How to Choose a Microphone for Guitar Recording?

If you have your own guitar, you can record tunes. But this will require various technical devices. Most often, special microphones are used. They have special technical characteristics. Today we will get acquainted with the characteristics of these devices, and also talk about how they should be selected.

Guitar microphones for recording will delight listeners with crystal clear and beautiful sound. Devices of this type can be selected for any guitars (classical, acoustic, electro-acoustic).

There are a wide variety of guitar mics currently available from manufacturers for recording. They may differ from each other depending on the type of construction.

• Condensing. These models consist of movable pads and a mesh metal membrane, which is loaded with polarized voltage, and this whole structure forms a special kind of capacitor. In this case, its capacity will change due to the vibrations of the membrane. Condenser models are distinguished by high sensitivity, they will accurately record even the quietest melodies. It is these varieties that are most often used in recording studios.

• Dynamic. These microphone models are much easier to assemble than the previous version. In addition, they are much less expensive. Such devices consist of a thin, but rather flexible membrane and a coil, which is located in a strong magnetic field generated by a magnet.

Today, a variety of microphone models are produced for recording guitar melodies. Let's get acquainted with the most popular samples.

• Shure SM81. This musical instrument is considered one of the best, it is used for recording acoustic guitar. It has a cardioid pattern, but at the same time the frequency range on the sides is absolutely uniform, so the color of the sound will be minimal. The sample has a three-position bass decay, making it easy to compensate for the effect of recording too close.

• AKG Perception 170. This recording equipment is a condenser type. Its design is of a stationary type. The directionality of the diagram is cardioid. The body of the product is made of processed metals. The total weight of the device is only 130 grams. This guitar microphone has phantom power.

• Shure KSM141. This recording microphone is also a condenser type with a fixed structure. The model has a special switchable diagram. The body is made of metal with a protective coating. The total weight of the product is 156 grams. In one set with the device itself, there are also some other additional accessories, including a holder for it, a special wind shield and a small convenient case for storage and safe transportation.

• Rode NT2A. This condenser guitar microphone features a stationary design. Directional patterns can be of the following types: circular, cardioid, bidirectional and switchable. This musical device can be used as both an instrumental and a vocal device. The total weight of the equipment reaches 860 grams. The model has phantom power.

• Studio Projects B3. This condenser-style guitar studio microphone features a cardioid pattern. This sample has phantom power, its main part is made of metal with a special protective coating.

• Rode NT4. This capacitor type guitar can be used as a vocal or instrument recording device. The model can be powered by phantom or batteries. There is a convenient charge indicator on the body of the device. The sample has a cardioid pattern. The total weight of the product is 480 grams.

• Blue Microphones Yeti Pro. This guitar microphone also features a cardioid pattern. His food is phantom. The total weight of the product reaches 550 grams. The directionality of the equipment itself can be unidirectional, bidirectional and omnidirectional. The sample has many additional options, including it has the ability to record stereo, self-adjust the sensitivity level, adjust the volume of the headphones. The device has phantom power. One set along with such a technical device also includes a special detachable cable.

• Shure SM57. This model is a classic dynamic microphone that has a narrow cardioid pattern. The device can pick up even the loudest sounds. It is perfect for dark sounding microphones. This model is most often used for classical guitars.

• Royer R-121. This recording ribbon microphone is also a dynamic type. The sound of the device will be light and warm. It was produced with the highest sound pressure level. The sample will be ideal for classrooms.

• Sennheiser MD421. This model of guitar microphone is equipped with a 5-position bass reduction switch, which allows you to eliminate the effect of proximity, if necessary. The microphone is capable of picking up even the highest sound pressure levels, giving it the fullest, roundest sound. The model works well with other microphones.

• Audix i5. This general purpose model also applies to dynamic varieties. It has a cardioid pattern. Like the previous version, it can be perfectly combined with other models of guitar mics.

• Audix D6. This microphone is used for bass guitars. It has a lightweight diaphragm that produces punchy, loud sound. The sample has a special level of frequency set.

Before purchasing a recording microphone for guitar playing, there are some important selection criteria to consider. So remember that different models of such musical instruments may be designed only for certain types of string products (for acoustic, classical model with nylon strings, for bass guitar).

When choosing, be sure to look at the type of the device itself. So, capacitor versions should be purchased when you need to record quiet melodies. They are most often purchased for high-quality studio recording of melodies. If you need a device for loud live sound, then it is better to give preference to the dynamic varieties.