Best Mics For Acoustic Guitar

Recording an acoustic guitar is an art form. The instrument’s rich, natural resonance—its shimmering highs, warm mids, and subtle lows—deserves a microphone that can capture every nuance with clarity and fidelity. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter laying down demos in a home studio, a producer working on a polished album, or a live performer needing reliable sound reinforcement, choosing the right microphone is critical. But with so many options on the market, how do you decide? In this guide, we’ll explore the best mics for acoustic guitar, breaking down their features, use cases, and why they stand out. Let’s get started!

Why Microphone Choice Matters for Acoustic Guitar

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why the microphone you choose is so important. Acoustic guitars produce a complex sound. The body shape, wood type, string gauge, and playing style all contribute to a unique tonal fingerprint. A great mic doesn’t just “hear” the sound—it translates it into a recording or live mix with accuracy and character.

There are a few key factors to consider when picking a mic for acoustic guitar:

• Polar Pattern: Most acoustic guitar mics are cardioid (directional), which helps isolate the guitar’s sound and reduce room noise. Omnidirectional mics can work too, especially for capturing room ambiance.
• Frequency Response: You want a mic that emphasizes the guitar’s natural range—typically 80 Hz to 15 kHz—without overhyping harsh frequencies.
• Diaphragm Size: Small-diaphragm condensers are prized for their detail and transient response, while large-diaphragm mics add warmth and presence.
• Budget: High-end mics can cost thousands, but there are stellar options at every price point.

Top Picks for Acoustic Guitar Microphones

1. Shure SM81 – The Industry Standard Small-Diaphragm Condenser

The Shure SM81 is a workhorse in studios worldwide. Its flat frequency response and crisp transient capture make it a go-to for acoustic guitar. With a switchable low-cut filter and a 10 dB pad, it’s versatile enough for loud strummers or delicate fingerpicking.

• Price: ~$399
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: Studio recording, live sound reinforcement
• Sound Profile: Clean, neutral, and detailed—perfect if you want the guitar’s true voice to shine without coloration.

The SM81’s durability and reliability have made it a staple for decades. Place it about 6-12 inches from the 12th fret, angled slightly toward the soundhole, and you’ll get a balanced tone that sits beautifully in a mix. Pair it with a good preamp, and you’ve got a recording that’s ready for mastering.

2. Neumann KM 184 – The Premium Small-Diaphragm Choice

 Neumann is synonymous with quality, and the KM 184 delivers pristine clarity and a slight high-end lift that flatters acoustic guitars. It’s dead quiet (low self-noise) and handles transients like a dream.

• Price: ~$849
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: Professional studios, high-end home setups
• Sound Profile: Transparent with a touch of sparkle—ideal for capturing every string vibration.

The KM 184 is a step up in price and performance from the SM81. Its ability to reproduce the guitar’s natural resonance makes it a favorite for classical, folk, and fingerstyle players. Position it near the neck joint for a bright, articulate sound, or closer to the bridge for more body. If your budget allows, this mic is an investment in sonic excellence.

3. Audio-Technica AT2021 – The Budget-Friendly Gem

Don’t let the price fool you—the AT2021 punches above its weight. It’s crisp, clear, and surprisingly detailed, making it a fantastic entry-level option for home studios.

• Price: ~$129
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: Beginners, budget-conscious musicians
• Sound Profile: Bright and focused, with a slight emphasis on upper mids.

For under $150, the AT2021 offers remarkable value. It’s not as refined as pricier mics, but it captures the essence of an acoustic guitar with minimal fuss. Point it at the guitar’s sweet spot (around the 12th fret), and you’ll get a usable tone for demos or even small releases. It’s also lightweight and portable, a bonus for gigging musicians.

4. AKG C414 XLS – The Versatile Large-Diaphragm Powerhouse

The C414 XLS is a Swiss Army knife of microphones. With nine polar patterns, a wide dynamic range, and a lush, warm sound, it’s perfect for acoustic guitar—especially in stereo setups or when paired with vocals.

• Price: ~$1,279
• Type: Large-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Multiple (switchable: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, etc.)
• Best For: Multi-instrumentalists, pro studios
• Sound Profile: Rich and full, with a smooth top end.

The C414’s large diaphragm adds a touch of heft to the guitar’s lower mids, making it ideal for singer-songwriters who want a mic that doubles for vocals. Use it in cardioid mode about 8-10 inches from the guitar, and experiment with its pad and filter switches to tame boomy soundholes. It’s pricey, but its versatility justifies the cost.

5. Rode NT5 – The Affordable Stereo Pair

The Rode NT5 is a budget-friendly small-diaphragm mic that excels in stereo recording. Sold as a matched pair, it’s perfect for capturing the width and depth of an acoustic guitar.

• Price: ~$219 (single), ~$429 (matched pair)
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: Stereo recording, home studios
• Sound Profile: Clear and natural, with a slight high-end boost.

For a spacious, three-dimensional sound, set up two NT5s in an XY or ORTF configuration—one near the neck, one near the body. The result is a lifelike recording that highlights the guitar’s stereo image. At this price, it’s hard to beat for hobbyists or pros on a budget.

6. Sennheiser MKH 40 – The Audiophile’s Dream

 The MKH 40 is a hidden gem in Sennheiser’s lineup. Its RF condenser design delivers ultra-low noise and exceptional detail, making it a favorite for acoustic instruments.

• Price: ~$1,200
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: High-fidelity recordings, classical guitar
• Sound Profile: Uncolored and precise, with a silky top end.

This mic is a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it for purists. It captures the guitar’s dynamics with surgical precision, from the softest fingerpicking to aggressive strums. Its off-axis rejection is also top-notch, minimizing room bleed. If you’re chasing perfection, the MKH 40 is a contender.

7. Lewitt LCT 140 AIR – The Modern Innovator

The LCT 140 AIR offers a unique “Air” switch that adds a subtle high-frequency boost, giving acoustic guitars a polished, radio-ready sheen. It’s affordable, compact, and sounds fantastic.

• Price: ~$149
• Type: Small-diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Best For: Modern producers, home studios
• Sound Profile: Clean with an optional airy lift.

Lewitt’s innovative design makes this mic a standout. The “Flat” mode is neutral and accurate, while “Air” enhances the sparkle of steel strings. It’s a great choice for contemporary acoustic pop or folk tracks. Plus, at this price, it’s a steal for the quality.

Budget vs. High-End: What’s Right for You?

• Under $200: Mics like the AT2021 and Lewitt LCT 140 AIR offer excellent quality for beginners or casual recordists.
• $200-$500: The Shure SM81 and Rode NT5 strike a balance between affordability and pro-level performance.
• $500+: High-end options like the Neumann KM 184, AKG C414, and Sennheiser MKH 40 are for serious studios or audiophiles.

Your choice depends on your goals. A bedroom producer might not need a $1,200 mic, but a professional engineer might see it as a career investment.

The Bottom Line

The “best” mic for acoustic guitar isn’t universal—it’s the one that matches your sound, setup, and budget. The Shure SM81 is a safe bet for its reliability, while the Neumann KM 184 offers luxury-grade detail. On a budget? The Audio-Technica AT2021 or Rode NT5 won’t disappoint. For versatility, the AKG C414 is unmatched.

Ultimately, the magic happens when you pair a great mic with good technique and a quality instrument. So grab your guitar, set up your mic, and start recording—your perfect tone is waiting to be captured.