Embarking on the journey to find the best mic for acoustic guitars can be an exhilarating yet daunting task, especially for those who are just beginning to delve into the world of music recording.
Choosing the microphone involves understanding these nuances, ensuring that the recorded sound truly embodies the soul of your music.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Aston Origin
The Aston Origin, stands out as a masterpiece of engineering and design. Its exceptional recording capabilities rival the best in the world, making it not just a tool, but a work of art. With features designed to enhance every recording, it’s the go-to choice for those who value quality and innovation.
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Pop Filter: Built-in
- Shock Mounting: Internal System
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Design: Transformer-less
- Phantom Power: 48V Requirement
- Mounting: Direct-to-stand
- Mesh Head: Wave-Form
Who Is It For?
The Aston Origin is designed for the discerning musician or producer who demands unparalleled sound quality. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, a guitarist, or a studio engineer, this condenser microphone captures the true essence of your acoustic guitar sounds with exceptional clarity and precision.
Its large diaphragm and tailored frequency response ensure that every nuance of your performance is recorded with lifelike accuracy, making it ideal for those who refuse to compromise on quality. If you’re passionate about capturing the dynamic range of your guitar or the subtleties of your vocals, the Aston Origin is for you.
Its robust construction and versatile performance also make it a reliable choice for both studio and live settings, ensuring that your recordings are always of the highest caliber.
Best Sensitivity: Neumann KM184
The Neumann KM184 is known for its pristine sound quality and reliability. This compact condenser microphone captures every nuance, making it a favorite among musicians and producers. Its sleek design and superior performance ensure that every strum and note is recorded with crystal clarity.
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa
- Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB-A
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 81 dB
- Max SPL: 138 dB
- Output Impedance: 50 ohms
- Weight: 80 g
Who Is It For?
The Neumann KM184 is the ultimate choice for the discerning musician or producer. Its unparalleled sensitivity and frequency response capture the true essence of your guitar sounds, from the delicate nuances of fingerpicking to the vibrant chords of rhythm playing.
Whether you’re a singer-songwriter laying down tracks in your home studio or a professional engineer recording a live session, the KM184 ensures every detail of your performance is captured with precision.
Its low noise and exceptional clarity make it not just a microphone, but a true instrument for anyone serious about recording acoustic guitar. Ideal for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality, the KM184 is a testament to Neumann’s legacy of excellence in condenser microphone technology.
Best Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Shure SM81
The Shure SM81, stands out for its exceptional clarity and durability. Designed for precision, this compact powerhouse captures every nuance of your acoustic performance, making it a favorite among musicians and sound engineers alike. Its reliability and superior sound quality ensure your music always hits the right note.
Specifications:
- Type: Electret Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Output Impedance: 150 Ω (85 Ω actual)
- Sensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa (5.6 mV)
- Max SPL: 136dB (146dB with Pad)
- Weight: 230g (8.11oz)
- Length: 212mm (8.35”)
Who Is It For?
The Shure SM81 is ideal for musicians, recording engineers, and live sound technicians who demand the highest quality sound reproduction. Whether you’re recording in a studio, performing on stage, or capturing sounds in a natural setting, the SM81 delivers unparalleled clarity and precision.
Its flat frequency response accurately reproduces the sound of acoustic instruments, while its cardioid pattern isolates the instrument from background noise, ensuring a clean recording.
Durable and reliable, it’s suited for both studio and rugged live performance conditions. If you’re serious about your acoustic sound, the SM81 is your go-to microphone, offering the perfect blend of performance and versatility.
Best for Beginners: beyerdynamic PRO X M90
The beyerdynamic PRO X is offering unparalleled clarity and precision. Its design and performance cater to both budding and seasoned musicians, making it a top choice for capturing the true essence of acoustic sounds. Compact and versatile, this microphone promises to elevate your recording experience with its superior sound quality.
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Capsule: 34 mm true condenser
- Frequency Response: Tailored for acoustic instruments
- Weight: 296g
- Dimensions: 197mm length, 52mm diameter
- Phantom Power: 20 – 52 V required
- Included Accessories: Shockmount, pop filter
- Construction: Engineered in Germany, robust build
Who Is It For?
The beyerdynamic PRO X M90 is designed for those who demand pristine sound quality in their recordings. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter laying down your latest track or a musician looking to record acoustic guitar sounds with clarity and depth, this microphone is for you.
Its tailored frequency response captures the natural tone of your instrument, making it ideal for genres that thrive on authenticity and nuance. From the bedroom studio to the professional setup, the PRO X M90 offers a blend of performance and versatility that can meet the needs of both beginners and professionals.
Its ease of use and exceptional sound reproduction make it a go-to choice for anyone looking to record sound with precision, from dynamic mics enthusiasts to those comparing it with industry standards like the Shure SM57 and Neumann KM184.
Best Dynamic Microphone: Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 captures every strum with clarity and precision. Its rugged design and exceptional sound quality make it a favorite among musicians and sound engineers alike. Compact and versatile, it’s the go-to microphone for live performances and studio recordings.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 40Hz-15kHz
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional (Cardioid)
- Sensitivity: -56.0 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV)
- Impedance: Rated impedance is 150Ω (310Ω actual)
- Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR)
- Weight: 284 grams (10 oz)
- Max SPL: 149 dB
- Durability: Handles high-volume levels without distortion
Who Is It For?
The Shure SM57 is ideal for musicians who demand the highest quality sound from their instruments. Whether you’re recording in a studio or performing live, the SM57 captures every nuance of your acoustic guitar with unmatched clarity.
Its durability and versatility also make it a top choice for drummers, vocalists, and sound engineers. If you’re looking for a microphone that can handle the rigors of touring while delivering studio-grade sound, the SM57 is for you.
Its ability to isolate the sound source and reject background noise ensures that your acoustic guitar shines through in any mix. Perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals, the SM57 is the cornerstone of any serious audio setup.
Best Max SPL: Neumann MCM114 Set
Here is the Neumann MCM114 Set, it is designed for those who demand unparalleled sound quality.
Compact and versatile, this microphone set captures every nuance of your performance, making it the go-to choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its superior design ensures that your music is always heard in its purest form.
Specifications:
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL: 153dB SPL
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 71dB (A weighted)
- Self Noise: 23dB (A weighted) [Equivalent Noise Level]
- Sensitivity: 3.6mV/Pa (-49dBV)
- Output Impedance: 10 ohms
Who Is It For?
The Neumann MCM114 Set is tailored for musicians, sound engineers, and producers who refuse to compromise on audio quality. Whether you’re recording in a studio, performing on stage, or capturing sounds in the great outdoors, this microphone set offers unparalleled clarity, precision, and flexibility.
Its high SPL handling makes it perfect for capturing the dynamic range of acoustic guitars, while its cardioid pattern ensures that your recordings are free from unwanted background noise.
Ideal for those who value sonic excellence, the Neumann MCM114 Set elevates your acoustic guitar recordings to professional levels, making it a must-have tool in your audio arsenal.
Best Frequency Response: Austrian Audio OC16
The Austrian Audio OC16 is offering legendary sound quality with its state-of-the-art technology. This microphone promises to elevate your acoustic recordings to professional levels, capturing every nuance of your performance.
Specifications:
- Capsule: CKR6
- Design: Open Acoustics
- Application: Versatile (instruments, vocals, podcasting)
- Handmade: Yes, in Vienna
- Sound: Transparent, Natural
- Technology: State-of-the-art
- Precision: Superior, tested in-house
- Versatility: Drums to acoustic instruments, electric guitars, pianos, wind, string instruments, vocals
Who Is It For?
The Austrian Audio OC16 is designed for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. Whether you’re a recording artist laying down tracks in the studio, a musician capturing the essence of your acoustic guitar, or a sound engineer seeking the utmost in audio fidelity, the OC16 is your go-to microphone.
Its unparalleled precision and natural sound reproduction make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from professional music production to high-quality podcasting. If you’re passionate about capturing every detail of your acoustic performances with clarity and depth, the OC16 is tailored for you.
Its versatility and superior sound quality will meet the demands of even the most discerning audio professionals and enthusiasts.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got The Microphone For Acoustic Guitars?
- Identify Specific Needs: I wish I knew the importance of identifying my specific needs for recording or amplifying acoustic guitars to select the best mic for the job.
- Understand Technical Specs: I wish I had a better understanding of the technical specifications crucial, such as sensitivity, frequency response, and polar patterns.
- Check Compatibility: I wish I checked for compatibility with my existing audio interfaces or recording devices.
- Listen to Samples: I wish I had listened to audio samples or tested the microphone myself to evaluate how well it captures the true sound of acoustic guitars.
- Budget for Accessories: I wish I realized the additional costs for necessary accessories, such as stands, pop filters, or shock mounts.
- Consider the Brand’s Reputation: I wish I considered the brand’s reputation and support services before making my purchase.
- Think About Future Needs: I wish I thought about how the microphone would fit into my future plans for upgrading or expanding my setup.
- Beware of Impulse Buys: I wish I knew not to make an impulse purchase based on a sale or promotion without thorough research.
- Know the Return Policy: I wish I was aware of the return policy and warranty to feel secure in my purchase.
What type of microphone is best for acoustic guitar?
It’s essential to consider the nuances of how you want to record sound. Condenser microphones, particularly large diaphragm models, are highly recommended due to their superior sensitivity and frequency response, which capture the rich, detailed sound of an acoustic guitar.
Among these, the Neumann KM184 stands out for its ability to accurately reproduce the guitar’s natural tones, making it a top choice for those looking to record acoustic guitar with clarity and depth.
On the other hand, dynamic mics like the Shure SM57, while not as sensitive as condenser mics, are praised for their durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for live performances where the sound hole’s projection is a priority.
For singer-songwriters, a large diaphragm condenser microphone offers the versatility to capture both vocals and guitar sounds with exceptional fidelity, making it an invaluable tool in their recording arsenal.
By carefully considering these aspects, musicians can find the best mic for acoustic guitars that will elevate their sound, whether they’re recording in a studio or performing live.
Is it better to record acoustic guitar with mic or direct?
When deciding whether to record an acoustic guitar with a microphone or direct input (DI), it’s essential to consider the sound quality and authenticity you aim to achieve. Recording directly is quick and easy, eliminating the chance of unwanted noise entering your recording.
This is why many professionals prefer microphones over DI for recording acoustic guitars. Microphones not only ensures a superior sound quality but also allows for a more detailed and dynamic recording, making it the preferred choice for those seeking to capture the essence of their acoustic guitar in their recordings.
What mic pattern for acoustic guitar?
It’s essential to consider the recording environment and the sound you aim to capture. Condenser microphones, particularly large diaphragm models, are highly recommended due to their superior frequency response and sensitivity, making them ideal for capturing the nuanced tones of an acoustic guitar.
Among the top choices, the Neumann KM184 stands out for its clarity and ability to accurately record acoustic guitar sounds, offering a pristine representation of the instrument’s natural resonance. For those who perform as a singer-songwriter, a setup that includes a combination of condenser mics can provide the versatility needed to capture both vocals and guitar sounds with exceptional fidelity.
While dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 are celebrated for their durability and performance with louder sound sources, they may not always offer the same level of detail and richness that a condenser microphone can when it comes to the subtle harmonics of an acoustic guitar.
