Recording an acoustic guitar can be a delicate task, requiring the perfect balance of technique and equipment. One crucial piece of equipment in this process is the microphone. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top contenders and help you find the perfect mic. So that you can capture the rich, warm sound of your acoustic guitar. We will also discuss best mic for recording acoustic guitars ever produced.
The right mic can make all the difference between a mediocre recording and a stunning masterpiece. From classic favorites to cutting-edge models, we’ve rounded up the best mics for recording an acoustic guitar and put them to the test. Let’s have a closer look.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser |
| Check Price |
 | Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser |
| Check Price |
 | Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone |
| Check Price |
 | Sennheiser E609 Silver Super Cardioid |
| Check Price |
 | Neumann TLM 102 MT Condenser |
| Check Price |
 | AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm |
| Check Price |
 | Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone |
| Check Price |
 | Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser |
| Check Price |
Where to buy the best acoustic guitar mic?
Buying the best possible mic for yourself is not a big deal if you have prior knowledge about them. Just go to any musical store in your area or visit any online store if you are confident that you won’t buy the wrong mic. Going to the music store is preferable because you can check the mic there and see if it has any issues or is compatible with your taste or not.
However, if you are new to the world of acoustic guitar mics, read the article below. This article has two major portions for you. One is the buying guide. That if you go to any music shop, what should you check in the mic before buying it?
The second part includes our pick of the 8 best mics for recording acoustic guitars. Each guitar mic is explained in detail with its features, pros, and cons. Moreover, you can also approach your friends and seniors who are already in this field.
Buying Guide – Things to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Guitar Mic
A piece of thorough knowledge is mandatory for buying the best possible thing for you. You can not afford to do any mistakes while buying an acoustic guitar mic. Let’s discuss it a little more.
Key considerations
1. Indoor use VS outdoor use
The venue where you want to record acoustic guitar music should be sorted already. If you want to use it as an indoor mic to record your instrument, of course, the quality of the mic bought would vary. But if it has to be used for stereo recording or a recording studio for live performances, you can not take a risk on its quality.
2. Noise sensitivity
The mics have some patterns built into them which decide the directions from which it will allow the sounds to enter it. For example, omnidirectional mics cater sounds from all directions, whereas, bi-directional allow sounds from only east and west!
So, if you want to buy a mic that will pick up sounds from all directions, then you should go with omnidirectional mics. It is also possible that your desired mic is noise sensitive but not loud enough. In this case, you can use an external preamp for amplification.
Last but not the least, a unidirectional mic will accept sounds from only one direction and ignore the others. Moreover, some mics are suitable for ambient noise while others produce original music.
3. Frequency response range
Actually, the frequency response range is the effect of any stimulus on the musical instrument and the production of sound which is used to analyze the instrument and its dynamics. A good dynamic mic would have a frequency response range of 15 Hz to 80Hz which will fulfill all your requirements.
The frequency response range of any mic is measured in hertz. In simple words, frequency range refers to the vibrations of sound in music. Though there are many types of frequency responses, the most common type is cardioid frequency response.
4. Sound pressure level
The sound pressure level or SPL of a mic detects how much maximum the sound volume it can bear. The more it can, it will be easier for you to record even the minor sound noises. Unlike loud sound sources, an excellent microphone with high sound pressure levels can easily record the sound even if your guitar sounds lower.
SPL is measured in decibels, the average of it being 100 while the maximum of it being 130 decibels.
5. Pickup pattern
A mic’s pickup pattern determines the frequency range it can capture sounds. A cardioid mic has a circular pattern, whereas, figure eight is a rectangular pattern. If you are not sure which pattern you need, you can check the reviews or ratings online.
6. Mic Capsules
The type of capsule determines the quality of the sound. The most popular types of capsules are dynamic and ribbon mics. But there are also other types of capsules like ribbon-diaphragm, dynamic ribbon, and ribbon-dipole. You can go with any of them according to your preference.
7. Windscreen
When you want to record guitar, you need to consider the windscreen of the mic. You can choose between a pop screen and a cloth screen. The pop screen is a mesh type and it covers a mic diaphragm completely. However, the cloth screen is just a piece of fabric that covers only the front part of the mic. So, if you are looking for a mic with a high-quality sound, then you can go for the cloth screen. But, if you are not interested in the quality of sound, then you can go for the pop screen.
8. Pickups
You can either choose between two types of pickups – piezo or condenser. Condenser mics have a higher price but they give better sound. So, if you are interested in the quality of sound, then you should go for a condenser mic. But, if you are looking to save some money, then you should go for a piezo pickup. This type of mic is cheaper and it gives a similar quality to a condenser mic.
9. Number of poles
The number of poles determines the sensitivity of the mic. You can choose between three poles and five poles. The three-pole mic has a lower sensitivity than the five-pole mic. But, a five-pole mic will not pick up any sounds from the sides. So, if you are using it for recording guitar, then you should go for a five-pole mic. But, if you want to use it as an ambient mic, then you should opt for a three-pole mic.
10. Accessories
The accessories that come along with the mic are very important. They include a shock mount, a pop screen, a windscreen, a tripod, and a stand. You can choose between an adjustable shock mount or a non-adjustable one. If you don’t have any extra money to spend on an expensive mic, then you can opt for a non-adjustable shock mount. But, if you have enough money, then you should go for an adjustable shock mount. This type of shock mount is much more versatile. You can adjust it according to the requirements of your mic.
The best way to find out if a particular mic will work for you is to audition it. You should also look at the frequency response of your mic and make sure that it covers the frequencies that you intend to record. The frequency response of a mic can be found on the back of the mic. This is usually marked with a graph that shows the frequency of the lowest and highest sound that the mic can reproduce. It is important to get a mic that will cover the frequencies you want to capture.
What is a mic for recording acoustic guitar?
A mic for recording any instrument like an acoustic guitar is a helping hand for you. If you are fresher and want to record your talent, a microphone is the best available option for you. Though a mic can record acoustic guitar music much better than a mobile recording, you might need some additional gears to record the sound naturally.
For that purpose, firstly there are different kinds of mics that include a ribbon microphone, large and small diaphragm condenser mics, and dynamic mics. For stereotype recordings, you would need stereo miking techniques along with the gears such as stereo pair, pop filter, and shock mounts.
It will allow the sounds produced to be recorded in a much more detailed and healthier manner. The microphone records the sound just like the natural sound much transparent and clear sound than a mobile recording!
Top 8 mics for recording acoustic guitars
Coming to the point, here is our list of acoustic guitar mics that are well known for their quality, performance, and durability. It consists of every type of mic including dynamic mics, ribbon mics, condenser mics, small diaphragm mics, and large-diaphragm mics.
1. AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm
Specifications:
- Brand: AKG
- Color: Nickel
- Audio Sensitivity: 155 dB
- Item Weight: 0.44 Kilograms
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
The c451 b is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with the identical acoustical behaviour of its predecessor, the legendary c451 eb + ck1 capsule, which was a bestseller right from the start in 1969.with its airy sound, high overload limit and improved engineering details, the c451 b continues the success story of this legend.
The first on my list is the AKG C451 B microphone which has all the qualities one would like before buying. It is a unidirectional wired mic with nickel colored body. The details are discussed below.
Features
The brand of this product is AKG Pro Audio, one of the best you can offer yourself! The design and shape of the mic are slender and slim. It can be easily hooked on for better stability. There are buttons given on the body of the mic with various options.
You can select and adjust the frequency response or any other variables which you want according to your preference.
The sound recording quality of AKG C451 mics is something that you can fall for! It can mesmerize the audience with the smoother sound recorded by this amazing product.
The guitar sound recording quality is tremendous and up to the mark. The best part is that it does not require any transformer for sound enhancement. The preamp provides almost negligible noise and pure sound just like the one produced by the sound source.
You would be startled by the performance of this mic on stage. As you must be having an idea that stage performances are themselves full of disturbances. In that noisy environment, AKG C451 microphones can give a performance that no one can imagine!
Its high sound pressure levels are no doubt at a remarkable point. You get to experience close contact with the mic with no extra noises or disturbances. It has an SPL of 155dB. These mics also consist of a high-quality filter with 12dB, thus, no resonance or windy sounds.
- Light-weighted
- Adjustable buttons
- Bag included with the product
- Mic cover provided
- The mic is wired
2. Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Specifications:
- Brand: Shure
- Color: Black
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Connectivity Technology: XLR
- Item Weight: 0.92 Kilograms
Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters and Streamers.The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean and Natural Reproduction Of Both Music and Speech.
Shure SM7B Cardioid mics are the next on my list of microphones. It is unidirectional with an XLR connector making it on the list of best microphones for recording acoustic guitar.
Features
This mic has an amazing black-colored body which gives it an elegant and classy look. The mic has a continuation of itself as an extension that can be mounted to any hanging stand to make it stable.
It has two mic covers to protect the face of the mic itself. This helps to reduce the breath sounds when you are very near to the microphone.
These microphones are highly equipped with recent technologies. They have a declining power towards the involvement of noise from the computers. Another important feature involves the presence of isolation towards shocks. For that purpose, shock mounts are included as they allow the mic to be suspended without getting in touch with anything.
Due to its effectiveness against irritable sounds, you get to hear the best quality sounds of yourself as well as your musical instrument.
The design of the mic is made in a way that its stability is never an issue for you. You can mount it anytime with its adjustable nut given. Similarly, demounting is also very easy with the instructions provided.
So sit back and get the best noise-free experience you would like to enjoy!
The Shure SM7B microphones have improved frequency response levels too. This enables the mic to produce clear and near-to-natural musical sounds and speaking sounds. The cardioid frequency response of this mic makes it the second-best mic for recording acoustic guitars.
Being unidirectional and having a cardioid polar system, there is no need for you to worry about interruption rejections.
- Internal air suspension quality
- Replacement cartridge provided
- Rejects electromagnetic noises
- cardioid polar pattern to avoid interruptions
- Equipped with a detachable screen
- Can not be held in hand for performances
- Batteries required
3. Shure SM81-LC Cardioid Condenser
Specifications:
- Brand: Shure
- Color: Black
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Cardioid condenser instrument microphone offers a wide frequency response and low self-noise. Features include flat response curve, low noise and high output clipping level, low distortion over a range of load impedances, and low RF susceptibility.
Shure Company has promised its customers to always provide them with high-quality products. Shure SM81-LC is an example of it. These microphones are unidirectional with XLR connectors.
Features
These microphones can only be operated with a phantom power supply. This means it requires an external supply to work with. If you provide it with 48Vdc, it will give the best outcome expected from it.
Do not worry about the phantoms as all the new mixers can be used for this purpose. Just make sure to use the correctly aligned cables with it.
The sound recording quality depends upon the frequency and the noise cancellation power that a mic possesses. Shure SM81-LC microphones have an exact sound outcome as the one they have recorded. It has a wide range of frequencies, extending from 20Hz to 20 kHz!
These microphones are made in a way to provide you with minimal exposure to abrupt noises. This microphone has a cardioid pickup pattern, having uniformity with the frequency.
The microphones are equipped with a steel-made body for better durability and strength. Although it works with a phantom power supply, it can still work efficiently under harsh circumstances. Besides being compatible with acoustic instruments, you can also use this mic for recording electric guitar sounds.
Temperature extremities like very hot or cold or even humid, do not have any effect on the microphone!
You can work with these mics at low frequencies, that is, 6 or 18dB. These products have an immensely high and excellent quality sound and voice production.
For minimal sound pressure levels, there is a switch that can be locked from 0 to 10dB.
- A swivel adaptor is given
- Foam windscreen included for better voice
- Carry bag included
- Does not work without the phantom’s power
4. Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Specifications:
- Brand: Shure
- Color: Black
- Connector Type: XLR
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Power Source: Corded Electric
A snare crack. An arpeggiated chord. A powerful saxophone solo. Whether on stage or in the studio, the notes that flow from your instrument connects your audience on a visceral level. And such sounds need a mic that can handle its strength. For every acoustic condition, the SM57 delivers the power of your playing to every fan in the house.
So, I have one more product from the Shure brand for you that will win your heart. Shure SM57-LC microphones prove to be among the best acoustic guitar mics.
Features
The design of these microphones is made to provide you with the best comfort whether you are holding it in your hands or mounted on a stand. Specially built for recording guitars, this is among the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar.
You get several accessories with the product itself. There is a handle that attaches to the stand where you want to mount your mic. Rest you also get a carrying bag in which you can store it for traveling.
As it is a dynamic mic, the sound quality produced by this mic is amazing. You will simply love the clear and uninterrupted sound production.
As mentioned earlier, it is one of the best mics for vocals; there is no debate on it. It has a very accurate vocal recording. The handle provided for attaching the mic to the stand has a function to serve too. This helps to remove the noise made during the handling of the mic!
Shure SM57-LC mics should be your first choice when you want the best for yourself, no matter it is to be used at home or in the studio.
It can perform with the same high-end efficiency with the noisiest of backgrounds. Still, you get to experience noise-free music! Isn’t it fabulous?
These are made with the cardioid pickup pattern which makes them the best microphones for recording in terms of noise cancellations.
Shure SM57-LC mics have a cardioid frequency response ranging from 40 to 15000 Hz!
- Light-weighted
- Carrying bag included
- Amazing vocal recording
- Has a wide frequency response range
- Defects identified due to bad handling during delivery
5. Sennheiser E609 Silver Super Cardioid
Specifications:
- Brand: Sennheiser Pro Audio
- Color: Grey/silver
- Connector Type: XLR-3
- Connectivity Technology: Wired, Wireless
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Sennheiser’s uncompromising, rugged evolution e600 (instrument) and e800 (vocals) series includes a wide-range of dynamic and condenser microphones, each tailored to capture clear and detailed sound with low handling noise and high feedback rejection.
Let me discuss the best microphone of the brand Sennheiser Pro Audio. Trust me; you will not regret buying it. It’s available as wired and wireless with a unidirectional polar pattern.
Features
The Sennheiser E609 microphones are made with metal overall. It has a rugged design on it with a neodymium ferrous and boron magnetic field. This helps the material of the mic to last longer.
You get a pouch with it to keep the mic in it. An additional plus point includes the 10-year warranty that you get!
The sound quality is quite enhanced with betterment at each point. No distortion of voices if you are recording your vocals.
Even with the recordings of the melodious sounds produced by your musical instruments, pure justice is made sure. These microphones consist of a coil that makes sure all the electronic disturbances are cut off.
Having a tough metallic and rugged body makes it highly stable, sustainable, and durable with acoustic instruments. There is no need for you to worry about the climate or temperature changes as it would barely affect the material.
The design of it being very different from other mics helps it to attach directly to the mic stand without clips.
Having cardioid patterns makes it liable to perform equally when on a highly disturbing on-stage performance. It has a capturing range of 3-6000 Hz for the instruments you are working on.
The sound pressure levels that these mics can bear are over 150dB!
- Full metal made body
- The magnetic property makes it more durable
- 10-year warranty included
- Not suitable for holding in hands
6. Neumann TLM 102 MT Condenser
Specifications:
- Brand: Neumann
- Color: Black
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Audio Sensitivity: 144 dB
The TLM 102 defines a new generation of Neumann studio microphone. It sets a new performance and value standard for microphones at this price. It's reduced overall size contributes to an exceptionally compact appearance, which unites all of the typical design components of a Neumann microphone. The harmonious proportions and gleaming grille ring ensure that even at first glance, the TLM 102 attracts attention.
Neumann TLM 102 MT microphone is also a product of Sennheiser Pro Audio. These mics come as wired and with an XLR connector. If you are looking for the best microphones for recording guitars under 100, this will fulfill all your needs.
Features
The design of Neumann TLM 102 microphones is compactly made. The components given along with this product match exactly and without any problem. The classy design can grab your attention towards it in no time!
Having the detachable portion attached to it, you can easily fit it onto a mic stand for better stability. However, this mic performs better when on the stand or something else that is steady. As the hand is not steady and it may move while singing, the mic may not perform that well.
The sound quality is tremendously overwhelming. You get the best sound out of Neumann TLM 102 microphones! You get the same best-expected results whether it is the recording of some musical instrument or the recording of your vocals.
The frequency response of these microphones is up to 6 kHz, ensuring there is no background noise. As a result, sleek and clear sounds are what you get to hear!
The performances of these mics can not be doubted for sure! It consists of a system that reduces all the extra handling noises being produced. As it is also from the condenser microphones family, the features and performance are similar to them but at a more affordable cost.
Its affordable price in terms of quality should make it your first choice while buying a microphone.
The large surface area of this microphone which is made as a cardioid polar system has an SPL of 144 Db. This makes it easy for you to record the sounds of musical instruments like acoustic guitars, drums, etc.
- The large surface area of the microphone
- Highest SPL
- Transformerless preamp
- Can’t be used as a solo hand mic
7. Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser
Specifications:
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Color: Black
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Audio Sensitivity: 37 dB
Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease.
The second last product on my list is from the company known as Audio-Technica. It is available in jet black color with an eye-catchy stylish design. Audio Technica AT2020 cardioid condenser is among the top microphones for recording acoustic guitar sounds. It is a wired mic with an XLR connector.
Features
The design of these mics is very unique and slim, made with metal as the core element. The area of the mic or in other words, its diaphragm has a netted or rugged appearance.
This design makes sure to protect the microphone from any harsh weather conditions or temperature extremities. This microphone is best for both purposes, that is, for home as well as recording studios.
The sound quality which you get from Audio-Technica AT2020 is exceptionally amazing! There is not even the tiniest noise from the surroundings. Its pop filter flushes out all the unnecessary sounds except the original one coming from the sound source.
Being equipped with the modern technology sound recording system, which is a cardioid polar system, it is made sure that your recordings are not bombed with irritating breath and surrounding noises.
The high-end quality microphone from Audio-Technica has a separately provided joining part. You can join this with your mic on its threads by following the instructions given to mount it on a stable stand.
Besides, you get some accessories with this microphone too! There is an adapter, mounting stand, and a luxurious pouch for carrying the mic.
These mics have an excellent response to the frequency changes and the delivery transition as well. All of it is possible due to the presence of a custom-engineered diaphragm.
The sound pressure levels of these microphones are 20 Db. This enables it to behave as an all-rounder and versatile microphone.
- Equipped with low mass diaphragm
- Black speckles as a finishing factor
- The noise level is 20 dB
- Only available in black color
8. Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser
Specifications:
- Brand: RØDE Microphones
- Color: Silver
- Connector Type: XLR Connector
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Power Source: AC
The RØDE NT1-A 1 inch cardioid condenser microphone has become an industry standard; delivering the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability typically only featured on some of the world’s most expensive microphones.
Here comes the last product of the article, the Rode NT1-A microphone. It is also a condenser microphone with a great frequency response range and is excellent for acoustic guitar recording. These microphones are counted as the world’s most expensive microphones! Well, its features would justify the cost for sure.
Features
You can use these mics as a recording partner when dealing with some musical instruments. Trust me, it can prove to be the best mic for recording acoustic-electric guitar too!
These microphones are best when noise is an issue for you. You will be amazed to know how quietly it can work in your house as well as studios. The pop filters are amazing as you would not even feel if the recorded sound is original or the cleared version in which the background noises are removed.
The outstanding sound recording quality that anyone would expect from Rode NT1-A vocal mics, is exactly what it can deliver!
It has a negligible noise of its own that is 5 dB only! The cardioid polar pattern in its making has set the goals of noise cancellations very high. There is no background disturbance while recording music or vocals.
Until now you must be aware of the numerous good vibes that you can expect out of these microphones. To increase the positivity, there are certain accessories included which I would like to inform you all.
You get the mounting stand, 20 feet long cable, the cover cloth, studio-type shield, and of course, the DVD loaded with tips and tricks. Hence it is a perfect jumbo pack for professionals and also for beginners who can afford its price!
The sound pressure levels of these microphones are highly sorted. The frequency response rates and the delivery transitions are all up to the mark.
You get the best possible sound tracts after recording. The resonance of the vocals is highly appreciable.
- The metallic body of the microphone
- Self-noise of only 5Db
- 10 years warranty
- Expensive as compared to other mics
FAQ’s
In this section, we will answer a few FAQs to clear your mind further.
1. What type of microphone is best for recording acoustic guitar?
Unidirectional microphones are the best for acoustic guitar recordings. Moreover, dynamic microphones are also considered to be the best acoustic guitar mics due to their excellent frequency response range. If you are after clarity in the sound, you should go for a condenser mic. Condenser mics further have a variety of being a small diaphragm condenser mic or a large-diaphragm mic.
2. Which MIC is best for recording?
The mics which avoid the breathing sounds while you record your vocals are the best, that is, those having a cardioid polar system. Moreover, large-diaphragm microphones and ribbon mics are also a good choice.
The basic thing that affects the mic is the availability of the feature you are looking for.
3. Can you use a vocal mic to record guitar?
Of course, it can be used as the vocal mics are capable of catching the tiniest sound made. Vocal mics are specially made for recording vocal choirs. Even vocal choirs are easy to record even with an ordinary mic used for electric guitar or acoustic guitar recording.
However, if your mic is not of good quality, it might not catch the slightest sound. So in such a case, you need to use guitar amps as they can enhance the quality and frequency of the sound.
4. Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
Condenser mics are one of the best mics when it comes to recording your vocals. Condenser microphones are further available in two types; small-diaphragm condenser mics and large-diaphragm condensers. The large-diaphragm condenser also has a pencil-style condenser microphone which is smaller in size and performs pretty well.
The large-diaphragm condenser microphone is much better than the small diaphragm condenser microphone. Moreover, the cardioid pickup pattern can be icing on the cake.
5. How does the condenser mic work?
If you’re not familiar with the term, a condenser mic is basically an active microphone that uses a capacitor to hold a charge. It works by placing it close to your mouth and running the microphone into the audio chain. A condenser mic usually has a higher sensitivity than a dynamic mic, which makes it ideal for capturing vocals and instruments in a live setting.
6. What are the advantages of a condenser microphone?
There are two main advantages to using a condenser mic instead of a dynamic mic:
First, a condenser mic can be used more easily in a live setting than a dynamic mic because it doesn’t need to be plugged in.
Second, a condenser mic has a better frequency response than a dynamic mic, meaning that you can capture a wider range of sounds without having to raise the volume on your recording.
7. What do you mean by “frequency response”?
Think about the difference between the volume of a song on a CD versus an MP3 file. When you listen to the song on your computer or smartphone, you’re listening to an MP3 file, which has a limited range of frequencies. But when you play the same song from a CD, you’re listening to the full-range version of the song, which has a broader range of frequencies. A condenser microphone will have a broader frequency response than a dynamic microphone, and therefore will allow you to capture a broader range of sounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right microphone can make all the difference in capturing the rich, warm sound of an acoustic guitar. From the classic Shure SM57 to the cutting-edge Rode NT5, there is a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to selecting the best mic.
In this article, we have discussed best mic for recording acoustic guitar. The perfect microphone for recording an acoustic guitar is one that captures the sound of the instrument in a way that is true to its natural tone.