include a built-in 80Hz hi-pass filter and a switchable 10dB pad.

The Pros

• Low noise, wide dynamic range, and increased SPL capabilities
• Provides smooth, clear transients
• Picks up the fine details

The Cons:

• some think that this microphone lacks the low ends but this can be corrected by using closer proximity or EQ.

Overall with all the features, it is a good recording versatile microphone that completes its work in a smooth and natural way.

Shure SM81

This mic is most liked by the users because it is on topmost of all the small-diaphragm condenser microphones with its amazing reviews. One of the basic features is capturing clear and transparent sounds that you can compare with other high-priced microphones. Moreover, this mic is lighter in weight (1.63 lbs) so you can easily carry the mic whenever you want as compared with those mics that are big in size.

Specifications:

• Polar Pattern:  Cardioid
• Frequency Response:  20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance:  150 ohms
• Max SPL:  136dB (146dB w/Pad)
• Power Requirements:  +48V

This device also supports acoustic guitar amplifiers and all the other instruments that produce a loud sound. these are best used for studio and stage purposes. the microphone has a strong grip on the clear mid-tones and it can control the larger amount of the volume. As their frequency response is from 20Hz-20kHz, this frequency range shows that the microphone can produce any type of sound with precision.

The Pros

• Durable steel construction
• Cardioid polar pattern
• The flat response curve for maximum accuracy when recording
• Solid reputation as an acoustic guitar mic
• Table-top flat frequency response
• Pad and low-cut filter
• Just as good for piano, drums, and strings

The Cons:

• Not really acceptable for elegant, variations in playing styles

This microphone is highly preferred for acoustic guitars and for many other types of guitars.

Neumann KM 184

This microphone is a style like a pencil shape with a small-diaphragm condenser that can easily compete with other larger diaphragm condensers mics with increased Sound Pressure Levels. These are too expensive but they are also available with a single mic but if you want to use many different mics then you can try the stereo pair full setup. This setup is expensive but it provides different and unique features with many mics that are available for the long run.

Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Max SPL:138dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

It does not show any coloration of sound over its total cardioid pickup pattern and it rejects all the backward sounds. These mics are used in many large steups because they are used specifically for stereo recordings, not any of the pair of mics are going to produce the sound source in the same way as these microphones do.

The Pros

• Very faithful flat response
• Delicate
• Imperceivable self-noise
• Small form factor
• Great for drums and strings as well

The Cons:

• expensive and or not reasonable
• Will catches ambient noise if it’s there

These are not preferred for the single or one mic and these are perfect for the stereo recording with 184KM. Its different phase unity and tolerance make this product more sold. tIts pair make this mic perfect for acoustic guitar recordings in stereo.

Shure SM57

This is the dynamic mic that means it is perfectly used for on-stage applications. This is one of the most reasonable microphones with many unique features. Most importantly it is used with electric guitar amplifiers, miking up snares, and sometimes it works with vocals. The guitar with this mic focuses on the sound ignoring all the other unwanted sounds and noises. Its pickup pattern has this unique ability to reject the outer noises. This is the best option with exceptional sound quality and is used by the peoples from many years.

Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response:40Hz-15kHz
• Impedance: 310 ohms
• Max SPL: 149 dB

It can attach to a number of instruments and can record all instruments sound thus this microphone is an all-rounder. As i is a dynamic mic so it does not require any high power space for operating the mic. This mic looks similar to SM58 which is the most purchased mic nowadays by the used in the market.

The Pros

• conic SM57 sound
• Tough as old boots
• Simplicity itself
• Versatile
• Astounding value
• Built to withstand extensive usage with extremely long-lasting material used in construction
• Concentrated sound is captured thanks to the cardioid polar pattern, highlighting the finer details and minimizing background noise
• A microphone that performs many functions, which is perfect to use with acoustic guitar, drums, electric guitar, vocals, and more

The Cons:

• Not really acceptable for elegant, nuanced playing styles

If you are looking for a mixing and amazing microphone that can record almost every type of sound then this microphone is perfect for this job. Having a single drawback with many positive points is not a bad option.

Sennheiser MD 421-II

These are made as to the loud sound source. These are the type of dynamic mics that picks the variations much better than other dynamic mics. The SM57 dynamic mic focuses on percussiveness, the MD 421-II has a richer and smoother sound which results in the bass strings more on acoustic guitars.

Specifications:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
• Impedance:150 ohms
• Max SPL:137 dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

The Pros

• A rugged, metal body helps to hold this microphone together through daily use.
• 5 position bass roll-off switch
• Less delicate to dust and humidity than all other older models.
• Don’t need batteries or phantom power.
• Productive feedback rejection

The Cons:

• The clip-on this mic is breakable, hard to use, and isn’t standard. Worse yet, replacing it costs more than it’s worth.
• Off-axis leakage makes sound quality defective when you are using it in many microphone setups. This is the major issue with studio usage.

Overall this is the perfect phone for classical musicians and for the louder speakers. This microphone is easy to use and everyone can easily have it set up so you must use them.

Things to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Guitar Mic

Most people get confused when buying the best microphones for recording because each of the microphones has its own specific characteristics and features that make it harder to decide which microphone you should buy. Therefore there are some of the features that you should keep in mind while buying the best microphone for recording

Large Diaphragm Condenser

The diaphragm is the most important term you will hear when you will do research on the various condenser microphones for recording acoustic guitar is large-diaphragm. these are well known for their unmatched versatility with the ability to record instruments. The large-diaphragm condenser has many pickups designs and built-in pads that permit you to alter the frequency that best matches your recording.

There are different types of large diaphragm condenser microphones are available in the markets and some of them can better control the louder sounds of the instruments for instance drums can handle the larger volumes in a much better way when compared with many other instruments.

Small Diaphragm Condenser

The microphones with a small diaphragm condenser provide different unique features to other larger diaphragm microphones. they respond too well as they are light in weight that makes them a better option for recording the acoustic guitar. Moreover, these microphones focus only on a single sound origin.

They are typically used on the head of the drums as they can handle the larger volumes easily. These are designed in pencil-like shape so they are the best choice to use for the studios. they respond so quickly that saves the time of the users.

Microphone Polar Pattern

The microphone’s function to record the sounds basically depends on one of the important features of Polar Patterns. The polar pattern shows how delicate the microphone is and controls the management that it is capable of able picking the sounds. For instance, those microphones with cardioid polar designs best match to hear.

They basically concentrate only on the front side ignoring all other sounds from the back or sides, focusing on a single instrument or single sound. There are some other microphones that catch the sound from all of the surroundings as they are in an omnidirectional polar pattern. There are some circular pattern microphones that concentrate on only one of the sounds however they multiply the whole atmosphere.

Noise Pads

While doing the research on the microphones you will go through the term Noise pads many times. These pads have specific changeable options in the microphone’s body. By using the switchable option you can increase or decrease the frequencies by customizing the focus of the microphone.

The abbreviation of the term pad is passive attenuation device. It prevents the microphone circuit to get overloaded by maintaining the signal levels prior to the process the amplification starts. In its work, it is similar to EQ.

Reliability

There are certain elements on which the reliability of the microphones depends. The first thing the material from which the microphone is composed and the methods are used in its production. These two things really contribute a lot to the durability and reliability of the microphones. High-quality metals should be used for making it durable and all other electronics are secured by the use of the grill and the shields.

always check the history of the manufacturer or company or at least read all the reviews of the company on their websites and social media pages this will provide you the hint for buying the microphones for instance any brand that is most known or working from many years like the Shure they are liable as many of the users trust them.

Acoustic Guitar Micing Tips

You will only enjoy playing guitar without following any rules. If you have properly adjusted or positioned the microphone on the instrument then you will have more accurate sound results. Whenever you need accurate and smooth sounds during the recording of acoustic guitar, there are some basic points of using the mic that can help you a lot in recording the sounds. When you adjust the mic in the direction of the neck of the acoustic guitar.

The sound will more concentrate on the bass and less concentrate on the human features of playing. For instance, you are playing some melodic sound on your acoustic guitar by using your fingers and you want to record the exact sound which you are playing, for this purpose you should adjust the mic near to sound hole for the vocal recording of your sound.

BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR MICS: BUYING ADVICE

First of all, for recording or for buying the mic you should have the best acoustic guitar. any of the guitar which you but keep in mind it should not be expensive should increase the exotic tonewoods and it should not any brand name with fancy bold words written on the head of the acoustic guitars However it should be in proper tune, fresh strings and good pitch. If you want to record something more important and the recordings mean a lot to you then you should have some proper setup.

The second thing is you should hire some guitarists if you have practiced enough and you are experienced then it could be you. If you want to be popular among the people and want that many peoples listen to your acoustic guitar recording without putting their hands on the ears to ignore your sound you should have some masterpiece tune that you record further.

Finally, if you are recording with some very expensive, limited edition german gold-coated condenser microphone that comes with a very expensive shiny presentation box but id does not record your audio well, not doing any justice with your efforts and money, it does not sound great and it will give you very awful sound. Those who cannot afford to have any recording studios must go for the proper adjustment of the condenser mics.

Condenser vs Ribbon vs Dynamic

The acoustic guitar is not like piano However it provides a wide frequency response from the audible 100Hz (comfortable bass) to 0KHz (glow highs). The presence of a very fine small-diaphragm condenser mic is responsible for producing different frequency responses. This frequency response is quite enough for the recording acoustic guitar.

For the vocals, the large-diaphragm condenser mics are used because of the fact they lower the outer ambient noise with high-frequency ranges, and the lower end producing very thick sound however they sometimes pick the dust from the shelf of the studio or from other surroundings during recording studios.

The improvements in the vocals sometimes make the guitar sounds brittle however, the mild end of the bottom produces smoother sounds similar to the fresh butter melted. The most known drawback is that the increased vocals change the sound, making the sound harsh and brittle. Many of the large-diaphragm condenser mic, when are placed, near for recording acoustic guitar some of the sound sources will be off-axis sounds that are termed as side-address. this side address gives some very unknown results sometimes your sound is fully rejected.

At this point, the small diaphragm condensers mic perform their functions. As compared to large-diaphragm condenser mics they are dense and are on end address which means they can easily be rotated to the sound source. The large-diaphragm mics record the more authentic and accurate sounds of acoustic instruments because of slightly flat frequencies with slight tones.

The drawbacks of small small-diaphragm condenser mics are that they do not provide so much comfort that large-diaphragm condensers generally provide to the users. the solution to this problem is that if you can afford you can pair both duel ultimate mic systems. You can this dual set up by placing the small diaphragm mic closer to the acoustic guitar while the large diaphragm condenser mics should be places slightly far away. Both of the mics performing their own functions in their adjustable places will let you have the best recording studio mixture.

The dynamic microphones are normally hard and reasonable to purchase, insensitive instruments that are most suitable for live performances and work. They are used as one of the loud sound sources that can affect your hearing and damage your ear’s ability to listen. as they provide the louder sounds that’s why it is helpful for the guitarists to produce louder types of music. If you want to produce louder sounds then the small number of frequencies of dynamic mics are useful. they really block almost all of the unwanted sounds both bass and treble with improved mid ranges.

Now we will explain the ribbon mics they are not known as much as compared to other smaller and larger condenser mics. These have a strong grip on the recording studio and stage. These ribbon mics are highly recommended for picking especially natural sounds recordings. these are comfortable to use and are presented with top-end sparkle. these are similar to the condenser mics providing very detailed and brighten sounds. There are some features that are different from the condenser mics, they do not color the sounds, and also they usually pick up the unwanted noise or other off-axis sounds. the major point is the adjustment of the ribbon mic, if the mic is adjusted well you can have authentic acoustic guitar recordings.

if you are a singer and you perform live in front of a large audience, you can use the onboard mic or pickup setup. Moreover, you can achieve an excellent tone when you attach the acoustic guitar wire directly into an audio interface. You can also use the mixture of a condenser mic and internal piezo, along with it sometimes the sound hole pickup is also used.

Essential acoustic guitar recording techniques

Acoustic guitars are smaller in size almost a meter long and a half meter wide. The guitar sie vary depending upon the type of the guitar but these are the smaller of all the guitars. The major question arises that where to adjust the mic for proper and accurate recording acoustic guitars. The answer to this question is

Miking with a single mic:

You can record the sounds with even single mike there is nothing to be ashamed of, recording with mone mic means mono recording. As there is the only mic to set up is very easy and simple with an excellent outcome. One thing to keep in mind your recording quality depends totally on how you adjust your mic. Never place the mic directly on the soundhole because the soundhole is the area where the total amount of resonance is produced that creates the flourishing sounds.

Try to put the mic in a place where the body is attached with the neck that is somehow between the  12th and 14th frets. After adjusting the mic in a place where the body is connected with the neck, if the sound is boomy then adjust the mic slightly higher and then try again and you still can’t achieve the desired results and the sound is thin with reduced depth then adjust the mic further towards the body.

You can also adjust the mic around the soundhole but keep in mind, not in front of the soundhole will not give accurate results. You can place the mic above or below the soundhole, choose the place where the warm sound is produced. the placing of the mic in the soundhole can create a problem a booming sound that occurs when the air enters into the mic.

It depends on you which type of method you use for recording sound, but keep in mind that always try to fix the mic six inches far away from the body. When you fix the mic near to the guitar you will get more prominent closeness results that will give you the desired sound that you exactly want. When the mic is adjusted far away from the guitar it will provide you with a more original and airy sound with less noise of fingers that is produced when you pluck the guitar.

Miking with two mics:

It will take more time to fix the mics but in the end, you will get the results with extras fullness and depth. There are many different types of configurations that you can try but the most important ones are spaced pair (A/B) and coincidental pair (X/Y). For doing the spaced air configuration you can place the mic between the 12th to 14th fret area and the other mic on the bridge. If you are using one large-diaphragm condenser mic, you should place the mic at the bridge. for the best results try to fix every mic individually, After positioning the mics tune the guitar and focus on every individual mic sound.

If you do not properly check the sound of every single mic then at the end you will be confused that which of the mic is not positioned well. For preventing yourself from different problems and issues always adjust every single mic three meters away from the guitar.

coincidental pair (X/Y) as the name shows in this number of the mics with their diagram is adjusted very close mostly stacked but are 90 degrees away from each other so that some are present on the right side and others on the left side thus covering all the sounds. Try to adjust all the mics between the 12th to 14th fret area, which means one mic is placed on the neck of the guitar and another one on the body of the guitar. Move and adjust the mics until you achieve balanced results. One of the major advantages of using the coincidental pair it reduces the phase cancellation problems.

Conclusion:

We have made the above list of the best microphones after reading the different reviews of the users. There are many different options for buying microphones however keep in mind some basic points while choosing the headphones. Before buying research properly on what type of microphone you want and read all the specifications and uses. In the end, it’s your choice after reading all the features and specifications which microphone you buy for yourself.

FAQ

Are dynamic microphones good for recording guitar?

All of the specifications and features of the dynamic recording guitar are mentioned above, it depends upon you which type of guitar you want. Overall these guitars are best for recording sounds.

Which mic is best for acoustic guitar?

The list of guitars is mentioned in the article, it depends on you for which purpose you really need a microphone. In the list, all are the microphones are best for acoustic guitar.