9 Best Microphones For Recording Acoustic Guitar That Sound Amazing
Many microphones on the market today are designed specifically for recording acoustic guitars. With all of the choices out there, it can be hard to determine which one will be best for your needs. This blog post will provide a list of the nine best microphones for recording acoustic guitar.
We will also give you a brief overview of each one, their key features and the cost. At the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which microphone is right for you!
What are the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar?
Musicians, producers, sound engineers, and guitarists will all attest to the difference that a high-quality recording microphone makes for acoustic guitars.
However, it is one thing to want to record and another to know which is the best mic for acoustic guitar recording.
Whether you are a pro or an amateur on matters of recording microphones, this review is for you. We’ve sampled some of the best microphones on the market and compiled a buying guide to help you get the mic that suits your needs and takes your recording hobby or career to the next level. Read on to find out more.
- Shure SM81
- Neumann KM 184
- Rode M3
- Audio-Technica AT2035
- Mojave Audio MA-200
- Shure KSM44A
- Beyerdynamic M 160
- Shure KSM141
- Rode NT2-A
1. Shure SM81
To kick off this list is the ever-reliable Shure SM81 condenser mic that features a cardioid polar pattern that is perfect for recording in a standard room or a professional studio. This feature allows you to focus the mic on only your guitar and get the more refined sounds of your music.
Distortion is minimal when using the Shure SM81, which features a flat response curve and is thus best suited for amateurs who may want to avoid a lot of work mixing after recording.
You will also love the selectable low-frequency response ranging from flat, 6, or 18 dB. This flexibility provides maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sounds for a more natural recording.
Key Features
- Small-diaphragm condenser microphone with ruler-flat frequency response
- Industry-standard acoustic guitar mic — just point it at the 12th fret for instant album-ready sound
- Also excels on other acoustic instruments and as drum overheads
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern offers exceptional isolation with minimum off-axis coloration
- Ultra-smooth response curve ensures accurate sonic reproduction
- Exhibits low noise and high output, plus a negligible level of distortion over a wide range of load impedances
- Low RF susceptibility mitigates radio interference
- 3-position low-frequency response switch (flat, 6dB, or 18dB/octave roll-off) minimizes noise and proximity effect
- Lockable -10dB pad for capturing extra-loud sources without altering your frequency response
- Durable vinyl-coated steel construction
- Field-usable in an infinite range of temperature and humidity conditions
- Includes a swivel adapter, foam windscreen, and carrying case
Conclusion
The Shure SM81 has long been the go-to condenser mic for recording acoustic instruments. Its impressive flat response curve stands out prominently among its notable features, and I would highly recommend this for recording acoustic guitars to minimize distortions.
Price: $399 USD
2. Neumann KM 184
When recording your acoustic guitar, rarely do you want anything added or removed from the original strings that you are playing. Most microphones nowadays don’t offer that, but German-made Neumann KM 184 allows you to reproduce your acoustic guitar faithfully.
This state-of-the-art recording mic is the perfect stage and studio microphone for acoustic guitars allowing you to achieve a one-for-one reproduction. It features a cardioid pickup pattern without off-axis coloration, enabling it to pick the most intimate of cords on your guitar.
The KM 184 is among the best available small diaphragm condenser mics you can get anywhere. Its low-self noise and high SPL capability will help you transform even the crappiest-sounding acoustic guitar into a fantastic recording worth anyone’s listening time.
Key Features
- Condenser mic
- Capsule with cardiod pick-up pattern
- Exceptionally low inherent self-noise (16dB A-weighted)
- Exceptionally high overload capacity (up to 138dB SPL before overload)
- Exceptionally clear sound reproduction free of coloration
- Very smooth frequency curves parallel to 0 degrees sound incidence
- Requires +48V phantom power
Conclusion
The KM 184 has been a go-to option for most live performers and recording bands over the years because of its ability to capture harmonic overtones. Combined with its lowest bass notes, it is the perfect mic for recording an acoustic guitar for natural and lifelike results.
Price: $849 USD
3. Rode M3
The versatility to record outdoors and indoors is a blessing for any guitarist or engineer looking to add more detail to their recording. The Rode M3 is one mic built just for that. Its robust metal body is quite a marvel too, making it ideal for studio, stage, or on-location recording.
The M3 is a versatile end-address condenser microphone with a 0.50inch capsule that can be powered by 48V phantom power or its internal 9V battery. The battery ensures that you can record freely without further additions to the mic that may distort your track.
Its cardioid polar pattern combined with the tube shape means you can concentrate your recording on your guitar’s sweet spot for better fidelity. A high-pass filter (80Hz) and selectable pad (-10dB, -20dB) mean that this mic can handle multiple types of acoustic guitars perfectly.
Key Features
- Acoustic principle: Permanently polarized condenser
- Directional pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 40Hz-20kHz
- Output impedance: 200 ohms
- Signal noise ratio: 73dB SPL (per IEC651)
- Equivalent noise: 21dbA SPL (a – weighted per IEC651)
- Maximum SPL: 142dB (@ 1kHz, 1% THD into 1kohm load)
- Sensitivity: -40dB+/-3dB re 1V/Pa @ 1kHz (6.3mV/Pa @ 94db SPL)
- Dynamic range din iec 651: 121dB (per IEC651)
- Battery life: >200 hours
- Output connection: 3 pin XLR
- Complete with windshield and a stand mount
- Powered by battery or +48V phantom power
Conclusion
The Rode M3 is a must-have for engineers and guitarists looking to exploit multiple recording environments for their tracks. This condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern allows you to capture your guitar and its ambiance for the best-sounding recording.
Price: $149 USD
4. Audio-Technica AT2035
The Audio-Technica AT2035 features a rugged, classic recording mic design, which is as impressive as its recording capabilities. Another condenser mic on the list, but quite a distinct performer in its niche.
The AT2035 is an exceptional detail and low-noise microphone ideal for studio recording and stage performances. We highly recommend this recording microphone for acoustic guitarists who are into online content creation because of its robust 1200 cardioid polar pattern.
A feature of the AT2035 that you may find extra helpful is its custom shock mount that helps minimize muddying of your recording. It also has a switchable 80Hz high-pass filter and a 10 dB pad.
Key Features
- Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
- High SPL handling and wide dynamic range
- Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Low-frequency roll-off: 80Hz, 12dB/octave
- Impedance: 120 ohms
- Maximum input sound level: 148dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% T.H.D.; 158dB SPL, with 10dB pad (nominal)
- Switches: Flat, roll-off; 10dB pad
- Weight: 14.2 oz
- Output connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
- Accessories: Shock mount for 5/8″-27 threaded stands; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; soft protective pouch
Conclusion
Guitarists and engineers who double as content creators will love the versatility that the AT2035 allows them when recording their acoustic guitars. Its high-frequency response and high sensitivity allow you to minimize distortion for a more natural recording.
Price: $149 USD
5. Mojave Audio MA-200
A brainchild of the legendary microphone designer, David Royer, the Mojave Audio MA-200 is an ideal mic for engineers and producers looking to achieve warmer, fuller midrange recordings.
The MA-200 is a large diaphragm mic designed for acoustic guitarists who want their guitar body’s intricacies felt in their recording. It is an ideal mic for solo acoustic guitar tracks in varied acoustic environments and recording scenarios.
This mic utilizes hand-selected single-sided 3-micron capsules and premium-quality Jensen audio transformers, all powered with military-grade JAN 5840 tubes for unmatched frequency response.
Key Features
- Large-diaphragm tube condenser mic
- Full, warm reproduction for vocals, piano, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestra, and spot miking
- Hand-selected 3-micron gold-sputtered capsule
- Jensen audio transformers
- Military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubes
- Frequency response 30Hz-18kHz, +/-2.5dB
- Carry case, power w, shock mount, and cables included
Conclusion
Mojave Audio does impressively well with this David Roye-designed MA-200 condenser microphone. It is an ideal pick for solo artists looking for an easy-to-use cardioid polar pattern microphone that helps capture your acoustic guitar’s natural sound.
Price: $1,079 USD
6. Shure KSM44A
The second entrant on our list of best microphones for recording acoustic guitars by Shure is the KSM44A. This powerful large diaphragm condenser mic is famed all over because of its multi-polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 pickup).
The Shure KSM44A gives you the flexibility of recording from any position in your room. This versatility is especially important if you want to capture the subtleties of your ambiance to add to your acoustic guitar recording. If you are recording more than one acoustic guitar, the KSM44A will fit your needs without missing a beat.
For recordings that need that boomy acoustic guitar sound, the KSM44A is the best-fit microphone to have. Unlike other large diaphragm mics, it will not muddy your recording, allowing you to record bass tracks with minimal distortion.
Key Features
- Features Shure’s ultra-low-noise Prethos Advanced Preamplifier Technology
- 4dB of self-noise and max SPL of 131dB (total dynamic range of 127dB)
- Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns for maximum flexibility
- Dual 1″ externally biased ultra-thin 2.5-micron, 24-karat gold-layered low-mass diaphragms provide superior transient response
- Class A discrete transformerless preamplifier for transparency
- Extremely wide frequency response (20Hz-20kHz), with no crossover distortion
- Minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortions
- Premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors
- Subsonic filter eliminates rumble from mechanical vibration below 17Hz
- Switchable 15dB pad for handling extremely high sound-pressure levels (SPLs)
- 3-position, switchable low-frequency filter (-6dB/octave below 115Hz, or -18dB/octave below 80Hz) helps to reduce unwanted stand vibration noise or to counteract proximity effect
- Integrated 3-stage “pop” protection grille reduces plosives and other breath noise
- Includes ShureLock suspension shockmount, ShureLock stand mount, carrying case, and velveteen pouch
- Requires +48V phantom power
Conclusion
Warmer and fuller midranges can be hard to achieve with normal condenser mics, but the KSM44A does excellently well with its large diaphragm. Try this mic today and relish the power of multi-polar patterns for capturing natural acoustic guitar sound.
Price: $999 USD
7. Beyerdynamic M 160
The Beyerdynamic M 160 is an award-winning double-ribbon mic that stands out for its incredible sensitivity, which takes acoustic guitar recording to another level. It is well-suited for studio and stage recording needs and does well to reproduce natural recording with minimal distortion.
Compared to other ribbon microphones with a figure 8 polar pattern, the M 160 is famed for its hypercardioid polar pattern that minimizes ambient noise without losing its front recording capabilities. The M 160’s hypercardioid range is an impressive 1100.
The Beyerdynamic M 160 is built with German ingenuity to help engineers and guitarists record warm and silky sounds. It works well with an amplifier to imitate a second mic with minimal coloration.
Key Features
- Double ribbon design
- Hypercardioid pattern to reject off-axis sounds
- Excellent stringed instrument microphone
- Black and chromium plated to prevent glare from broadcast lighting
- Includes case and mic clip
Conclusion
Featuring a hypercardioid polar pattern, the Beyerdynamic M 160 is highly recommended for acoustic guitar recording where brightness is key. It features the high sensitivity necessary for reproducing natural recordings in rooms with minimal soundproofing.
Price: $699 USD
8. Shure KSM141
The third Shure recording microphone for acoustic guitars on this list is the KSM141. This dual pattern microphone enables you to easily transition between cardioid and omnidirectional patterns for versatility when recording.
A unique feature of the KSM141 is its ultra-thin, 2.5-micron, 24-karat gold-layered Mylar diaphragm, giving it a superior transient response. This feature enables you to record your acoustic guitar without distortion or overhang.
The Shure KSM141 is also renowned for its low-self noise and exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds. It can also withstand high sound pressure levels and has a high and excellent output.
Key Features
- End-address, small-diaphragm condenser mic that’s tailor-made for instruments
- Sounds great on everything — excels on violins, mandolins, acoustic guitars, and drum overheads
- Dual-pattern design (cardioid and omnidirectional) offers amazing flexibility
- Super-thin, gold-layered Mylar diaphragm exhibits superior transient response
- Transformerless preamplifier yields transparency, fast transient response, and near-zero crossover, harmonic, and intermodulation distortion
- Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
- Subsonic filter eliminates the sub-17Hz low-frequency rumble caused by mechanical vibration
- 3-position pad (0dB, -15dB, and -2dB) for handling high-SPL sources
- 3-position highpass filter switch for counteracting proximity effect and reducing stand vibration noise
Conclusion
With the KSM141, you can take your acoustic guitar recording to the next level with its myriad features make it easy to record expertly, even without much sound engineering experience.
Price: $449 USD
9. Rode NT2-A
To wrap up, our list of the best microphones for recording acoustic guitars is the Rode NT2-A. This versatile microphone offers pristine acoustic guitar recording capabilities that will elevate the quality of your recordings.
Adaptability is the main feature of the Rode NT2-A acoustic guitar recording microphone. It has a polar pattern control (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8), making it easy to customize to different recording needs in a professional studio, on stage, or at home.
It features an effective distortion-reducing mechanism enabled by its ultra-low self-noise and full-frequency response features. The NT2-A is guaranteed to record the most natural and crisp sound of your acoustic guitar when you play it. These features have made it a favorite among many sound engineers.
Key Features
- The Australian designed and manufactured HF1 1″ edge terminated, gold sputtered, dual 5 um diaphragm capsule.
- 3-position variable polar pattern: Omni, Cardioid & Figure 8; all controlled on the mic.
- 3-position variable highpass filter: Flat, 80Hz or 40Hz.
- 3-position variable pad: 0dB, -5dB or -10dB.
- Ultra low noise, transformerless SMT circuitry.
- Wide dynamic range.
- High strength heat-treated steel mesh head.
- Durable satin nickel finish.
- Internal capsule shock mounting.
- Supplied complete with soft pouch and clip.
- Designed and manufactured in Sydney, Australia.
- SM6 Shockmount
- XLR Cable
- Microphone Dust Cover
- Requires +48V phantom power
Conclusion
The Rode NT2-A is the ultimate recording mic for your acoustic guitar that will help you level up your game and become a pro. With a three-position pad (0dB, -5dB, -10dB), and a high-pass filter (flat, 40Hz, 80Hz), you will not get a more customizable mic for your acoustic guitar recording needs.
Price: $377 USD
Summary
If you’re a beginner, you can’t really go wrong with the Audio-Technica AT2035 or the Rode M3 for less than $200, but the best of the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar is the Shure SM81, among the top in quality and for $399, it doesn’t break the bank. Either way, any of these would look good in a beginner’s, or anyone’s, home studio.
Tags: best mic for recording acoustic guitar and vocals, best mic for recording acoustic guitar reddit, condenser mic for acoustic guitar, best warm audio mic for acoustic guitar, best budget mic for acoustic guitar
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