The Audio-Technica ATM450 is an affordable cardioid condenser mic designed specifically for high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) sources like drums, cymbals, amplifier cabinets and more, but it has enough sensitivity to capture the nuances of acoustics.

This sensitivity, coupled with its side address design, allows for different placement options.

The ATM450 features a built-in 80Hz hi-pass filter and a switchable 10dB pad.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
• Impedance:200 ohms
• Max SPL: 152dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

Users praise the ATM450 for its versatility though noteworthy comments on usage with acoustic guitar include smooth sounding captures that blend well with a full band mix. The side-address design also helps minimize bleed in the case of recording guitars simultaneously with vocals.

Cons

There are a few who feel that the low-end is lacking, but this can be remedied by closer proximity or EQ.

Overall

If you're looking for a great, all-rounder microphone that records acoustic guitar with a bit of smoothness and neutrality, the ATM450 by Audio-Technica is a great pick.

Audio-Technica ATM450 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts:

The Neumann KM 184 is a pencil style small-diaphragm condenser that can rival the sensitivity of large-diaphragm mics, while retaining high SPL handling.

It has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, which is similar to large-diaphragm mics, and this allows for more detailed sound capture that many users appreciate.

Neumann emphasizes its minimal off-axis coloration; a great feature for recording acoustic guitars with a matched pair in an x-y or near-coincident formation.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Max SPL:138dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

As expected from Neumann, this mic has premium build quality and feel. High input gain proved to be no problem with its supremely quiet operation. There are many reports of it working well with acoustic guitars especially with stereo miking techniques. It also gets a lot of thumbs up for how good it works with orchestral instruments, hi-hats, cymbals, and even vocal choirs. Some even go so far as claim that the Neumann KM184 is the best pencil style condenser microphone, and we understand where they are coming from, especially when most users agree.

Cons

There are no common issues to report on, other than the price, but those who wisely invested in the Neumann KM 184 are more than satisfied with what they got.

Overall

Not just great for single miking, Neumann has hit a home run for stereo recording with the KM 184. Its phase integrity and tolerance are its best selling points as using a matched pair makes for great sounding acoustic guitar recordings in stereo.

Neumann KM 184 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts:

The Shure PGA181 is a versatile, side address mic with a frequency response that complements a wide variety of sound sources.

Design-wise it is unlike the usual small diaphragm "pencil" form factor. Instead, it uses a side-address design more common with large diaphragm condensers. This gives the mic positioning options more similar to large diaphragm condensers.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 50Hz-20kHz
• Impedance:120 ohms
• Max SPL: 138 dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

The PGA181 is hailed as a "Jack of all trades" mic by many users. On acoustic guitar specifically, the sound is best suited for capturing near the bridge or near the neck joint and helps tighten up big bodied acoustic guitars. For single mic use along with singing, it captures a nice balance between instrument and vocals.

Cons

The mic is noted as heavy by some users, tipping some mic stands over. To address this, we recommend using a solid Mic Stand.

Overall

The PGA181 is a versatile microphone that you can use for both your acoustic guitar and vocals (as well as other instruments). Get it if you want a great do-it-all mic at
this price.

Shure PGA181 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts:

Despite being far from "cheap", the TLM 102 is Neumann's most affordable offering in its lineup.

It carries the sound and legacy of the famed manufacturer in a stripped-down but uncompromised package.

It is slightly smaller than most large diaphragm condensers and significantly lighter.

It only has one polar pattern and no pad switches. This doesn't mean Neumann skimped on materials and sound quality, though. The transformerless circuitry draws many similarities from its more expensive brethren and provides a clean sound with a slight lift starting at around 6khz to present more details, especially for acoustic guitar.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Impedance:50 ohms
• Max SPL: 144 dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

Many users immediately heard the difference in their recordings when they used the TLM 102 for the first time. The TLM's small size and light weight mean that positioning around an acoustic guitar player is easy since the boom arm won't tip the stand over. Sound-wise, the slight high frequency lift adds detail to strummed acoustic guitar, making the sound ideal for use in dense mixes to emphasize the rhythmic nature of the instrument. For classical guitars, the dynamic range and clarity help with bringing out every small nuance from a performer.

Cons

The price was seen as a barrier to entry for some. The lack of features was a necessary tradeoff to bring the price down as low as Neumann can but users noted that they'd gladly pay a little extra for at least a dB pad.

Overall

Few mics at this price point call upon the heritage and technology of their higher priced namesakes. While Neumann's more expensive offerings offer luxury and class akin to a Rolls Royce or Maybach, the TLM 102 is a minimal, sporty coupe that's ready to take on any recording project. Acoustic guitars shine with the TLM 102, with the top end and transients taking center stage. Get it if you want to dip your toes into higher-end microphones.

Neumann TLM 102 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts:

Although designed with loud sound sources in mind, the Sennheiser MD 421-II's large capsule (for a dynamic mic) enables it to capture nuances better than most dynamic mics.

While the SM57 dynamic mic emphasizes percussiveness, the MD 421-II has a richer and smoother sound which brings out the bass strings more on acoustic guitars.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-17kHz
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Max SPL: 160 dB
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

Reviewers that used the MD 421-II on guitars note that it works well with playing styles involving a lot of low string plucks. The mic adds girth to to larger bodied acoustics and fattens up smaller, thinner sounding instruments. Rhythmic techniques like body taps are also accentuated, making a convincing kickdrum-like thump to these styles.

Cons

Many still dislike the MD 421-II's mic clip design. There are third party accessories that address this but do note that any modifications done to your mic will void the warranty.

Overall

For rhythmic guitar playing as popularized by players like Andy McKee, the MD 421-II is sure to add some thump to your performances. The mic's frequency response also adds body to smaller acoustic guitars.

Sennheiser MD 421-II Frequency Response chart:

Rounding out this list is the Royer R-121 Ribbon microphone, and deservingly so because for a 1K+ priced item, it continues to receive positive ratings and reviews, outscoring others that are cheaper and more accessible.

The ability of ribbon mics to capture ambience may not be a good thing for some home studios, but experts and professionals find this feature important especially when injecting life and soul to a track.

This "open" sound makes it ideal for acoustic guitars, resulting in professional quality and natural sounding recordings.

Specifications

• Polar Pattern: Figure-8
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-15kHz
• Impedance: 300 ohms
• Max SPL: 135dB (20Hz)
• Power Requirements: +48V

Pros

Users and experts comment that the R-121 has excellent sound quality and build quality, and that its premium price tag is truly justified with some even saying that their high expectations are exceeded. Reviewers also noted the mic's ability to reproduce fine details of high frequency sounds better, making this one ideal for fingerpickers and strummers alike - even John Mayer was spotted using this mic on one of his YouTube live performance videos. And since it comes with a genuine Ribbon design with max SPL of 135dB, it can be used to capture high SPL sources like guitar amps, trumpets and other instruments. The frequency response is a bit different compared to conventional ones, at 30Hz-15kHz. Weight is fairly standard at 0.54lbs so positioning is easy.

Cons

Obviously the price is too high for many, but those that can afford it continue to give it their wholehearted thumbs up.

Overall

Ready for a top-tier mic for your acoustic guitar recordings? The Royer R-121 is ubiquitous in big studios for a reason: it's an amazing microphone that makes acoustic guitars sound natural and "in the room" thanks to its ribbon mic design.

Royer R-121 Frequency Response and Polar Pattern Charts: