Playing acoustic guitar is really so popular today and one of the reason is it’s actually easy to get started with. All you need is just a guitar and of, course the zeal to learn.

Moving on to the next step where you want to record yourself or a live performance. Yes, there are built-in options in your guitars only to switch on the live/recording and start it directly but is it a good decision? No, it’s not as it will also capture the internal instrument sound too.

So to record yourself, a microphone is the best option to go with. Using the microphone neglect all the noise, the sound inside the instrument body, and you will only hear what you actually want to. But again here’s a problem you literally has to think a lot or I must say it could be a struggle to choose the best one when you don’t know much about the mics.

7 Best Mic for Recording Acoustic Guitar (2022 Reviews)

Here are our top picks based on all the factors that should be considered before buying a microphone to record acoustic guitar reviewed in 2022. You’ll get all the basic details including the specifications, the pros, the cons, everything, and I just hope this quick guide will give you a good mic.

1. Shure SM81-LC
2. Rode NT1KIT Cardioid Condenser Microphone
3. AKG Pro Audio P420
4. Shure SM-57
5. Shure Beta 58A Vocal Microphone
6. Audio-Technia AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic
7. MXL-770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

1.Shure SM81-LC

Shure SM81-LC is available on Amazon at a price value of $350 with the frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. For any guitarist, Shure SM81-LC is a must to have. As per our conducted survey, there won’t be a single professional recording studio without at least 1 Shure SM81-LC.

Shure is the brand known in the industry for a very long time. The brand is popular to launch the legendary products in the market. If you’re thinking to have a mic to record acoustic guitar, this is the one to go with without giving it a second thought.

Shure SM81-LC is not expensive at all and this is the reason many people takes its quality for granted but to be very honest this is not the case. The performance, the quality, the efficiency, the effectiveness, the crystal-clear sound you’re getting at this price is worth going for.

You literally get the high-end Neumann mics quality with Shure SM81-LC at only $350. And, just an advice if you want the same exact recordings as that like the professional studio recordings, just buy a pair of this Shure SM81-LC and you’re done.

The microphone offers you a small diaphragm condenser that is actually responsible for clarity, noise rejection, and capturing each tone. One more thing to be mentioned here is that it’s not just perfect for acoustic guitars rather Shure SM81-LC is also the best for the loudest sources such as guitar amps and drums.

The way Shure SM81-LC is designed i.e. its small pencil-style shaped enables it to get fit in any kind of studio setting.

Key Specifications-

• Type: Condenser
• Diaphragm Size: Small
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 136dB
• Impedance: 150 Ohms

2.Rode NT1KIT Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Rode NT1KIT Cardioid Condenser Microphone is ranked on 2nd on our list and is available on Amazon at a price value of $270 with 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. Rode NT1KIT is considered as the most happening mic to record acoustic guitar.

In this price range, this mic is actually the best to be picked especially for the beginners. The quality that Rode NT1KIT is providing at such an affordable price is remarkable.

Honestly, the device is offering twice the quality as of its price. The brand is known in the industry cause of its quality assurance. No matter what but Rode never compromise with its quality. Quality and Customer Satisfaction is always the priority.

Rode NT1KIT includes a shock mount, a cover, and a pop filter in its kit. Also, with this microphone you don’t need buy an extra cable as the package offers you an XLR cable.

As the diaphragm size of the mic is pretty large it is perfect for the loud sources too and of, course it can easily capture all the nuances of the acoustic guitar. One more thing, with large diaphragm and cardioid polar pattern comes the ability to capture more noises but not to worry most of that can be rejected using the noise rejection feature.

Also, Rode NT1KIT is considered as the quiet mic with a self-noise functionality of 4.5dBA. Not only the acoustic guitars but also this mic records the vocals so it’s ideal for singers as well as the lyricists. For a home studio setup, this mic is the best to get to your bucket.

Without compromising with the recording quality, Rode NT1KIT is the value for money. With this mic you get the high dynamic range, low self-noise, and all other accessories required.

Key Specifications-

• Type: Condenser
• Diaphragm Size: Large
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 132dB
• Impedance: 1o0 Ohms

3.AKG Pro Audio P420

AKG Pro Audio P420 is available on Amazon at just $200. The mic has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. Unlike the two other mics listed above, AKG Pro Audio’s polar pattern is multipattern.

The microphone comes with the dual diaphragm and this enables the user to choose the polar pattern of the device that can either set to cardioid, omnidirectional, or Figure-8.

Since it’s a large diaphragm mic that makes it suitable for the louder sources but at the same time it will capture more noises as well. To overcome these noises, the mic has a bass-cut filter for noise removal. Also, AKG Pro Audio P420 has a shock mount, metal carrying case, and -20dB pad switch.

AKG is the well popular brand in the industry and getting such an amazing mic with the mind blowing features in just a small range is no exception. In just $200 it’s actually impossible to find such a mic with high-end features.

With the pad switch you can switch in between different patterns and hence not only the acoustic guitar but also you can record other sounds. The sound quality of the mic is commendable and no matter if you’re even recording in a high frequency you’ll get that crisp and flattering sound.

There is no such thing, this mic is ideal for all. I really don’t think there would be someone to drop this amazing deal. The mic is undoubtedly the best for the home recording setup but for the professional studio too, it’s no less. The only drawback you will face with AKG Pro Audio P420 its heaviness.

Key Specifications-

• Type: Condenser
• Diaphragm Size: Large
• Polar Pattern: Multipattern
• Max SPL: 155dB
• Impedance: 200 Ohms

4.Shure SM-57

Shure SM-57 is available on Amazon at a price value of $100 with its frequency response 40Hz-15kHz. There are people who thinks one can’t have a good mic in $100 but that’s absolutely not the case at all. Here’s the Shure SM-57 with high-end features in just $100.

Just because it’s quite cheap that doesn’t mean it’s the least chosen by many rather the mic is actually there in many professional recording studios and the live stages as well.

Shure’s goodwill in market is actually commendable and its SM-27 is like you can see in every other professional studio because of  its ionic status. If you’re the one more interested in hosting your live shows then this is the one and most impressive is it’s budget friendly.

Shure is ruling over the industry since 1960s and throughout the time it’s still same except for its voice coil that was copper earlier and now is replaced with aluminum. The mic is suitable for the acoustic guitars but also for the loud sources like drums, guitar amps, bass cabs, harmonicas, it’s no less.

Key Specifications- 

• Type: Dynamic
• Diaphragm Size: Small
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 9dB
• Impedance: 150 Ohms

5.Shure Beta 58A Vocal Microphone

Shure again acquiring the 5th position too, the BETA 58A is available on Amazon at a price value of $160 with the frequency response 50Hz-16kHz. Shure Beta 58A vocal microphone has been the all-time favorite of many customers and is known for its reliability.

This is one of the best models of Shure that have been launched. Talking about its exterior, the mic seems quite tough from the outer; its handle is made up of diecast metal; and for beating it has a stainless steel mesh grill.

For the strong output and an amazing sound quality that can literally drive your audience, Shure Beta 58A vocal mic is the one for you. Now, moving on to its interior, for a clean and noise-free sound, the mic has a neodymium magnet that enable the signal-to-noise ratio functionality.

Shure Beta 58A vocal microphone is a dynamic supercardioid mic and this is the reason it’s most preferred for the vocalist that takes even the ambient sound and merge it with the natural sound, and ultimately there’s no outside noise. The mic is not suitable when it comes to the live concerts.

Key Specifications- 

• Type: Dynamic
• Diaphragm Size: Small
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 9dB
• Impedance: 150 Ohms

6.Audio-Technia AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic

Again we’ve a mic on the list that is available only in $100. Indeed, you can find a good mic in $100 and here’s the proof. Undoubtedly, Audio-Technia AT2020 Cardioid Condenser is stunning to record the acoustic guitar but this is one of the ideal mics for vocalists and podcasters.

In such a low range getting a large diaphragm is really something to grab and thus makes it ideal for home setup recording studio. Also, Technia AT2020 cardioid condenser has a high SPL that means it can easily capture the low as well as high end of the guitar.

With this microphone you don’t need to be worried about strumming hard as there is no distortion. In terms of the vocal condenser mics, Audio-Technia AT2020 cardioid condenser is considered as the #1 bestseller on Amazon.

The microphone captures all the subtle tones easily and thanks to its cardioid polar pattern. In this range if we compare Technia AT2020 to other microphones, this mic is the premium one in the list.

Key Specifications- 

• Type: Condenser
• Diaphragm Size: Large
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 144dB
• Impedance: 100 Ohms

7.MXL-770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

In just $120 MXL-770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone with the frequency response of 30Hz-20kHz is ranked on 7th position in the list of the 7 best mics for recording the acoustic guitar reviewed 2022.

MXL is the brand known in the industry for providing high quality and that too in budget. If you’re looking for a mic with the best sound quality and distortion free sound in budget then here’s the end to your search, MXL-770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone.

The mic is pretty cool with its vintage kind of look, comes in a foam-padded plastic case. You literally can’t judge its price with its looks, the mic seems pretty expensive with its appearance it gives the feel of a rich-class microphone.

The cardioid polar pattern of the MXL-770 is good at capturing the acoustic guitar sound and throwing out the outside noise pretty well. You can easily capture the high-end notes of the acoustic guitar with this microphone.

Not only for the home setup but also the mic performs quite good even in the studios too using its FET preamp.

Key Specifications- 

• Type: Condenser
• Diaphragm Size: Small
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 137dB
• Impedance: 150 Ohms

Summing Up

This is all about the best mics for recording the acoustic guitar and I just hope our research proves to be helpful and fruitful for you getting your mic.

We’ve considered all the factors before anyone to buy a new microphone, be it about the diaphragms, the polar patterns, USB microphones, the type, the frequency response, the SPL, the output Impedance, the reliability, noise rating, or pairing with the accessories.

Every little thing is taken into consideration and then we’ve come up with this quick guide. Hope you get what you’re looking for!