Best Microphone For Acoustic Guitar

For some people, the acoustic guitar is just a piece of wood with a few holes in it along with some wire string. However, only music lovers know that acoustic guitars also produce dynamic sounds if played harmonically. Moreover, the choice of the right microphone also plays a key role in seizing every ounce of the guitar’s tone. So, here is a list of The Best Microphone For Acoustic Guitar. 

These microphones are popular for their versatility, sound quality, and economic price. Therefore, without wasting any further time, let’s dig into the article to learn more about these amazing Microphones for Acoustic Guitars. 

Royer R-121

The Royer R-121 is surely a must-have microphone to include in your instrument collection. It captures and delivers an excellent sound quality. Whether you are looking for a microphone for recording vocal sessions or going live on stage, it is perfect for all means. 

It has a high SPL capability, which means it delivers an optimum sound frequency and pressure ratio. Moreover, it doesn’t have any internal active electronics that can overlap or distort the sound frequency til it reaches its maximum SPL range. The microphone shows equal frequency response from both front and back. Moreover, the frequency response doesn’t fluctuate despite the change in distance. 

Not only this, it also has a very low residue noise. However, its sensitivity is a bit lower than normal and the ribbon element is also a little weak. But apart from this, it is extremely durable, reliable, and versatile. It delivers an up-to-mark sound quality which is a perfect choice for your acoustic guitar performances. 

Specs

Pros

• The audio quality is up to the mark 
• Very versatile with bidirectional polar pattern
• Recommended for acoustic guitars 
• Made in the United States of America
• Very reliable and durable 
• Easy to set up and use
• Light in weight 

Cons

• Not suitable for high-frequency 
• Does not support phantom power supply
• The ribbon element is weak

Sennheiser MD 421 II

The versatility of this microphone has earned it a good name in the market. With its full-bodied cardioid pattern and five-position bass control, it is the best choice for recording instruments such as guitars, pianos, or drums. Not only this, but it is also a good option for a group of vocalists or radio broadcast announcers as it delivers exceptionally clear and crisp audio. 

Its glass composite body and stainless steel basket coverage make it classy and durable at the same time. It delivers a clear sound response with an amazing frequency range between 30 Hz to 17KHz. Moreover, its internal bass tubes are also capable of capturing and delivering low-end sound response. It can also handle high-pitched audio seamlessly.

Specs

Pros

• The audio quality is impressive 
• Very easy to set up and use
• Very versatile 
• Average price 
• Good for acoustic guitars 
• Comes with a five-position bass roll-off switch 
• High Max SPL
• Made with steel
• Longlasting product
• Used by many musicians for a long time

Cons 

• No phantom power supply
• Low output level due to dynamic type

Neumann U87

The Neumann U87 is just a modern version of the classic microphones. It is a standard large diaphragm mic that was used in world-class recording sessions by the late 80’s. With three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8), plus a switchable highpass filter and 10dB pre-attenuation pad, this mic ushered in a new era of audio fidelity and reliability. 

The mic is incredibly versatile and perfect for a wide range of recording techniques as well. It is ideal as a main or support microphone during all recording sessions. The microphone features a frequency gradient transducer and a low-frequency roll-off for a clearer and improved sound experience. 

It runs on a classic 48-volt phantom power. Although the microphone is a statement piece and a to-go choice for most music producers and vocal artists, it lacks some advanced features. It is a bit more costly than other acoustic guitar microphones in the market. However, its amazing sound quality makes it ideal choice.  

Specs

Pros

• Great accuracy and clear audio 
• Very versatile 
• Comes with an internal high-pass filter 
• Handmade product from Germany
• Very durable
• Amazing audio frequency response 
• Recommended by many musicians and producers 
• Good choice for acoustic guitars
• phantom power supply

Cons

• Heavier than other mics
• Not good at low-frequency 
• No remote control

Beyerdynamic M160

This microphone is recommended by all music professionals for recording a vast variety of acoustic string sounds. This amazing mic even captures acoustic tunes which are hard to record via a normal microphone. It is also a good option for discreet places such as offices and studios. It features two ribbons with a thickness of 0.002 millimeters. 

It delivers a transparent, solid, clear, and well-defined sound quality. Its hypercardioid design can isolate all the off-axis sounds and just focus on the main sound stream. It features a black and chromium-plated body to avoid glare from the studio broadcasting lights. Moreover, you’ll also receive a mic case and clip along with Beyerdynamic M160 in the box. However, the mic doesn’t perform very well at low frequencies. 

Music enthusiasts love it for its clear and natural sound quality, versatility, and hypercardioid polar pattern design. So, if you have a few extra dollars in your pocket, then you must invest in Beyerdynamic M160 for once. 

Specs

Pros

• Natural and clear audio
• Hypercardioid polar pattern allows to capture voice from all directions 
• A wide range of audio frequency response range 
• Very versatile 
• Recommended for acoustic guitar
• Strong build with great durability
• Made in Germany

Cons

•  Very costly
• Not so good at high-frequency 
• No phantom power 

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, when choosing a microphone for your acoustic guitar, there are several great options to consider. The Royer R-121 is versatile and reliable, the Sennheiser MD 421 II offers clear and crisp audio, the Neumann U87 provides precision and fidelity, and the Beyerdynamic M160 excels in capturing natural sound.

However, the right choice depends on your needs and budget. These microphones can surely enhance your acoustic guitar performances, whether you’re a professional musician or an enthusiast. Therefore, consider your specific requirements to find the perfect microphone for your musical journey.