Buying more microphones for your studio closet? There are so many choices that they may drive you insane. You desire every thing. It appears that you must consider every alternative. For a professional studio, this “cover all the bases” mentality makes sense, but not necessarily for home or project studios. You never know what is going to walk through the door of a commercial studio. Having a variety of mics allows for vast setups and unexpected events.
However, with home and project studios, we are less likely to be shocked or have complete band setups; as a result, we may choose mics that span the gamut of the material we’ll be recording by curating our collection. You may still have a lot of possibilities after this. So let’s try to make things clearer. I’m going to divide the available guitar amp microphones into three groups, and for each category, I’ll offer three reasonably priced possibilities.
Table of Contents
Shure SM57-LCE Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone with Pneumatic Shock Mount
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM57-LC delivers high-quality vocal...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the...
- CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note...
The Shure SM57-LC is presented first today. Electric guitar recordings frequently use dynamic microphones as the preferred option. Let’s take a look at the Shure name brand as everyone will be familiar with it.
High-volume amplifiers work great with the SM57-LC. Just as well as your little studio amplifier, the SM57 can handle close-up recording on half-stack amplifiers. Why is that relevant? Your recordings of your guitar will sound better if you use the SM57 to add the sounds of a live performance.
The SM57 is distinct from microphones designed only for picking up vocals. Since this microphone lacks the precise tuning that other voice microphones do, it can handle a significantly wider range of frequencies, with a response that ranges from 40Hz to 15KHz. Without this tuning, the SM57 records the sound exactly as it is played, always producing faultless recordings—a tremendous benefit for electric guitar players.
The SM57 rejects sound coming from outside the pickup region in order to concentrate solely on one source. Intimate studio recording sessions or live performances can benefit greatly from this. You can place the SM57 wherever you want without worrying about feedback.
You may use the Shure SM57-LC outside or in the studio for extended periods of time without worrying about it breaking down. With this premium microphone, your electric guitar will sound just how you want it to. This is the Best Microphone For Recording Electric Guitar in 2023.
AKG C414 XLS Instrument Condenser Microphone,
- Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound for beautifully detailed...
- Nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every...
- Three attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) for close-up recording or...
Most recording studios have the well-known C414 microphone, which has been utilized on a number of successful albums. This is another another excellent microphone for recording the electric guitarist and has performed on stage with artists from every musical genre. Nine pickup patterns are available on the C414 XLS, allowing you to customize every recording session with the ideal setup. All controls can be disabled for trouble-free use in fixed studio installations and live-sound performances.
The C414 contains three pre-attenuation levels and three bass cut filters that are switchable. Why is that relevant? Lead vocals and solo instruments can now be added to the densest mixes thanks to these features. Your rhythmic elements and electric guitar lines won’t go overlooked.
The C414 XLS is the most comprehensive and flexible large-diaphragm microphone to be made available to the general public in many years. The C414 XLS combines tried-and-true quality, cutting-edge technology, and cutting-edge components to produce the most accurate, exquisitely detailed recording of any instrument. Electric guitar players, you’re going to love using this microphone.
Neumann U87 Ai Set Z | Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone Set
- Variable large diaphragm microphone
- Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule
- The studio microphone classic
The Neuman U87 Ai is a contemporary take on a vintage microphone. When the U87 was first released in 1967, engineers, manufacturers, and their customers all loved it. When you enter a session, you’ll notice 87s all over the place, including in front of the guitar amps.
The popularity of the mike is understandable given that it began a new era of audio fidelity and dependability. The U 87 contains a switchable high pass filter and three selectable polar patterns. Guitarists will be happy with the results because this microphone is also incredibly adaptable and a great option for a wide range of recording styles. A typical large-diaphragm condenser microphone is the U 87. What’s best? Discover what it can accomplish for electric guitar players by reading on.
The U 87 has improved electronic parts, but the capsule’s architecture is the same. The operating headroom of the microphone is increased with current electronics, giving you 10dB more sensitivity at the same sound pressure levels. With these more recent features, electric guitar recording sessions will sound fantastic.
The U 87’s switchable 10dB pre-attenuation pad is useful if you’re using the microphone to record a loud source. The microphone can accept sound pressure levels of up to 127dB while the pad is engaged, making it ideal for miking a guitar amp stack.
Neumann’s products are created in Germany by highly qualified experts; they are not mass-produced items. To preserve Neumann’s position as a top producer of studio mics, this degree of performance necessitates stringent quality control. More than just a company emblem, Neumann’s instantly identifiable diamond serves as a quality assurance mark. Every microphone that carries it gives witness to this venerable custom. If you choose a Neumann, make sure your electric guitar and anything else you record with is of the highest caliber. This is the Best Electric Guitar Microphone in 2023.
Sennheiser Professional MD 421-II Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
- Rugged professional microphone with clear sound reproduction, excellent for...
- Large diaphragm, dynamic element handles high sound pressure levels, making...
- Five-position bass roll-off switch make it an excellent choice for most...
One of the most well-known microphones in the world is the MD 421 II. You can deal with the widest range of recording conditions naturally thanks to its sound quality. The big diaphragm is particularly suited for recording electric guitars since it can withstand high sound pressure levels. Still, there’s more.
A dynamic capsule in the MD 421-II allows for smooth signal responses at near ranges, such as electric guitar amplifiers. This microphone can also withstand loud sound pressure levels, which is useful for capturing electric guitars. The MD 421’s cardioid polar pattern is efficient in cutting down on ambient noise. It successfully rejects feedback because of monitors, making it ideal for recording sessions.
The MD 421 II’s glass composite housing and toughened stainless-steel basket are designed to withstand years of in-studio or live recording sessions. You can acquire high-quality electric guitar recordings with a frequency range of 30 to 17,000 Hz.
Beyerdynamic M160 Double Ribbon Microphone – Hypercardioid
- Unique double ribbon microphone transducer with hypercardioid polar pattern
- Extended frequency response
- Excellent transparency and transient response
The M 160 from Beyerdynamic is a dynamic double ribbon microphone with a hypercardioid polar shape that works well for all kinds of remote and in-studio reproduction.
Electric guitars fit perfectly with the M 160, which is suggested for miking instruments in recording studios. Its tiny dimensions and non-glare black surface enable inconspicuous use in smaller studios. The M160 is an essential microphone for creating the vintage electric guitar tones of yesteryear and is influencing the newest sounds and tones for today’s musicians on live stages and in the recording studios.
An M160 has been used to record some of the most renowned guitar tones ever. The M160 full frequency response has been used by Grammy-winning producers to create epic guitar tones that will go down in rock history as some of the best. When you hear your guitar played back after using the M160 to record, you won’t be let down.