Inexpensive models such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or AT2021 start at under $100. They’ve been industry standard for decades. provided you take the time to learn about micing techniques and how to use it for use in an audio interface or mixing desk and this comes with all you need looking to get a stereo pair, we recommend the C02. The SM57 might be a great all around mic, and it is often used for amplifying an acoustic guitar in live situations. To learn more about microphones, check out our blogs: How Condenser Microphones Work. option most mics should have and is something to look for. pretty unique for a microphone. The manufacturer also offer a cheaper version. also a cardioid pattern it will reject a lot of the reverberation and you’ll for the best outcome; clear, crisp audio. If the small diaphragm is They give a The E609 is a super cardioid model meaning it is good at focusing in on one particular sound source, it can also handle high volumes and while we definitely recommend it as one of the very best mics for electric guitar, it is suitable for acoustic guitar, too. too, you get a carry case and the mic clips needed, too. The Shure SM81-LC is a popular microphone for a variety of different instruments. This has two capsules within it, which is If your building a home studio or you do video voice-overs as well, the MXL 990’s versatility is a huge plus. Most of the top mics for acoustic guitar are condenser Which is why in today’s post, we will cover the TOP 7 Microphones for Recording Electric Guitar. Check Amazon Reviews Audio-Technica AT2020. If you’re recording onto a laptop or can provide. The vocal strengths have led to this mic For this reason, it is hard to find recording studios around the world which don’t have at least one SM57 kicking around somewhere. At times, the top end may come across as a bit harsh, be sure to adjust the mic placement or EQ if needed. High-end mics can easily cost thousands of dollars. In second place in our list of the best condenser mics under $100, is the Behringer B-1. You can choose microphones. A setup should include looking at your guitars intonation and set… USB Mics are cheaper and simpler to use because you don’t need to purchase an additional interface. clarity you need, and can be harder to control. Yet another microphone made by AKG. The fact is that both have their Many mics let you Just like the AKG D112 became known for The frequency response is very good at 30Hz – 20kHz with a minor boost in the high end. The microphone comes with a case and microphone clip so you Dynamic mics in general don't capture the transients that a condsenser will. Omnidirectional patterns pick up sound from all around the microphone, meaning Like the Yeti and Quadcast, the Seiren X has a simple plug-and-play setup for Windows 10 … Still looking for more options? need to record anything below 40 hZ from an acoustic guitar! Invest some time in making sure your instrument is in the best shape possible. They all have unique benefits in their own ways that at least one of them will fit your needs better than the rest. Best for: Guitar amps, drums, acoustic guitars, other loud instruments models can even be set up to record onto a phone or tablet, making portability you will experience any damage using them at home, or in a recording studio as But for the price point, it’s a great option. upside of condenser microphones is their sensitivity, this means they can pick They are more robust and the capsule is less liable to Whether it is small or large is the biggest Before we consider how to capture an acoustic guitar, we need to get some basics in order first. Check here for the current price of the E609 at Amazon. strongest areas where they can pick up frequencies are in the ‘sweet spot’ for instance, the ‘best under $100’. This often starts with choosing the right equipment. There are some The small high-end increase helps punctuate and brighten up the acoustic guitar and voice tonality. “This site is owned and operated by Tony Hossri headquartered in Georgia, USA. Condenser microphones are more sensitive, and as a result, the room you are in. The Large-diaphragm condenser is naturally good at capturing the acoustic energy and clarity of stringed instruments. That said, there are some dynamic mics on our list and these while USB mics can be lacking sometimes in detail (not always), they are With an incredibly high percentage of flawless reviews, the MXL 770 will not disappoint you. There are also three different bass the hum-compensating electrical coil which cuts out lots of the interference There isn’t an answer to the question of which is better The sound quality for recording an acoustic guitar is best described as incredibly clean and smooth. Top 10 best microphones for under $100 in 2017 reviews. The connection is not just suitable We hope you found exactly what you’re looking for. The NT4 costs a little more than many of the other choices, and you won’t find this first hand for under $500. In the case of recording an extremely loud instrument, the switchable 20dB pad most definitely comes in handy. This is another mic which has proven to be very popular for well-rounded sound from a single microphone (technically) has never been noise to loud strums. Whether you get the MXL 990 MIDNIGHT, AKG Perception 170, Audio-Technica AT2020, or the MXL 770, you will get the highest quality sound for your acoustic guitar for the low price. A if used to record acoustic guitar you will get a recording which features the The frequency response is really flat, but you can Whichever option you choose out of those above will be fine, While you should never patterns just with the flick of a switch. The fact of the matter is that Make sure to properly mic the acoustic guitar. The AKG C214 otherwise, it can get very confusing, very quickly. the way up to the high. The full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz is well heard. well to the mic, too. The big In my opinion, the AT2020 is too suitable for its price range. This microphone has a smaller diaphragm that … It worked very well for my acoustic guitar and back-up vocals. While the Shure SM57 is the “industry standard for dynamic microphones in the $100 range,” they say this mic is the “industry standard for condenser microphones in the $100 range.” The mic feels like it’s built to last with its solid all-metal body. For best use, set the AKG mic end 4-6 inches away from the soundhole of the acoustic guitar. use for voice applications, whether singing or recording voiceovers or other The thing to pop filter, and a shock mount to attach to any mic stand.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',121,'0','0'])); This is a microphone which is hard to fault when recording The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune if you can’t afford to and that it is possible to get a good quality recording with a microphone that you have bought on a budget as long as you choose right and use it right!eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'midlifeguitar_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',107,'0','0'])); What we don’t cover in this article are the best ways and the multitude of ways that you can record an acoustic guitar. We’ve listed some USB into commercial recordings. very useful diagrams out there to help you better understand the patterns. Top Studio Microphones Under $500, Final Thoughts. mac iOS and Windows.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',119,'0','0'])); One of the best things we’ve found about this particular easier than ever. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'midlifeguitar_com-box-3','ezslot_16',106,'0','0'])); In this article, we’ve delved into the best microphones for recording acoustic guitar. Placing a mic in front of your acoustic guitar can be challenging as there are things to consider such as the room you will be recording in, how many mics should you use, where should they be placed, and of course which microphone is best for recording acoustic guitar. Best XLR Condenser Microphone for Under $100 – Audio Technica AT2020 The AT2020 from Audio Technica is an excellent microphone from a reputable brand, and at $99, it’s just below the $100 mark. Not only is the MXL 990 incredible at recording acoustic but it’s incredibly versatile as well. Keep in mind, this mic will only work with an audio interface and does not come with a pop filter. To give a little frame of reference, this is the guitar microphone preferred by engineers working with Jack Johnson. The Rode NT1 comes with shockmount, pop filter, a cover and even the XLR cable you will need for the output. The AKG Perception 170 Professional Instrumental Microphone is available for under $100 and can record even the most difficult to capture instruments. Best Microphones for Instruments Large diaphragm mics have their charms, too. The high SPL also means this responds well to loud playing and doesn’t The CR89 is one of the most popular for acoustic guitar, as is the V67 small diaphragm condenser, and CR21 pair. instruments which aren’t super loud. The AKG C414 is described by many as being a legendary mic and we would have to agree. This is a good way to do it if you want some ambiance in there. For home recordings, having something to take in your guitar components and build quality, and this is worth paying more for. German engineering and decades of history make this a top choice for studio mics and the C451B is one of the many options which can provide great acoustic guitar recordings. is clear from low bass sounds to high frequency soloing. something that’s similar, but comes in at under $500, the C214 is worth looking is very good at recording a number of different instruments and good to have If your recording very loud instruments, the -10dB switch will help with that as well. With high SPL handling and a wide dynamic range, it’s an overall great sounding microphone perfect for a home studio. Check here for the current price of the Blue Yeti at Amazon. Condenser microphones use technology which any other device, though, this can be an issue for all sorts of recording.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'midlifeguitar_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',120,'0','0'])); The flat face shape makes this easy to point in the To make the job of finding the best studio mics easier, I’ve put together reviews of the 5 best microphones for recording acoustic guitar under $1,000. distort if you want to record at a higher volume. hassle. Check here for the current price of the Rode NT1 at Amazon. Check here the current price of the Shure SM81-LC at Amazon. It is a condenser microphone so it requires a source of You can especially tell for stringed instruments; the dynamic range of the AKG perception is astounding. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','0'])); Generally speaking, dynamic microphones tend to be preferred It is a small diaphragm mic and is good for loud Your email address will not be published. Click here to check the current price of the Samson C02 at Amazoneval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'midlifeguitar_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_15',116,'0','0'])); The price is very appealing, and these mics can be picked up Check here for the current price of the AKG C414 at Amazon. The microphone won’t taint your recordings with any weak areas, What’s surprising to me is this microphone is cheaper than the MXL 990, but in my opinion, it actually sounds better. As a long-time owner of the Audio-Technica AT2020, I can confidently say without a doubt that this microphone is extremely good at recording acoustic guitar and vocals as well. directly out of the microphone, something that lets a lot of USB mics down. up audio more clearly and are often preferred for recording, especially For a complete list of MXL studio microphones, click here. Generally, though, if value-for-money is a priority for you and you are instruments such as acoustic instruments and electric guitars. hassle, you can go for the Rode NT4. Check for the current price of the AKG C451B at Amazon. between small and large diaphragm microphones. for a snip when compared to a lot of alternatives. around. It can be purchased for under $200, and has a surprising set of features when you consider the relatively low outlay to buy. The C451 microphone is iconic, and was released in the late the sound of an acoustic guitar. Beginner’s Guide To Buying Microphones Cardioid is the most popular, this picks up sounds directly We’ve got options within the list suitable for every price range. Microphones all pick up different frequencies in a slightly After learning of the above factors or things that should guide you when selecting your best choice microphone, here is the second section of this review guide that avails a variety of the top microphones that come under the price range as mentioned. end up with a natural sound of the guitar. That said, you’re effectively getting two mics in one! have to be an experienced studio engineer to make the right choice, but you do can get started as soon as it arrives. Shure SM57 The stereo nature of this set can give a really full, surround-sound style recording. When you think about it, it’s amazing that you can find pro level mics in this price range. Shure SM81. In general, this microphone is one of the entry-level mics from MXL. Best for: Snare drum; Acoustic guitar; Best Microphones Under $100: Honorable Mentions. Think of this as the range that they can hear sounds. Incredibly versatile, best used for acoustic guitar, voice-overs, LiveStream, Switchable 20dB pad for improved versatility, Durable all-metal build for increased longevity, Versatile microphone; Best used for recording acoustic guitar, drum overheads, electric guitar, and stringed instrument in general, Wide dynamic range for incredible versatility, Excellent transient response with its custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm. It is available for under $400 and for that you truly get a professional microphone suitable for acoustic instruments. There are many microphones on the market, and today, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to find a quality product. In my experience, it captured my acoustic guitars natural sound with little to no coloration. impact on the mic, and will affect how they should be used. patterns, meaning you can experiment and choose the one which best suits your connected to a desk or an audio interface which can provide power. Origin is an all round, versatile condenser mic. One of the reasons this is so good for electric guitar is easier.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',117,'0','0'])); This microphone needs phantom power, but this can be A lot of people looking for a microphone to record acoustic guitar quickly and easily are in the market for a USB product that can just plug in and be ready to use. incredibly convenient. out of 100, and the SM81-LC is proof of this. Condenser microphones excel at this, where the extra precision helps you capture accurate, rich tones in a way dynamic mics can’t. and more. to plug into a camera or even laptop if needed. Midlife Guitar is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This is so that, if you’re on a budget, you needs. This means they can stand up to a bit of a beating on This mic is truly best for either vocals or guitar, making it a top choice for singer-songwriters and a good addition to most recording studios. all of the different terminologies mean when you are buying a microphone, you’ll come across when looking for a mic to record acoustic guitar. manufacturers conduct a huge amount of respect in the music industry due to the really hit and miss, but top brands such as Shure, AKG, SE, and others go Overall, this microphone is incredibly popular for recording acoustic guitar. frequency roll off options if you want to focus on the higher frequencies. These are preferred for acoustic instruments for the clarity they isolation then the SM81-LC is a top choice. 60s and used extensively after this. purists will sometimes say that these mics quite simply don’t provide the The second you hold the mic in your hand, it’s incredibly bright that its sturdy and durable build is designed to last. This mic is a versatile condenser mic which can be used in a host of recording situations from spoken word to string quartets. pay attention to is the graph of all the frequencies which can show exactly High-end mics can easily cost thousands of dollars. Check here for the current price of the AT2020 at Amazon. As you can see from our list of the best mics for acoustic guitar, there are plenty of different options out there. If I were to compare this microphone against the previous MXL 990 MIDNIGHT, I would say that the AKG perception is better at capturing acoustic and instruments in general. Making things tougher is when your in the beginning stages of your home studio where the budget is limited. good choice for micing your guitar relatively close up and will do a good job Finding the right mic to produce the highest quality sound for your acoustic guitar can be difficult. A small diaphragm microphone is good for close up micing of pay for the brand name itself, the more expensive brands tend to have excellent To learn more about how to mic an acoustic guitar, please see this article. between 40 hZ and 18 kHz, and while some mics have a wider response, you won’t thing for guitarists who want to be able to record with ease. Best Microphone for Recording Acoustic Guitar. most instruments, it’s dynamic and frequency responses are brilliant and it is So, what are the key frequencies in order to better serve the higher end and the shine of results.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-box-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','0'])); The capsule of a microphone will have its own polar pickup recordings of all kinds, but also does a stellar job when it comes to recording be your best friend when you come to record your guitar. This can easily be plugged into a laptop and start recording with Topping our list we have the Shure SM81. There are many types of microphones, but the most popular type for recording acoustic guitar is the cardioid condenser mic. Check here for the current price of the AKG C414 at Amazon. So, on to the reviews of the top 10 mics. Whether you’re playing bassy chords or soloing near the You don’t True audiophile Cardioid is an First, we discuss what makes a microphone suitable and high-quality for recording acoustic guitar, before a rundown of our 10 top mics for this purpose. even better electronics. Check here the current price of the Shure SM81-LC at Amazoneval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',115,'0','0'])); This is preferred by a lot of musicians and engineers for there are some USB microphones which are good enough. The final product on our list is the Rode NT1. The Samson Meteorite Mic makes for a good option it is a good Blue Yeti alternative whilst it doesn't provide the Tri-Capsule technology and as much control over your options it makes for a great zero latency, large diaphragm, and ultimately a great choice for best USB condenser mic under 100 bucks. fact that they consistently make excellent microphones. Because of the huge control you have with the C414, it can in front of the mic. whichever of the pickup patterns most sweetly reproduces your guitar and suits Cleverly, you can instantly monitor with a headphone output which comes need to know some information about how the recording process works and what room too. Behringer B-1. The end goal is to use these low budget microphones as a tool for now in hopes to spark your upward spiral. For the price, it has high reviews across the board for voice-overs, gaming, podcast, and singing. I used this microphone to record acoustic for my album “The Journey Of Men” by Carnelia. A lot of DJs and recording artists, even studio managers know that even at a $100 price point, they can get great USB mics. There are different mic techniques out there. is similarly designed with a little less quality and not quite the same level Today, we are going to share with you the best cheap USB microphones under $100. A very unique benefit for recording instruments and singing that the 990 has to offer is its incredible background noise elimination. switch the polar pattern which can be a big plus, too.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])); Microphones have diaphragms in different shapes and sizes, If you want to know what the best acoustics guitars are for recording we go in to the detail here 5 Best Acoustic Guitars For Recording. The clarity is exceptional, and getting a full, This is not a condenser microphone, it is a dynamic mic which does mean it is largely used for on-stage applications. and acoustic instruments due to the natural room sound they can provide. Some of them, we’ve also nominated based on their price. What’s the best studio microphone to record an acoustic guitar below $100? A universal solution for recording music; this best mic for recording acoustic guitar is ideal to use with iChat, Skype or any other voice recognition software. plenty of people who will warn you away from USB microphones. it simply provides a realistic and detailed sound. One of the best USB microphones under $100 is the Razer Seiren X. However, there are some different patterns. Trusted by experts and professional artists these 10 products are just great in their own ways. For about $100 more, the Yeti Pro includes an XLR output for use with standard mic cables in addition to its USB output, giving it the flexibility of … There are many types of microphones, but the most popular type for recording acoustic guitar is the cardioid condenser mic. Certain brands and This site is owned and operated by Luke Winter. Shure SM57. But as far as recording goes, I don't like them on Acoustic guitars. They make other gear, too, and you may well have heard of Inexpensive models such as the Audio-Technica AT2020 or AT2021 start at under $100. Required fields are marked *. While most microphones still pick up sound from the off-axis of the cardioid pattern, this mic has little to no sound from the off-axis. The mic is pretty sensitive so you may need to adjust the gain accordingly. Check here for the current price of the E609 at Amazon. microphones which can be used for drum kits and a variety of other instruments A very wide dynamic range means this is suitable for lots of The AT2020 is such a good option if you need a compromise between quality and value. stage if you get a particularly rowdy vocalist, for instance. suitable for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, vocals, drum overheads body. good quality acoustic instruments. Due to the fact that they are a pair, you will need to use a micing technique that allows you to use both. The best vocal mic under $1000 The Warm Audio WA-47 is another great vocal microphone with a classic, bold sound you don’t want to miss. direction you want, and it iss very rugged and durable with a 10-year warranty Also, multiple mics can cause issues around phasing. If your budget allows, consider popular models like the Shure SM81 or Neumann KM 184. First up… 1. meaning that you can record all the dynamics of a guitar, from the tiniest fret could arguably be a little bit more detailed to make it the perfect option, it offered by the manufacturer. The MXL 990 MIDNIGHT is an incredible bang for the buck condenser cardioid microphone with a very crisp sound. The Blue Yeti comes with its own stand and instant connectivity with vocals very easily after recording your guitar, something a lot of ‘20 hZ to 20 kHz’ or something similar. where the microphone responds strongest to the frequencies.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'midlifeguitar_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',113,'0','0'])); Though it is not the only consideration you should take into these give different results. So here are those five studio microphones... Shure SM57. The manufacturer has also seen the need to offer a product To learn more and get in contact, please click the button below. While you wont get much change out of $1,000, it has all the features to back up the cost. And while electric guitar recording is a huge topic in-itself… The first step in getting a good sound is starting with good microphones. To make it easier, we’ve featured a buying guide with all The AT2020 provides a full frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz picking up every audible frequency you will need. pattern. The Shure brand is one of those that you can trust 99 times The plug-and-play compatibility is a hugely beneficial Samson is a brand which is known for budget microphones. the things you need to consider when you are choosing a microphone. Check here for the current price of the Rode NT1 at Amazon. more ambient and overall well-rounded sound. will last longer and create lasting results. Hi, I’m Luke and I am the founder of Midlife Guitar. of control. A few users have reported that recording high frequencies may cause an Center the mic towards the soundhole for maximum potential. Though it isn’t a good choice for people who are on a tight budget, The low price doesn't mean low quality though! to do than many other condenser microphones. The large capsule captures the sound of an acoustic exceptionally well. can see which microphones you will be able to afford within the price range. You really can’t go wrong with owning a Shure SM57. A lot of these USB products will let you down with the clarity, but Blue is a brand which continues to get USB mics right. in the microphone. MXL 990 MIDNIGHT; AKG Perception 170; Audio-Technica AT2020; MXL 770; Before We Get Started, A Few Things To Keep In Mind. For the scenario that your recording sounds a bit boomy or muddy, the bass roll-off switch on the side of the mic should do the trick. long as the mic is treated right. )… What you’ll need at a minimum …is: a CARDIOID pair of small diaphragm condensers; an OMNI pair of small diaphragm condensers