Best Acoustic Guitar Microphones for Recording

Recording acoustic guitar demands microphones that capture the instrument’s full harmonic complexity while preserving its natural resonance. Unlike electric guitar, which involves capturing amplifier speakers, acoustic recording requires translating the delicate vibrations of wood and strings into recorded sound. Condenser microphones excel at this task, offering the sensitivity and extended frequency response necessary for professional results.

Small Diaphragm Condensers for Acoustic Guitar

Small diaphragm condensers (SDCs) provide the fast transient response and detailed high frequencies that acoustic guitars demand. The Neumann KM184 ($899 each) represents the gold standard, delivering exceptional clarity and natural reproduction that engineers trust for critical recordings.

The AKG C451B ($549) offers similar performance with a slightly brighter character that adds sparkle to fingerpicked passages. Its integrated pad and bass roll-off switches handle various recording scenarios without external processing.

Budget-friendly options include the Rode NT5 ($219 each) and Audio-Technica AT4021 ($399). Both capture acoustic guitars with professional quality at accessible prices. The Oktava MK-012 ($199) provides remarkable value, though quality control varies between units.

For matched stereo pairs, the Rode M5 ($199 pair) delivers excellent performance for the price, making stereo acoustic recording accessible to home studios.

Large Diaphragm Condensers for Acoustic Guitar

Large diaphragm condensers (LDCs) offer a different character than SDCs, typically adding warmth and body while smoothing transients slightly. The Neumann U87 ($3,200) captures acoustic guitars with legendary smoothness and dimension that has defined countless classic recordings.

More accessible options include the Audio-Technica AT4050 ($699), which offers three polar patterns and exceptional versatility. The AKG C414 XLII ($1,099) provides multiple patterns with switchable presence peaks that adapt to different guitars and playing styles.

Budget LDCs like the Rode NT1 ($269) and Audio-Technica AT2035 ($149) capture acoustic guitars beautifully in home studio environments. Their low noise floors suit the quiet dynamics that acoustic guitar recording often involves.

Ribbon Microphones for Acoustic Guitar

Ribbon microphones impart warmth and smoothness that can tame bright or harsh-sounding guitars. The Royer R-121 ($1,395) handles acoustic guitar’s transients while delivering rich, natural tone. Its figure-8 pattern captures room ambience from behind, adding dimension.

The sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 ($499) and Cascade Fathead ($159) offer ribbon characteristics at lower price points. Active ribbon designs like the AEA N22 ($999) require less gain and integrate more easily with standard preamps.

Ribbons often work best as part of a multi-microphone setup, blended with small diaphragm condensers for transient detail.

Microphone Positioning Techniques

Position affects acoustic guitar recordings more than microphone choice in many cases. The “12th fret” position aims the microphone at the point where the neck meets the body, capturing balanced tone with good string definition.

Pointing at the sound hole produces boomy, bass-heavy recordings that typically require extensive EQ correction. Moving the microphone toward the bridge emphasizes attack and high frequencies while reducing body.

Distance from the guitar significantly impacts the sound. Close-miking (4-8 inches) captures direct guitar sound with minimal room influence. Pulling back to 12-18 inches incorporates natural room ambience and allows the guitar’s sound to develop fully.

Stereo Recording Approaches

Stereo miking captures acoustic guitar’s spatial qualities and movement between bass and treble strings. The XY configuration places two cardioid microphones at 90-120 degrees with capsules nearly touching, providing mono compatibility and focused imaging.

Spaced pair techniques position two microphones 12-24 inches apart, capturing wider stereo images with more room influence. ORTF configuration balances these approaches with angled capsules spaced 17cm apart.

Mid-side recording using a cardioid and figure-8 microphone offers adjustable stereo width during mixing, providing maximum flexibility.

Purchase Recommendations

Starting with a quality small diaphragm condenser like the Rode NT5 pair covers most acoustic guitar recording needs. Adding a large diaphragm condenser expands options for different tonal approaches.

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All acoustic guitar microphones are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon with various bundle options.