The classical guitar is a gorgeous, albeit fickle, instrument that has been played and loved by people around the world for hundreds of years. Classical guitars are different from normal acoustic guitars – they have nylon strings, which give them a warmer tone with less attack. This means that a different kind of microphone is needed to properly amp them up.
This guide has been created to help you navigate the microphone market, give you a better understanding of what to look for in a microphone for acoustic guitar, and provide some trusted recommendations.
What Are The Sonic Elements of a Classical Guitar?
When picking a microphone for any instrument or occasion, it is important to strongly consider its application.
Classical guitars are warm and smooth with a lower attack response than regular acoustic guitars. With a general frequency range between 82 Hz and 7,000 Hz, you want to point the microphone at the body of the guitar for far miking applications and towards the 12th fret when miking close up.
Our Recommendations of Best Microphones For Classical Guitar
- sE Electronic SE8 (Best Entry Level)
- Shure KSM 141 SL (Best Clean Mid-Range)
- sE Electronics SE 4400A (Best Warm Mid-Range)
- Shure SM81 (Best For Close Miking)
- Austrian Audio OC18 Cardioid (Best Premium)
- DPA 4011A (Best Small Diaphragm)
- Neumann TLM 170 (Best For Professionals)
1. sE Electronic SE8
Pros:
- Natural response
- Plenty of character
- Lightweight
- Great price
Cons:
- Can sound a little stiff
The sE Electronic SE8 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone perfect for miking up a classical guitar. The microphone sounds sweet, with a relatively flat, natural response for an overall natural sound reproduction, with extreme realism. The microphone is also surprisingly forgiving without sacrificing any detail or depth.
The SE8 is lightweight and easy to carry around in a gig back. It also feels premium in the hand, with an all metal frame highlighting its surprisingly sturdy construction.
While the microphone is excellent for all sorts of classical guitars, rooms, and playing styles, a decent preamp is sometimes needed to get the best sound out of this microphone. The microphone also can sound a bit stiff in smaller rooms.
All in all, you couldn’t ask for a better entry level microphone for classical guitar. The combination of quality sound reproduction, lightweight construction, and price point make this the best entry level microphone for classical guitar.
2. Shure KSM 141 SL
Pros:
- Extremely high transient response
- One of the most versatile classical guitar microphones ever
- Classy sound with fantastic detail
Cons:
- May be too clean for some
The Shure KSM 141 SL is a fantastic offering from one of the best microphone brands in the business. The KSM 141 is Shure’s most versatile microphone for classical guitar, and works superbly for a variety of playing styles in all environments.
The KSM 141 sounds clean with an extremely high transient response. This gives the sound reproduction a strikingly natural, classy sound that really enunciates the subtleties of a classical guitarist’s playing style. The microphone also allows users to switch between omni and cardioid pickup patterns for increased customization in the miking process.
While I believe the clean tone of the KSM 141 sounds bright and natural, some believe the flat frequency response leads to less tonal warmth in the sonic reproduction. This is not a problem per say, but is something to keep in mind. If you’re looking for a microphone to provide more warmth, the sE Electronics SE 4400A is a fantastic option.
If you’re looking for a microphone that provides premium clean sound reproduction at a good price level, the Shure KSM 141 SL is a fantastic option.
3. sE Electronics SE 4400A
Pros:
- Warm, rich sound
- Impressively low self-noise
- Really high quality build
- Detailed with incredible depth and fullness
Cons:
- Not as balanced as some other microphones, as this one leans warm
Where the Shure KSM 141 SL is clean, the SE 4400A is warm. Boasting tremendous depth and fullness, the warmth of the SE 4400A is rich, classy, and grand without sounding out of place or imbalanced.
A multi-pattern, large diaphragm condenser microphone, the SE 4400A has a relatively balanced frequency response that leans towards the warmer end of the spectrum. The microphone offers multiple pickup patterns which helps in multi-mic setups and allows for more versatile configurations.
Build quality and self-noise are both premium here. The microphone feels good in the hand and should last a while, even with heavy use. Self-noise is limited, making for an excellent sonic listening and recording experience.
If you’re looking for a microphone that offers tremendous warmth without sacrificing detail and depth, the sE Electronics SE 4400A should be your top choice.
4. Shure SM81
Pros:
- Excellent in close miking situations
- Fantastic detail
- Natural sound profile
- Great frequency range
Cons:
- Not as versatile for miking positions
- There are better microphones for multiple instruments
Fantastic in close mic applications, no list of the best microphones for classical guitar would be complete without this classic offering from Shure. The SM81 boasts fantastic detail with enormous depth and a balanced, natural frequency response.
When used properly, this microphone sounds as detailed as any I’ve ever heard. Versatile, the microphone can be used to accommodate all playing styles and classical guitar types. Sound reproduction is balanced, with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz.
The Shure SM81 is a directional microphone, helping limit sonic competition from surrounding noise. The microphone is also touted for its high end construction, with an all metal frame providing nice weight.
While the SM81 is extremely versatile when it comes to playing style and guitar type, it is not particularly good at longer distance miking, and does not thrive in multi-instrumental applications. For these reasons, there are better microphones for classical guitar if you want to mic up further away or multiple classical guitars.
However, if you’re looking for a microphone for close range amplification of a classical guitar, there are few that can match the SM81’s balanced sound, quality construction, and ability to compensate for different playing styles.
5. Austrian Audio OC18 Cardioid
Pros:
- Gorgeous musicality
- Detailed with excellent variability
- Tons of character
- Versatile
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a microphone that leans more bright, this isn’t for you
The Austrian Audio OC18 is a high performance cardioid microphone that excels in classical guitar applications. Clean and detailed with fantastic frequency response, this microphone boasts gorgeous musicality and sounds incredibly premium.
The OC18 sounds full, warm, and detailed, adding depth, character, and variability to any classical guitar performance. The off axis rejection on this microphone is impressive, as is the low self noise. This means that the microphone can handle different playing volumes without distorting.
The microphone is sturdy, with the all-metal build easily able to withstand consistent use, stage time, and travel.
While I believe the added fullness at the low-end sounds warm and rich, some players may wish for a microphone with more brightness. However, if you’re looking for a warm, detailed microphone for classical guitar, this is a premium microphone you won’t regret buying.
6. DPA 4011A
Pros:
- Silky smooth high end
- Excellent detain
- Good natural response
Cons:
- Lacks a certain fullness
The best small diaphragm microphone for classical guitar on the market today is the DPA 4011A. Extremely realistic sounding, the 4011A offers natural sounding lows and silky smooth high end for a fantastic overall sound profile.
Because of its small diaphragm build, the DPA 4011A is equally excellent at miking classical guitars in both close range and longer distance applications. Detail is excellent, and the natural response of the microphone makes it a viable option for any playing style, room type, or classical guitar.
Where this microphone really stands out is its transient application – I have yet to hear a microphone that captures the harmonics and sustained power of the classical guitar as well as this one.
The microphone is built to last (and for the price you pay, it should be!) All metal, the microphone can handle drops, stage life, and even the messiest gig bag.
Some things to note before buying this microphone include its detail. While this could be a good thing, it also tends to flush out any playing mistakes, and is much less forgiving than some other microphones on this list.
If you’re looking for a small diaphragm microphone for classical guitar that thrives in transient recording, the DPA 4011A is an excellent option for you.
7. Neumann TLM 170
Pros:
- Uniquely warm, with excellent detail
- Tons of character
- Captures harmonics
Cons:
- The price
A classical guitar needs a classic microphone. While less articulate than the Shure and DPA offerings on this list, the Neumann TLM 170 has a unique way of capturing the subtlety and warmth that make the classical guitar one of the most endearing instruments of the modern world.
Simply put, the TLM 170 sounds fantastic; it offers superior character with excellent frequency response, and highlights the rich tonal aspects of classical guitar. The versatility of this microphone makes it an excellent choice regardless of playing style or surrounding conditions.
The off axis response on this microphone is not great, but if you’re only miking up one classical guitar, this shouldn’t be a problem.
If you’re a professional classical player looking for a microphone to capture the subtleties and magic of classical guitar, this is the best microphone for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Do You Mic a Classical Guitar?
Due to the wide dynamic range of the classical guitar, and the emphasis placed on dynamics in classical music, the classical guitar can be one of the hardest instruments to properly record. A good starting place is to point the microphone at the body of the guitar, around one to two feet away.
You can then adjust distance to alter the depth and intimacy of the performance. As you get closer to the guitar, point the microphone more towards the frets to limit excess boominess.
How Do You Mix a Classical Guitar?
When mixing a classical guitar, it is important to maintain a balanced sound so as not to sacrifice the inherent qualities of the music. A balanced approach is the best here; if making any cuts or boosts, work sparingly. With the classical guitar, less is more, and a more natural sound is always to be strived for.
Can You Put a Pickup on a Classical Guitar?
Yes, you can install a pickup for easy amplification. Choosing a pickup for a classical guitar can be tricky though. Try and look for one that highlights your guitar’s natural warmth and character.
What’s Next?
We hope you like this round up review of best microphones for classical guitars, If you are looking for a microphone to record your acoustic guitar you may want to check this article out too!
