8 Best Mic For Recording Guitar 2022
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We can only presume that if you’re seeking for the best mic for recording guitar, you’re looking to record yourself performing, whether from home or in the studio. Recording the guitar requires a unique set of considerations, and there are some ways to ensure your instrument sounds as fantastic as it possibly can.
The most important of selecting best mic for recording guitar is that you can afford, and thankfully, you don’t have to spend a bunch to get a quality guitar mic. In this tutorial, we’ll go through the best mics for recording guitars for a variety of applications and recording settings.
We have solutions for everything and then some, from precisely placed condenser microphones tasked with picking up every nuance of your acoustic guitar to strong dynamic mics capable of withstanding the full force of a screaming amp cabinet and electric guitar.
BEST MIC FOR RECORDING GUITAR- OUR FAVORITE
Ask any guitarist about best mic for recording guitar, and they’ll almost certainly declare that the Shure SM57 is the best microphone for recording guitar. There are numerous reasons why it remains a top-rated guitar mic, and it’s uncommon that anyone regret having at least one in their recording gear inventory.
There are, however, several options for various scenarios. We recommend doubling up, especially with electric guitar amps, and pairing a dynamic mic like the Shure SM57 with a more sensitive condenser.
Elsewhere, the Aston Spirit consistently impresses us, making it easy to suggest, while the AKG C414 XLII’s superb quality and adaptability make it one of the best mics for recording guitar in any studio.
PRODUCT GUIDE FOR THE BEST MIC FOR RECORDING GUITAR
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphone
We’d be chased out of town if we didn’t include the Shure SM57 in a list of the best mic for recording guitar… And not without reason. The jack-of-all-trades dynamic mic is an ideal partner for recording electric guitar since it allows you to record at stage volumes without losing clarity. Its cardioid pickup pattern is excellent for isolating the desired sound, and it’s as robust as old boots.
We also appreciate the Shure SM57 Microphone’s versatility. Far from being a ‘only’ electric axe expert, this mic is equally at home with acoustics, drums, bass guitars, and vocals, and is content to shift its skill-set between the studio and the stage. Without a doubt, best mic for recording guitar.
Specifications
| Brand | Shure |
| Colour | Black |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Compatible Devices | Amplifier |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Features
- Contoured frequency response is clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
- Professional-quality reproduction for drum, precussion, and instrument amplifier miking
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main source while reducing background noise
- Extremely durable under heaviest use
- Frequency response 40 to 15,000 Hz
Aston Spirit Condenser Microphone
Aston, a British mic company, has been cooking up a storm in recent years, releasing a variety of different mics that have universally wowed us. The Aston Spirit is the company’s best mic for recording guitar, offering excellent recording performance and remarkable build quality at a price that no one else in the industry can match.
The Aston Spirit is so solidly built that you can drop it, smash it around, and generally disregard its safety and it will still work. This is due to characteristics such as the distinctive mesh head, which will easily fold up to safeguard the important internals if subjected to a drop or knock. It also includes a built-in pop filter and shock mount, making it ready for anything.
Specifications
| Brand | Aston Microphones |
| Color | Silver |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
Features
- Designed and built in the UK
- Multi pattern Microphone
- Built in Pop filter Built in Pop filter using the latest stainless steel mesh knit technology
- End Caps Direct to stand microphone mounting
- Capsule The Aston Sound Developed by Professional Artists, Engineers and Producers
Neumann TLM-102 Microphone
The Neumann TLM-102, which is priced in the upper-to-middle range, is one of the best mic for recording guitar for anyone wishing to develop their recording skills. The TLM-102 is an excellent large-diaphragm condenser for acoustic guitars and voices, with a small boost at 6kHz providing some extra sparkle.
However, the Neumann TLM-102 Microphone has been designed to endure high sound pressure levels (SPLs), thus it can be propped up in front of a guitar cabinet.
We enjoy its small size and have had good experience utilising a TLM-102 in conjunction with a dynamic mic to create a wider tonal pallet while mixing. If you want a best mic for recording guitar with a lot of personality, this Neumann is the best mic for recording guitar for you.
Specifications
| Brand | Neumann |
| Audio Sensitivity | 144 dB |
| Compatible Devices | Radio, Amplifier, Speaker |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 550 Grams |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 82 dB |
| Impedance | 50 Ohm |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz-20 kHz |
Features
- Easy handling for vocal and instrumental recordings.
- Distortion-free sound even at extreme sound pressure levels up to 144 dB.
- Slight treble boost for silky vocals (independent of music genre)
- Built-in pop shield reduces vocal plosives.
- Cardioid polar pattern lessens background noise.
Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone
Ribbon microphones are generally handled with caution due to their delicate nature. They’re like the special team you call in for really specialised situations. Nobody told Royer Labs, however, because the R-121 Microphone was meant to combine the greatest tonal aspects of a ribbon mic with the sturdiness and toughness of a dynamic mic.
The Royer Labs R-121 is extremely durable and capable of handling high SPL recordings, making it ideal for guitar cabinets. We discovered that pairing the top end of an SM57 with the low end of an R-121 produced astonishing results. It’s one of the best mic for recording guitar.
Specifications
| Brand | Royer |
| Audio Sensitivity | 50 dB |
| Item Weight | 1.13 Kilograms |
| Polar Pattern | Bidirectional |
Features
- High SPL capabilities
- No internal active electronics to overload or produce distortion up to maximum SPL rating
- Extremely low residual noise
- Ribbon element not affected by heat or humidity
- No high frequency phase distortion
AKG C414 XLII Condenser Microphone
AKG is condenser mic royalty, and the AKG C414 XLII Microphone demonstrates why. Because of its numerous pickup patterns and different attenuation and filtering choices accessible on the mic itself, it’s nearly indispensable as a studio tool.
This makes the AKG C414 XLII best mic for recording guitar sounds and approaches, while maintaining the dynamic range you’d expect from a high-quality condenser. We like how it comes with a shock mount and pop/wind shields, making it one of the best mic for recording guitar in its price range.
Specifications
| Brand | AKG Pro Audio |
| Color | Black |
| Connector Type | XLR Connector |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Audio Sensitivity | 158 dB |
| Item Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 20 dB |
Features
- Sonic character of the famous AKG C12 delivers astounding sound quality for lead vocals and solo instruments
- Nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application
- Three attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPL
- Three switchable different bass-cut filters to reduce wind noise, stage vibration or proximity effect
- Overload warning with audio peak hold LED to detect shortest audio peaks
Sennheiser e609 Silver Guitar Microphone
The Sennheiser e609 Microphone was designed exclusively for recording guitar amps, eliminating the need for a dedicated mic stand. Instead, simply drape the e609 over the top of the amp towards the speaker cone, and it will happily sit there taking up sounds at whatever volume you choose.
The supercardioid pickup patterns ensure that the microphone records only what comes out of the speakers, with no bleed or feedback. It doesn’t have the widest frequency range, and there are undoubtedly better’sounding’ microphones for more sensitive play styles, but the Sennheiser e609 is best mic for recording guitar and metal performers that need something quick and inexpensive.
Specifications
| Brand | Sennheiser Pro Audio |
| Color | Grey/silver |
| Connector Type | XLR-3 |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired, Wireless |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Audio Sensitivity | 150 dB |
| Compatible Devices | Speaker |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 124 Grams |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
Features
- Supercardioid pickup pattern: Provides insulation from other on-stage signals
- Laterally-mounted capsule: Specially developed for miking guitar amps face-on and extermely close to the signal source
- Hum compensating coil: Reduces electrical interference
- Lightweight voice coil construction and rigid dome: Provide an extended high-frequency performance
- Metal construction: Rugged and reliable
- Unique lateral design does not require a clip and may be hung from a speaker cabinet
- 3-6,000 Hz midrange peak captures instrument’s true sonic character
- Capable of greater than 150 dB SPL with full fidelity
- Includes clip and protective pouch.
- 10 Year warranty
BEST MIC FOR RECORDING GUITAR: ADVICE ON BUYING
When deciding on the best mic for recording guitars, there are a few factors to consider. The first consideration is the situation in which you will be using the microphone. Studio and stage have different requirements and may necessitate alternative options. Similarly, you might use a different sort of microphone to record an acoustic than you would an electric.
Dynamic and condenser microphones are the two main types of guitar recording microphones mentioned here. There are also ribbon mics, which produce great audio output but come at an exorbitant price. Because dynamic microphones have no mechanical parts, they can handle significantly greater volumes without compromising fidelity. This makes them ideal for recording guitar if you need a microphone to place in front of strong tube amps, which require volume to release their true harmonic potential.
Dynamic microphones feature a tighter pickup pattern (more on this later), making them excellent for concentrated, focused sound capture. Condenser mics, on the other hand, are more delicate, but their mode of sound capture allows them to pick up considerably more fine detail.
As previously stated, the pickup (or polar) pattern of a microphone is critical to its operation. Cardioid, or super-cardioid, microphones register just what is immediately in front of them, rejecting sounds from outside that axis.
Omni and bi-directional pickup patterns function by registering sounds from a larger region, as expected. In the studio, for example, you might want to incorporate some of the natural reverb from the space in which you’re recording, and an omnidirectional mic will allow you to do so. Let’s have a look at the best mic for recording guitars right now.
