7 Proven Winners: Discovering the Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar

When it comes to capturing the delicate nuances and rich tones of acoustic or classical guitars, selecting the right microphone is crucial. I have worked with the recording of acoustic guitars since my days at Duquesne University. Microphones have always fascinated me with the unique sounds they produce when recording the same instrument. In this article, I will explore and compare seven popular microphones specifically designed for recording acoustic guitar: the Shure SM81, Neumann KM 184, Beyerdynamic M 160, AKG C451 B, Shure SM57, Rode NT1, and sE Electronics Voodoo VR2. By examining their features, sound characteristics, and performance, I hope to help you make an informed decision and find your best mic for acoustic guitar recording.

My Picks

• Best Value: Rode NT1
• Best Overall: Neumann KM 184
• Best Budget: Shure SM57
• Best Ribbon Mic: sE Electronics Voodoo VR2
• Best Condenser Mic: AKG C451B

What’s the Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar?

Shure SM81

The Shure SM81 is a versatile condenser microphone renowned for its transparent sound reproduction. It offers a flat frequency response, capturing the guitar’s natural tones accurately. With a cardioid polar pattern, the SM81 minimizes unwanted background noise while emphasizing the source. It is a popular choice for both studio and live acoustic guitar recording.

MSRP: $499

Here’s my full review of the Shure SM81.

Shure SM81 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatility: The Shure SM81 microphone offers exceptional versatility, suitable for capturing various instruments and vocals with remarkable clarity and accuracy.
• Durability: Built with robust construction and high-quality materials, the SM81 microphone is highly durable, making it reliable for rigorous live performances and studio applications.
• Detailed Sound Reproduction: With its precise and transparent audio reproduction, the SM81 microphone excels at capturing intricate details and nuances, resulting in a natural and true-to-life sound.

Cons:

• Price: The Shure SM81 microphone is relatively expensive compared to other options in its category, which may be a deterrent for those on a tight budget.
• Sensitivity to Handling Noise: Due to its high sensitivity, the SM81 microphone can pick up handling noise and vibrations easily, requiring careful handling or additional shock-mount accessories.

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Neumann KM 184

The Neumann KM 184 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone cherished for its pristine audio quality. It delivers a transparent and detailed sound, with a slightly elevated high-frequency response that adds brilliance to the acoustic guitar. The KM 184 features a cardioid polar pattern and is highly regarded for its exceptional transient response, making it suitable for capturing intricate fingerpicking and fast passages.

MSRP: $849

Here’s my full review of the Neumann KM 184.

Neumann KM 184 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional Clarity: The Neumann KM 184 microphone delivers outstanding clarity and transparency, capturing audio with remarkable detail and precision.
• Versatile Recording: With its wide frequency response and switchable attenuation pad, the KM 184 microphone is well-suited for a variety of recording applications, from vocals to acoustic instruments.
• Compact Design: The compact and lightweight design of the KM 184 microphone allows for easy placement and positioning, making it ideal for tight spaces or complex microphone setups.

Cons:

• Higher Price Range: The Neumann KM 184 microphone falls into a higher price range, making it a significant investment for those on a limited budget.
• Fragility: While the KM 184 microphone offers exceptional audio quality, it is relatively delicate and requires careful handling and protection to avoid damage.

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Beyerdynamic M 160

Unlike the previous two microphones, the Beyerdynamic M 160 is a ribbon microphone. It possesses a unique character, known for its warm and vintage sound reproduction. The M 160 offers a hypercardioid polar pattern, which focuses on the guitar and rejects off-axis sounds effectively. Its smooth frequency response and rich low-end make it ideal for capturing the body and warmth of acoustic guitars.

MSRP: $799

Here’s my full review of the Beyerdynamic M 160.

Beyerdynamic M 160 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique Ribbon Sound: The Beyerdynamic M 160 microphone captures a distinct ribbon sound, characterized by smooth and warm tonal characteristics. This makes it suitable for capturing vintage or classic instrument recordings.
• Versatile Polar Pattern: The M 160 microphone features a hypercardioid polar pattern, offering excellent off-axis rejection and allowing for precise sound capture in various recording situations.
• Robust Construction: Built with a sturdy design and durable materials, the M 160 microphone can withstand demanding conditions. This makes it reliable for live performances and studio applications.

Cons:

• Fragility: As a ribbon microphone, the Beyerdynamic M 160 is more sensitive and delicate compared to dynamic or condenser microphones, requiring careful handling and protection to prevent damage.
• Limited High-Frequency Response: The M 160 microphone’s ribbon design limits its high-frequency response, which may result in a slightly rolled-off top end. This makes it less suitable for capturing very bright or detailed sound sources.

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AKG C451B

The AKG C451B is a classic small-diaphragm condenser microphone that has been a favorite among recording engineers for decades. Its precise and detailed sound reproduction, coupled with a wide frequency range. It is a versatile choice for acoustic guitar recording. The C451B features a switchable pre-attenuation pad and high-pass filter, allowing for greater control in various recording situations.

MSRP: $827

Here’s my full review of the AKG C451B.

AKG C451B Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Detailed Sound Reproduction: The AKG C451B microphone offers exceptional detail and accuracy in capturing audio. This makes it well-suited for capturing acoustic instruments and vocals with clarity.
• Versatility: With its switchable pad and high-pass filter, the C451B microphone can adapt to various recording situations. This allows for flexibility and control in capturing different sound sources.
• Compact Size: The compact and lightweight design of the C451B microphone facilitates easy placement and positioning, especially in tight or challenging recording environments.

Cons:

• Fragile Capsule: The C451 B microphone’s small diaphragm capsule is relatively fragile and requires careful handling to avoid damage or distortion.
• Sibilance Sensitivity: Due to its detailed and transparent sound reproduction, the C451 B microphone can be sensitive to sibilant sounds. It may require additional attention to proper microphone technique and placement.

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Rode NT1

The Rode NT1 is a condenser microphone celebrated for its low self-noise and exceptional clarity. It provides a transparent and natural sound representation of the acoustic guitar. With a cardioid polar pattern, the NT1 captures the guitar with precision while minimizing unwanted room reflections. It is an excellent option for capturing the subtleties and nuances of acoustic performances.

MSRP: $399

Here’s my full review of the Rode NT1.

Rode NT1 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low Self-Noise: The Rode NT1 microphone boasts an impressively low self-noise level, allowing for capturing quiet and delicate audio sources with exceptional clarity.
• Versatile Applications: With its wide frequency response and neutral sound signature, the NT1 microphone is suitable for a wide range of applications, from vocals to instruments, both in the studio and live settings.
• Included Accessories: The NT1 microphone comes with useful accessories such as a shock mount and pop filter, providing added value and convenience for immediate use.

Cons:

• Sensitivity to Plosives: The NT1 microphone, despite its included pop filter, can still be sensitive to plosive sounds, requiring careful microphone technique or additional pop shielding.
• Lack of Coloration: While the NT1 microphone’s neutral sound reproduction is a pro for many applications, some users seeking a more characterful or colored sound may find it lacking in tonal character.

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sE Electronics Voodoo VR2

The sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 is a ribbon microphone renowned for its smooth and vintage sound quality. It imparts a warm and natural tone to acoustic guitar recordings, capturing the instrument’s nuances with finesse. The Voodoo VR2 features a figure-of-eight polar pattern, providing a wide and spacious soundstage. Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it a suitable choice for capturing detailed acoustic performances.

MSRP: $499

Here’s my full review of the sE Electronics Voodoo VR2.

sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique Sound Character: The sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 microphone offers a distinct sound character with a smooth and vintage-inspired tone, adding a unique flavor to recordings.
• Versatile Application: With its figure-8 polar pattern and extended frequency response, the Voodoo VR2 microphone is suitable for various recording scenarios, including vocals, instruments, and ambient recordings.
• High-quality Construction: Built with high-quality components and durable materials, the Voodoo VR2 microphone is designed to withstand professional use and provide reliable performance.

Cons:

• Sensitivity to Room Acoustics: The Voodoo VR2 microphone’s figure-8 polar pattern makes it more sensitive to room reflections and off-axis sounds, requiring careful placement and acoustic treatment to achieve optimal results.
• Price Range: Compared to other microphones in its category, the Voodoo VR2 microphone may be relatively expensive, which could be a limiting factor for those on a tighter budget.

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Shure SM57

While primarily known as a workhorse for instrument amplifiers and drums, the Shure SM57 also deserves recognition for its capability in recording acoustic guitars. This dynamic microphone delivers a balanced sound with a slight emphasis on midrange frequencies. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates the guitar while minimizing background noise. The SM57’s durability and affordability make it a popular choice for home studios and live performances.

MSRP: $129

Shure SM57 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatility: The Shure SM57 microphone is renowned for its versatility, excelling in capturing both instruments and vocals in live performances and studio recordings.
• Durability: Built with rugged construction, the SM57 microphone is exceptionally durable and can withstand rigorous handling, making it a reliable choice for on-stage use.
• Iconic Sound: The SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its signature sound, known for its warm presence and ability to handle high sound pressure levels with minimal distortion.

Cons:

• Limited High-Frequency Response: Due to its design, the SM57 microphone has a slight roll-off in the higher frequencies, which may result in a less pronounced top-end sparkle compared to some other microphones.
• Lacks Condenser Sensitivity: As a dynamic microphone, the SM57 may not capture the same level of sensitivity and detail as condenser microphones, particularly for capturing subtle nuances and low-level sounds.

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What to Look for When Choosing the Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar

When searching for a microphone specifically for recording acoustic guitars, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key aspects to look for:

Microphone Type

There are different types of microphones commonly used for recording acoustic guitars, including condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones. Condenser microphones are often favored for their detailed and transparent sound, while dynamic microphones can handle higher sound pressure levels and offer a more robust tone. Ribbon microphones provide a vintage and warm sound signature. Consider the sonic characteristics you’re looking to capture and choose the microphone type accordingly.

Frequency Response

The frequency response of a microphone determines how it captures different frequencies. For recording acoustic guitar, a flat or neutral frequency response is desirable, as it accurately reproduces the instrument’s natural tonal characteristics. Look for microphones that have a wide frequency range, covering both the low and high frequencies of the guitar.

Polar Pattern

The polar pattern of a microphone indicates its sensitivity to sound from different directions. Cardioid polar patterns are commonly used for acoustic guitar recording because they capture sound from the front while minimizing unwanted noise from the sides and rear. This helps to isolate the guitar and reduce the room ambiance. However, you may also consider other polar patterns like omnidirectional or figure-of-eight depending on your specific recording environment and the desired sound.

Self-Noise

Microphones have a certain level of self-noise, which refers to the inherent noise generated by the microphone itself. Lower self-noise is generally preferred for capturing the delicate nuances of an acoustic guitar. Look for microphones with a low self-noise rating, usually measured in decibels (dB), as it ensures a cleaner recording with minimal background noise.

Transient Response

Transient response refers to how quickly a microphone can respond to rapid changes in sound. This is particularly important for capturing the attack and dynamics of an acoustic guitar. A microphone with a fast transient response accurately reproduces the sharp transients of the guitar strings, capturing the instrument’s nuances and picking details.

Durability and Build Quality

Consider the microphone’s build quality and durability, especially if you plan to use it for live performances or in a studio setting with multiple recording sessions. Look for microphones with robust construction and high-quality materials to ensure longevity and reliability.

Budget

Lastly, consider your budget when searching for a microphone. Prices can vary significantly depending on the brand, type, and features of the microphone. Set a budget range and explore options within that range. Try to find a microphone that meets your requirements without breaking the bank.

Remember, personal preference and experimentation play a significant role in finding the right microphone for recording acoustic guitar. It’s always beneficial to listen to microphone samples, read reviews, and consult with audio professionals for recommendations based on your specific needs.

Wrap-Up on the Best Mic for Acoustic Guitar

Choosing the best mic for acoustic guitar recording depends on your desired sound, budget, and recording environment. The Shure SM81 and Neumann KM 184 offer transparent and accurate sound reproduction, while the Beyerdynamic M 160 and sE Electronics Voodoo VR2 provide a warm and vintage-inspired character. The AKG C451 B, Shure SM57, and Rode NT1 offer versatile options at different price points. Consider your specific recording needs and preferences to select the microphone that best suits your acoustic guitar recording endeavors.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read my editorial process here.

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