Best Mic For Guitar Recording (2024 Update)

Accounts of its heroic toughness lie at the center of countless music-industry legends, most of which are perfectly true. what’s also true about the sm57 is that it sounds great on a wide variety of sources. a large percentage of the snare drums and many guitar cabinets and vocal tracks recorded in the last several decades owe their sound to the sm57. try one and you’ll find out why live sound professionals and seasoned studio engineers swear by the shure sm57 more than any microphone on the planet.

A snare crack. an arpeggiated chord. a powerful saxophone solo. whether on stage or in the studio, the notes that flow from your instrument connects your audience on a visceral level. and such sounds need a mic that can handle its strength. for every acoustic condition, the sm57 delivers the power of your playing to every fan in the house.

The neumann km 184 small diaphram cardioid microphone has become the classic high-quality miniature microphone. the pressure gradient transducer used in the km 184 features very smooth frequency response not only for the 0 axis, but also for lateral (off-axis) sound incidence. in typical usage, there is no coloration of sound over a wide pickup angle. although the km 184 has the same capsule as the km 84, the microphone differs slightly on the 0 frequency response: the km 184 has a gentle rise at about 9 k hz (which brings out the sizzle in cymbals), a characteristic that was introduced very successfully with the km 140. the result is a tonal balance that is fresher and livelier when compared to the km 84 with its flat frequency response in that band. this difference was achieved with just a slight change of the capsule's rear opening, and is not due to resonances.with the same transformerless circuitry as is used in the km 100 system, the km 184 has excellent technical specifications. compared to the km 84 the dynamic range of the km 184 increased by 24 d b mainly through the reduction of self-noise level to only 22 d b (ccir) and an increased sound pressure handling capability of up to 138 d b. the km 184 mic will operate without any problems, even if the input of following equipment happens to be unbalanced, for example as in some dat recorders. the output is balanced and phantom (48v) powered.the km 184 is a good economical alternative choice for users looking for a high-quality miniature microphone. you don't have to give up the electroacoustic features you expect from a neumann microphone!

Akg p170 the akg p170 gives you a black, small-diaphragm condenser microphone. boasting a cardioid pattern, the p170 is perfect for capturing both acoustic and electric instruments whether you’re in a home studio or a live recording situation. a more affordable alternative than the renowned akg c451 b; the p170 is the perfect solution for recording guitars, strings, hats, percussion and so many more instruments! on top of that, the p170’s diaphragm is lightweight and 1/2′′ gold-sputtered. so you can expect a clear sound with fast transients that’s capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 155db. what’s more, the p170 features a switchable 20db pad that allows you to record extremely loud sounds without any distortion. housed in a solid all-metal body, the p170 improves the rejection of rf interference. so you can use your microphone near transmitter stations and wireless mics without experiencing any problems. it’s also built to resist high temperatures and humidity, while its rugged body and sturdy front grille protect it from the rigors of day-to-day use.

The shure sm81 condenser mic is a unidirectional cardioid mic with studio, broadcast, and sound reinforcement versatility. its wide frequency response, low noise, low rf susceptibility, and rugged construction allow it to excel in all applications. furnished with swivel adapter, 10db attenuator with locking switch, a 3-position low-cut filter, foam windscreen, and a case for carrying and storage. 20hz-20khz response.

The akg p170 condenser microphone is the ideal small diaphragm model for miking drums and acoustic instruments. it delivers a clean, unadulterated sound. by slightly boosting high frequencies, instruments sound more brilliant. their sound becomes more detailed and asserts itself better in the mix. normally, condenser microphones have difficulty transmitting loud instruments without distortion. the akg p170, however, can handle sound pressure levels up to 155 db. this makes it ideal as an overhead microphone for drums and percussion. the cardioid characteristic makes it insensitive to sound from the side or rear. this gives you good results without crosstalk and feedback even under acoustically less than ideal conditions. the akg p170's rugged metal housing makes it ideal for live use.

A studio elite. the neumann km 184 stereo microphone set is your gateway to flawless recording sessions. capture every detail with two condenser microphones, purpose built for vocals, instruments, and more. with their cardioid polar pattern, both microphones focus on what's important, ensuring no background noise or feedback gets in the way of your performance. a high sound pressure level of 138 db makes the mic suitable for close miking strings, wind instruments, percussion, and more. what's more, a smooth frequency response with a rise at 9khz delivers a fresh tonal balance. that means truly outstanding audio, every time you hit record. get to work in minutes. the km 184 stereo microphone set comes with studio essentials that help you capture the magic without any hassle. remove pops and sibilance with two windscreens, and position your microphones with ease thanks to two swivel mounts. it's all there, right inside the box.

The new at2020 usb microphone offers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. it plugs right into your computer’s usb port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software. equipped with a usb digital output, the at2020 usb is perfect for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting, and voiceover use. based on the renowned at2020 the at2020 usb is based on the design of audio-technica’s critically acclaimed at2020 cardioid condenser microphone. like the at2020, it features a low-mass diaphragm, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. with low self-noise, the at2020 usb is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. audio-technica’s state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company’s renowned consistency and reliability standards. experience at2020 usb. plug it in and transform your sound.

The shure sm57 is one of the most popular professional instrument microphones of all time. the dynamic sm57 mic performs reliably delivering natural sound night after night. its durable, bulletproof design stands up to road travel and abuse. perfectly at home in the studio too. the shure sm57 boasts wide frequency response (40hz-15khz) and a tight cardioid polar pattern that are ideal for close-in speaker miking. this package includes the sm57, a tripod boom stand and a 20' xlr to xlr cable. natural sounding. durable bulletproof design. used widely in studios as well as on stage. frequency response: 40hz-15khz. tight cardioid polar pattern.

This microphone package gives you 4 shure sm 57 dynamic mics and 4 18' gear one xlr microphone cables. shure sm 57 microphone one of the most popular professional instrument/vocal microphones of all time, the sm 57 dynamic mic is a reliable, natural-sounding performer, night after night. its durable, bulletproof design stands up to road travel and abuse. perfectly at home in the studio too. the shure mic's wide frequency response (40hz-15k hz) and tight cardioid polar pattern are ideal for close

Akg's industry-leading c 414 microphones are already a permanent fixture in the world's biggest recording studios and a highly respected work horse for independent artists, broadcasting, and on-stage miking as well. the new c 214 is designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end, industry-leading c 414 family. it captures sound combining one side of the legendary c 414 dual-capsule system and akg’s patented back-plate technology which results in an outstanding performance close to the famous c 414 b-xls.like the c 414 models, the c 214 is capable of handling the rigors of high-pressure sound such as amplified guitars, with a sensitivity perfect for voice and orchestral instruments as well. additionally, the microphone offers a 20 db attenuation pad, 13 db noise floor, and a low cut switch—all in an elegant but rugged package. besides, the c 214 will also work on low phantom power voltages from 12 up to 48 volts.additional features include an integrated suspension, a double mesh grill high rf immunity without affecting acoustics. the circuitry in the c 214 provides maximum spl capability with minimum noise and the gold-plated xlr-type output connector offers loss-free signals.the c 214 comes complete with carrying case, windscreen, and spider suspension mount included.

It is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that features rode's hf6 1-inch capsule. the hf6 is designed to provide a detailed midrange response with smooth highs and warm bass. the capsule itself is seated in a rycote lyre internal shockmount to help reduce vibration and handling noises. the microphone''s electronics were designed from the ground-up for quiet performance, and allow the nt1 to have a low, 4.5dba of self-noise. the body of the mic is machined from nickel-plated aluminum that is then coated in a ceramic layer that is electrostatically applied for a scratch-resistant finish.

The sennheiser e 609 microphone is a dynamic element, supercardiod polar pattern microphone that is primarily designed for capturing instruments. it excels when placed in front of guitar cabinets in sound reinforcement or recording. it has an attractive silver finish. the e 609's flat grill allows for easy placement and the supercardioid pattern is most effective in rejecting off-axis ambiance that can cause noise and feedback. the dynamic element is shock mounted and a hum compensation coil controls low frequency noise. the rugged construction is durable enough to withstand the rigors of the road. features designed for instrument capture the dynamic supercardiod e 609 excels placed in front of guitar cabinets or when used in sound reinforcement or recording. supercardioid polar pattern the supercardioid pattern is most effective in rejecting off-axis ambiance that can cause noise and feedback. dynamic transducer the dynamic element is capable of handling high sound pressure levels without noise and distortion. hum compensating coil the hum compensation coil reduces low frequency hum and noise. internal shock mounting the element is internally shock mounted for added protection against handling noise.

The md 421 is one of the most recognized microphones in the world. its excellent sound qualities enable it to cope with the most diverse recording conditions and broadcasting applications. the 5-position bass control enhances its "all-round" qualities. features: rugged professional microphone 5-position bass roll-off switch. effective feedback rejection. clear sound reproduction. easy handling due to pronounced directivity. includes microphone clamp for 3/8" thread.

The rode nt5 is a small diaphragm microphone featuring full frequency response and low-noise output circuitry. designed for general instrument recording and sound reinforcement. the cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes audio at the off-axis sections, reducing noise caused by leakage, monitors, additional instruments, etc. the nt5 offers a frequency response of 20 hz to 20 khz allowing the microphones to be used in a wide variety of applications such as drum overhead miking, stereo capturing of instruments, vocal capturing, etc. the nt5 is powered via +24v or +48v phantom power. the package includes a windscreen, mic clip, and padded zip pouch.

The aston origin is a high-performance cardioid condenser microphone utilizing a one inch (1) gold evaporated capsule. it is versatile enough to use with most instruments and excels on acoustic guitar and vocals. its hand-selected capsule is teamed with high-end transformer-less circuitry using only the best components. the origin is designed to deliver direct, smooth and intimate sound for a natural and transparent recording.

The akg c 414 xl ii condenser microphone is the successor to the famous akg c 414 b-tl ii mic. the akg c 414 xl ii mic shows the unique sonic signature of the highly sought after akg c 12 which enables lead vocals and solo instruments to be placed even in a dense mix. the unrivaled up-front sound is also well-known for distant miking applications like classic music recording or drum ambience miking. the xl ii mic version differs from the xls version in one major respectthe capsule. both the slight presence boost and the impressive spatial reproduction is similar to the legendary akg c 12 microphones. the akg c 414 xl ii offers 9 pickup patterns for you to choose the perfect setting for every application. for live-sound applications and permanent installations, all controls can be disabled easily enabling trouble-free use. a peak-hold led displays even shortest overload peaks. akg ships the c 414 xl ii microphone complete with carrying case, pop filter, windscreen, and a spider-type shock mount. for over 60 years, leading musicians and engineers have used legendary akg microphones to capture their sound so their audience hears every nuance. the c 414 family has been one of the world's most widely-used and respected studio and stage microphones in audio history. akg has continually set new benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications, and ease of use to answer requests from ever-demanding recording studios, broadcast stations, and audio engineers. – 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/-18d – b) for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158d – b splthree 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

The rugged workhorse with a practical shape. the super-cardioid e 609 silver instrument microphone has been specially developed for miking guitar cabs face on and extremely close to the signal source.

Beyerdynamic m160 hypercardioid ribbon microphone the beyerdynamic m160 is a hyper-cardioid dynamic ribbon microphone that effectively suppresses lateral sound and noise. the m160 is an ideal microphone for studio and live applications, where focused pick up is necessary. the m160 features a frequency response of 40hz to 18khz with a noise cancellation 25db at 110 degrees. the result is a high quality directional studio microphone ideal for recording string instruments, pianos and over-heads on drum kits. the m160 is also suitable for broadcast television and film studios, violin, viola, cello, zither, dulcimer also ideally suited for upright and grand pianos and hi-hats on drum kits. dual ribbon element the m160 features a dual ribbon element at two-thousandths of a millimeter thick, arranged one above the other just half a millimeter apart. the result is output quality and frequency response suitable for stringed instruments, piano, zithers and dulcimers. hyper-cardioid pattern the hyper-cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes reflective off-axis signal, reducing ambient noise and effectively captures instruments when recording.

Nt1 large-diaphragm condenser microphone delivers superb detail and warmth, and extremely low self-noise (just 4.5dba). ai-1 features an ultra-low-noise xlr input and a discreet, high-power headphone amplifier for studio-quality recording, monitoring and mixdown. the neutrik combi-jack input facilitates the connection of microphones, guitars, synthesisers and other instruments for ultimate flexibility. includes the studio-grade sm6 shock mount and pop filter, and an xlr cable so you can get recording right away. ableton live lite free with every purchase.