There are plenty of options available when it comes to recording great acoustic guitars sounds, but it's generally thought that you can't go wrong with condenser mics - either a good small-diaphragm condenser (SDC), or a large-diaphragm condenser (LDC). With that in mind, here is a selection of mics, in alphabetical order, priced under that ever-important $1k (USD) mark that the Gearslutz community thinks are worth checking out.
The C451 B is a standout & a venerable small diaphragm condenser microphone that traces back to AKG’s famous capsule design from 1969, and it never ceases to amaze recording engineers worldwide. A studio classic with a tonne of mileage, it arrives in the present day featuring a slick design - good looks coupled with important features such as a -10/-20db attenuation pads and 75/150 Hz low-cut filters, and a tight cardioid pattern for a focused sound. They are also available in stereo matched pairs - what's not to love?
A very popular choice amongst the Gearslutz community, the AT4050 has three polar patterns (cardioid, omni and figure-of-8), very low noise and a sparkling clean sound. This large diaphragm condenser mic also also comes in a stereo version, the AT4050ST, which is slightly more expensive but features switchable stereo and mid-side modes for added versatility.
This cost effective small diaphragm condenser microphone comes with three capsule options for cardioid, omni and hyper-cardioid pickup patterns. The CK1 also comes with a 10dB attenuation pad and an 80 Hz low-cut switch and is also sold in stereo-matched pairs.
This is an elegant cardioid small-diaphragm condenser with a -15db gain pad and 6db/octave low-cut filter at 250 Hz. Widely used on a variety of applications, the MC 930 is specifically mentioned on many acoustic guitar recording discussions not only due to its overall sonic quality but also because it’s an extremely affordable option. Also available in stereo-matched pairs.
A large-diaphragm condenser that finds versatility due to its variable polar patterns - omni, figure-of-8, cardioid are the main three but you can dial in anything "in between" which can lead to some creative sonics. Often cited as a budget alternative to much more expensive mics, the M179 also features a -10db gain pad, a low-cut filter at 100Hz and is a mic that can also be used for many applications other than acoustic guitars, standing out as a good and affordable LDC workhorse. Pro tip: when you're not trying this one on your six-strings, pop it on some tom-toms and thank the GS community later.
A super compact and unobtrusive condenser microphone tailored specifically for acoustic guitars, presenting a very small footprint, excellent noise rejection, an extremely focused supercardioid polar pattern and great overall sound quality. It features a very reliable clip-mounting system and superb feedback suppression which also makes it a smart choice for live use/stage performances.
A nifty little small-diaphragm condenser mic with interchangeable capsules that cover cardioid, figure-of-8, hypercardioid or omni-directional polar patterns. It ships with a cardioid capsule and features a -10db pad - making it an affordable "initial investment" that can be expanded further down the road by acquiring the other capsules and the optional low-cut filter module. Also available in stereo matched pairs.
Highly regarded by this community as a great all-round small-diaphragm condenser, the CEMC-6 is a great choice when it comes to recording acoustic guitars. It features a -10/-20 attenuation pad, 75/150 Hz low-cut filters and ships with a cardioid capsule, which can be swapped for omni, cardioid, 'wide cardioid,' or hypercardioid polar pattern capsules (sold separately). This is a mic that can do a lot with all those capsule options, making it a great budget-conscious acquisition for any studio. Also available in stereo matched pairs.
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So, what do you make of it? We surely had to leave a lot of mics out since there are a myriad of options out there for recording acoustic guitars. What would YOU have on YOUR list?
JUST picked up my new Oktava MK012s in the mail this morning!! Haven't had a chance to try em out yet but for my acoustic work, I am loving my Rode NTK's with Mullard tube replacement! Another Sub $1000 option.
In the world of condenser mics, I generally choose the large diaphragms for bigger jobs, and the smaller diaphragms for more focused tasks.
Small diaphragm condensers work well in tight environments, and capture better detail in higher frequencies. I would choose small diaphragms for acoustic guitar, hi-hat, ride, percussion, and the upper horns on a Hammond organ's Leslie cabinet.
Large diaphragms usually work better for wider, full-frequency recording. I would choose large diaphragm mics for piano, vocals, overhead drum recording (cymbals), strings and orchestral recordings.
Certainly this is not an absolute rule. I've used the small diaphragm Mojave MA100 condensers for the decca tree recording of a baroque orchestra with great results. And I've often used a single Mojave MA200 large diaphragm condenser for all kinds of jobs on the same project, from drum overheads to vocals to percussion to acoustic guitar. Mainly because it sounds great on most everything and I didn't want to lose momentum by swapping out and re-balancing the mic between overdubs... Just GO GO GO while the musicians are HOT!!!
Really very informative and research full writing.I want to go CAD Audio M179 this model.This useful info help to pick best one.Thanks, such type of great post.
I know this is going to be met with a lot of skepticism. I've used most all of the highly regarded mic's but the Samson CL2 not the cheaper co2 is the best I've ever used on stereo mic'd acoustic guitar.
I know I'ts hard to believe but if you ever get the chance try em. They seem to be hard to find however.
On a side note I've found the CAD M179 to be a stellar mic on Toms. It's fast, handles spl well, and has depth.
The 3U Audio Warbler 127 transformer balanced SDC with Cardioid Flat capsule sounds insanely great on acoustic guitar, and is very reasonably priced. It has somewhat quelled my desire for a KM84!
To be honest you can use anything depending on the sound you want.
The Shure KSM137 and KSM141 are great for a tight cardioid SDC sound.
If I were recording a band with a '70s vibe I would consider an M201 for an older vibe.
Sounds record-ready with almost no processing, with more detail than a 57.
I'd love to try something ridiculously accurate like the Sennheiser MKH Series.
top ten lists are hard to make for most stuff..you have to leave stuff out for sure..
But, im not sure how you can leave the venerable Shure SM81 off of that list..i mean, the thing is all over acoustic guitar recordings for the last 40 years..not hyped, accurate, damn flat, full range..extremely useful mic for recording what you're hearing...and you can pick it up for relative peanuts on Craigs and other online lists.
I've always hated my AT4033 on vocals but I recorded one of my best guitar tracks with it. You find them on Ebay for less that $200.
My AKG451b is perfect for a clear detailed acoustic guitar track. Same here, you get them cheap if you search well.
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