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5 Best Mics for Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitar is an amazing and widely accessible instrument to the world . While technologies are developed to amplify the guitar for recording, many studio engineers still prefer using microphones to capture performances. Not all microphones won’t be the best mics for acoustic guitars. 

 I’ve done the research to choose only the best microphones for acoustic guitars. I looked into reviews, community sentiment and expert opinions about which microphones sound best for the instrument.

In this article I even have assembled this list of the top and the best mics for acoustic guitars.    

Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone

 

Best 5 Mics for Acoustic Guitars

The AT2020 is a great option. It features a surprising set of perks.

The microphone comes with a case and microphone clip so you’ll start as soon as it arrives. This is a very good selection for vocal recordings of all types, but best when it involves recording good quality acoustic instruments. This is a condenser mic-meaning it picks up sounds unidirectional. Condenser mics are also more sensitive than dynamic microphones.

 

This mic has a very wide dynamic range means this is often suitable for many different uses and provides a transparent response for the low-end of the guitar to high to the high. Whether you’re playing bassy chords or soloing near the body. The high SPL also means this responds well to loud playing and doesn’t distort if you would like to record at a higher volume.

 

This mic is popular because of the fact that it can allow you to record vocals very easily after recording your guitar, something tons of singers/songwriters likes to do.

Product Specification:

Pros

  • Well built
  • Excellent performance for the money
  • Flat and even frequency response
  • Rocks all metal construction

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a cable
  • Lowest frequencies could be a bit clearer

SEE ON AMAZON

 

K & K KK301 Microphone for Acoustic Guitar

5 Best Mics for Acoustic Guitars

 

This pickup will be a bridge plate transducer and one that I might consider the best mic for acoustic guitar if you’re trying to find a great tone and a simple to manage guitar pickup.

 

The tone produced by this pickup is sort of natural and overall transparent. The K&K KK301 is a passive pickup so remember that you will have to pair it with a DI to spice up the signal, plus it’ll offer you tone-shaping controls which are always nice to possess.

Product Specification:

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Transparent sound
  • Perfectly balanced sound
  • No batteries or pre-amp

Cons

  • Passive pickup
  • Might sound quacky

SEE ON AMAZON

 

MXL Vocal Dynamic Microphone, XLR to 1/4-Inch, GREEN LSM-9 POP

Best Mics for Acoustic Guitars

 

If you’re brooding about a vocal microphone combining professional sound with stunning heading visual appeal, then I will be able to suggest you to go for the MXL LSM 9.

This mic may be a brightly colored and a dynamic stage mic. It bridges the gap between the professional stage and reception entertainment systems.

Preparing for a stage performance! Then I should add that this MXL LSM 9 uses high-quality components to supply an interesting sound. It’s specially crafted to cancel vibrations and handle noise for clean, clear performance.

Bands, vocal groups, and singers are going to be impressed with the MXL LSM 9′s clear sound.

Product Specification:

Pros

  • No vibrations
  • Super cardioid polar pattern
  • Durable
  • Premium dynamic capsule

Cons

  • Handling issue
  • Sounds bad

SEE ON AMAZON

 

Professional Handheld Moving Coil Microphone – Pyle PDMIC78

 

This unidirectional, dynamic handheld microphone is ideal for the intense musician recording within the studio or out on stage. It’s perfect for voice recording thanks to the top-quality moving coil unidirectional dynamic element. 

 

The ultrawide frequency feature of the Pyle PDMIC78 will allow you to urge an excellent and transparent sound. In a word, I’ll suggest that this Pyle PDMIC78 is the most perfect choice for your bedroom, professional studios, and all stage vocal performances everywhere on the planet.

Product Specification:

Pros

  • Integrated low noise circuitry
  • High signal output for vocals and singing
  • Perfect for stage performance
  • Extremely versatile

Cons

  • Good but not great
  • Needs to be rewired

SEE ON AMAZON

 

Shure SM57-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Best Mics for Acoustic Guitar

 

Let me be honest. Shure SM57-LC is my favorite. This is a microphone that simply couldn’t be left off my list. 

This is not a microphone, it’s a dynamic mic. That means it’s largely used for on-stage applications. It’s also one of the foremost versatile and well-rounded mics which can be purchased on a budget. 

That’s why it’s hard to seek out recording studios around the world that don’t have a minimum of one SM57 kicking around somewhere. 

Our ears are very accustomed to hearing things recorded with the SM57 because it is so popular, and though it could arguably be a touch bit more detailed to form it the right option. It’s extremely good at recording a variety of instruments. The frequency response is contoured which suggests it rolls off the lower end and bass frequencies so as to serve the upper end and therefore the shine of instruments like acoustic instruments and electric guitars.

Product Specification: 

 

Pros

  • Super Durable Construction
  • Only the loud you want
  • Handles the pressure
  • No phantom power required

Cons

  • The only con can be minor issues with plosives. Because the SM57 is a highly recommended dynamic mic.

SEE ON AMAZON

 

Mics for Acoustic Guitars Buyer’s Guide

What to think about when Choosing your Mic?

To make it easier, I’ve featured a buying guide with all the items you would like to think about once you are choosing a microphone. So, what are the key considerations before choosing a mic?

 

Dynamic or Condenser

These two different types of microphones are the foremost common you’ll encounter when trying to find a mic to record guitar. There are some differences between them.

Generally speaking, dynamic microphones tend to be preferred in live situations. 

On the other hand, condenser microphones are more sensitive, and as a result, are slightly more vulnerable to damage. However, it’s still unlikely that you simply will experience any damage using them reception, or during a studio as long as the mic is treated right. The large upside of condenser microphones is their sensitivity, this suggests they will devour audio more clearly and are often preferred for recording, especially instruments that aren’t super loud.

 

Most of the highest mics for guitar are condenser microphones. These are preferred for acoustic instruments for the clarity they will provide. That said, there are some dynamic mics on our list and these microphones are used for many years and have produced some excellent results.

 

Polar Pattern

The capsule of a microphone will have its own polar pickup pattern. Consider this because of the range that they will hear sounds. There are some very useful diagrams out there to assist you better understand the patterns.

 

There are different mic techniques out there. A cardioid is an option most mics should have and are some things to seem for. Many mics allow you to switch the polar pattern which may be an enormous plus, too.

 

Diaphragm

Microphones have diaphragms in several shapes and sizes, these give different results. Whether it’s small or large is the biggest impact on the mic, and can affect how they ought to be used.

A small diaphragm microphone is sweet for pack up micing of instruments and it’s great for selecting up detail.  You’ll find yourself with the natural sound of the guitar. Small diaphragm mics also are good at learning bass frequencies.

Large-diaphragm mics have their charms, too. they provide a more ambient and overall well-rounded sound. People often use these for vocals and acoustic instruments thanks to the natural room sound they will provide.

 

FAQ

I have tried to answer some common questions from the beginners who want to pick the best mic for their acoustic guitar

 

What Mic Is Best For Acoustic Guitar?

There are many quality mic options available for capturing audio during a live guitar session. At the end of the day, it’s important to seem at the features and therefore the price range to work out which one will work best for you.

Some people wish to find a condenser or dynamic mic on a stand, and play their guitar ahead of it, while others would rather use a pickup mic. 

You should check it out if you’re brooding about purchasing a mic, and need to make certain to urge something high in quality.

 

How am I able to Make My Guitar Sound Better Live?

There are a couple of alternative ways to assist make your guitar sound better while performing live. one of the primary things that you simply can do is to use new strings, and confirm that your guitar is tuned properly.

If there’s an excessive amount of bass, you’ll rattle down the low end. If it’s too ‘tinny,’ you’ll taper off the high end.

 

What sort of Mic Is Best For An Acoustic Guitar?

As a general rule, a high-quality capacitor microphone goes to capture the simplest sounds and tones for acoustic guitar, though sometimes, dynamic mics offer you better longevity on the road.

But then again, standard condenser mics also accompany their own shortcomings… and sometimes, they’re not practical during a live-music scenario.

 

Conclusion

There isn’t a solution to the question of which is best between small and enormous diaphragm microphones. The very fact is that both have their pros and cons.

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