8 Best Mic For Acoustic Guitars [Reviews 2021]

An acoustic guitar has no volume knob to regulate its audibility. The audio preference is hard to set. This is why we bring you this comprehensive guide to the best microphones for acoustic guitar. This page will guide you through the best offers in each product.

The line up at a glance

After a series of in-depth research on several products, we’ve selected these best microphones for acoustic guitars. Read through each product with its pros and cons to find a suitable electric guitar kit.

Our Picks For Top 8 Best mic For acoustic guitar in 2021

The Neumann KM 184 model mic may appear like a pencil vogue with a small-diaphragm but possess more sensitivity than some giant diaphragm mics. It also holds a high sound pressure level handling. It has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz; this can be compared to microphones with a massive diaphragm.

It allows additional sound capturing; various users appreciate that. Neiman KM 184 model emphasizes it’s off-axis coloration. This feature is an excellent one for an acoustic guitar during recording sessions.

Of all the reasons why you need an acoustic guitar mic, quality and feel are essential; this mic is endowed with premium construction. This mic is capable of receiving high input gain without a drawback in its accurately quiet operation. 

Among many users, it is one of the best mics that operates nicely with acoustic guitars. It is highly rated and capable of standing out, especially when there are different setup instruments. It is also powerful to clarify the sounds of cymbals and other instruments.

Arguably, it can be seen as the best pencil vogue microphone on this list with the hype from several buyer reviews. Its disadvantages are not much except that everyone can’t afford the price. However, if you go for a mic like this one, you’re making the right choice. It is ideal for home studio recording and any acoustic guitar recording purpose. The stereo output and high tolerance are a significant selling point.

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If you’re on the lookout for a project studio microphone with a dual-diaphragm, this is one to consider. AKG P420 is a power mic having three selectable polar patterns. It would be best if you had no special effects software for this mic’s operation. It can be plugged independently into a mixer.

A mic like this is suitable for voice recording because of its smooth response feature that helps reduce the occurrence of feedback. When connected to a high power mixer/audio interface, one’s voice can be heard from 1ft. distance. Its tone is generally warm and has clarity.

There’s no room for deep sound coloration because of this mic’s stable bottom end. This microphone unit works perfectly for all acoustic guitar types, as well as other string instruments. It is useful for singing vocals too. 

In a setting where the mic and sound instruments are far apart to pick ambiance, the mic won’t fit symphonies. It is compatible with different mic stands because it possesses a standard clamp attached to a boom arm.

There’s no specified sample rate or depth for this mic since it is an analog type. A sound card can help with the metrics if you need it.

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These microphones are of wide frequencies whose response makes them better for any application. Mics like these are never to be mounted right in front of the guitar because they pick the slightest noise from any vibration and cause a lot of noise. When setting them up, you should use two microphone stands.

Samson CO2PR model is built to pick up vocals from a few inches to a couple of feet a couple; thus, one can stand way above the mic and still play the guitar. There’s no need to panic when using the mic because you won’t have a case of audio complications during recording.

The microphone works just as every condenser model would; phantom power is required, and there’s no lousy feature. Phantom power won’t be an issue because these modern mixers and amplifiers come with a switch for such a purpose. Each unit is plugged into separate channels, and they all have their preferred phantom power setting.

Also, these condenser mics require a windscreen in their setup. You need to get one separately. They are sensitive enough to pick a breathing noise. However, the windscreen can sometimes muffle the mic. To resolve the issue, remove the felt material in the inner layer.

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The Shure KSM44A model is one special microphone, courtesy of its dual diaphragm that allows it to work like two mics with a small-diaphragm paired together. The microphone can handle lower and higher frequency ranges.

The high frequencies can be received without an overload on the diaphragm from lower frequencies. This microphone possesses a large dual-diaphragm with a better sonic quality and noise operation. The price may be the only barrier that stops you from buying, but some users may choose it because of its quality and value.

To some, it is seen as too costly, while others believe it is worth every penny spent. Shure KSM44A hardly disappoints with its skillfulness, neutral coloration, and excellent bass extension. If you’re the choosy type, you may be worried about the weight. For this reason, a stand would be needed close to the guitar.

If you come across a mic like this in a store, don’t think twice about its quality and what it offers. Its manufacturers paid great attention to details to deliver your acoustic guitar’s sound on a sufficient output.

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This microphone can be regarded as a  custom mic founded by David Royer. The microphone is a model of development and one of the best products made by the owner. The science behind the microphone is a tube-driven electro-acoustic transducer. It can as well stand alone as a vintage studio mic.

The vacuum tubes present in it produces warm sounds that work best on acoustic guitars and other string instruments. It is known to cut back high-frequency shrills.

It carries a 3 metric linear unit gold-sputtered capsule. The characteristics of this mic are what many users like. Adding to that, most reviews about the Mojave Audio MA-301FET have been positive; some regretted their actions for not buying the mic earlier.

The sound may be higher than some other microphones you’ve tried earlier as it enhances recordings, most especially on instruments and vocals.

Some users prefer transparency to the colorization of sound by tubes. You may choose an ideally neutral mic, but this type will never go wrong on a track. Its final output needs no processing.

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Sennheiser mic is one preferred choice for most instruments. It carries an excellent head design, closed up in the speaker, and a good Cardioid pattern. In a confined space, this mic cancels out bleeding sounds when recording. It has been tested ok for vocal recording when paired to a Microphone with a large diaphragm.

The sound is more defined when the mic is hanged upside down, and it won’t compromise the tone. Its output from the speaker is clear, and it requires little or no EQ tweaking. It is also suited for high gain guitars.

Other instruments that can enjoy the delivery of this microphone percussions like tambourines, claves, and triangles. This microphone is not a USB mic and doesn’t come with a mic stand from its manufacturer. It comes with an XLR connection, and you’ll need a mic XLR cable and a USB for the default recording. It also has a clip that hooks it to a mic stand.

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This product is endowed with a coffee mass diaphragm that enables handling sound pressure levels higher than some condenser mics. It also comes in a small electret capsule that projects the sound from different music sources, like vocals and guitars. Tiny bodied guitars and drum sets are also included.

Although this mic is best recommended for beginners and intermediate players, it can withstand stress and reproduce high frequency without costing you much.

Users are generally happy with the way their Audio-technica AT2020 works. It can handle loud sounds while delivering a crisp and bold output to your audience. Its sonic quality doesn’t need much EQ balancing.

 It is highly dependable, and you, as a user, can be rest assured of its worry-free operation. Its analog sound can stand some dynamic mics.

The limitations are not much. Standing far from the mic means your sound won’t be heard as it can’t project the sound of an instrument from a distance. This shouldn’t be much f a concern since it is only ideal for home studios. It can also serve as a supplementary mic if you have one with a large diaphragm.

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This Neumann mic comes last in this list for a reason. It is one of the standout mics in the range of Neumann condenser mics. It is small in size, but the compactness shouldn’t fool you from its qualities and values. It would please some users to be aware that this Neumann mic has a large diaphragm and has no transformer.

It carries an epicycloid pattern and no filter switches. It is easy to set up and ideal for vocal recordings, but the skillfulness is somehow reduced.

If your budget is capable of buying a mic of this kind, get it for your good. With this mic, you’ll be able to differentiate between a low budget and premium guitar mics.

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Criteria used for evaluation

Polar pattern

It is a general belief among microphone manufacturers that Cardioid is the most acceptable polar pattern for mic designs. The simplicity and effectiveness it offers are next to none, and since the mics on this list are recommended for an acoustic Instrument, we’re on the right part. 

It’s not bad if other mics with multiple patterns are included; since you can have a setting where you have to capture numerous instruments. Note that different mics may be built on the same polar patterns and still not have the same sensitivity range.

Finance or price range

Best mics for acoustic guitars may cost your around $100, while some may exceed to thousand dollars. The choice is yours to make. The different mics in this list are of different affordable prices, depending on what budget you’re on.

The more you spend on expanding your sound, the more you’ll improve. It is no news that settling for cheap equipment can sometimes steal your show. That’s why we’ve included different mics at different prices.

Diaphragm

Acoustic guitars will produce almost the same frequencies as vocals. Mics with big diaphragms can work great with such instruments. The giant diaphragm is special for such effects and can be used by beginners.

Small diaphragm mics have high-frequency response and high sound pressure level handling and are also good for acoustic guitar varying dynamics. Some professionals prefer these mics as extra mics and multi-mic recordings.

Noise pads

Pads on mics enable the ability to handle loud sound sources. Volume and dynamics are not the same for every player. It will be impossible to generalize on every player’s preference here, but mics with a pad make positioning easy.

Reliability

Condenser mics are built with rigid materials in their exteriors, but you should check the features and specs before parting with your money. First off, a reliable mic must be solid and durable because you’ll do a lot of repositioning with miking your acoustic guitar. In the process of repositioning, a mic can fall off.

If you’re careful enough, mic falling may not occur, but one must ensure that music equipment must be reliable before buying.

How do I Choose a Mic for My Acoustic Guitar?

When you’re looking for an ideal mic that will work fine for your acoustic guitar and instruments, there are specs you should look out for. Regardless of the fact that it’s either an entry-level or high-end mic, these specs will help you decide.

Sensitivity: sensitive mics will produce high output levels that require less amplification, and their application causes the sound texture to be unique.

Frequency response: depending on what you want, a good frequency range will span between 80 Hz to 15 kHz. The model of mic you choose should be capable of picking low and high frequency, regardless of any other feature you’re going for. A shock mount can be considered, too, as the case may be.