Best mic for acoustic guitar < $300

  • Thread starter Thread starter jbilly
  • Start date Start date
Be specific...there are zillions of mics under $300. what are u exactly looking for? dynamic? condenser?
 
I don't know if they still sell the Groove Tubes GT-33 for cheap or not. But if so, I like that one a lot on accoustic. A lot. Oktava MC-012 is nice, too. I know this one gets old, but it depends so much on the context; whether the guitar is the featured / focal instrument or if it's in a busy mix ... whether it's being picked or strummed ... fingers or pick, etc. So many variables.

.
 
Pair of MXL-604's do nice enough for me, running through DMP-3 into Cubase SX3. Placement of mics fits any situation, as does Reverb for dreamy situations.
 
For "Neutral" sound ?

Electrovoice C04 (dynamic, ~ $60) actually sounds very uncolored and realistic. Perhaps a bit loss of detail compared to more expensive mikes. I have used them in comparison with much more expensive mikes and like them fine.
 
Bet two SP B1's and stereo mic that acoustic. Killers sound and dollars to spare!

:rolleyes:
 
For a single mic, depending on the precise application (strummed, fingerstyle, in a mix, solo, guitar's body shape and woods, etc.), here's a list of mics I like for acoustic guitar under $300 or so:

Peluso CEMC6
Shure SM81
ADK Hamburg
ADK SL
CAD M179
CAD M9
Oktava MC-012 (Soundroom)
Groove Tubes GT44
 
Groove Tubes AM40/GT44
Audio Technica AT-4051 or AT-4053 if you can find a used one (@$250)
 
An AT4033 can be really nice by itself on an acoustic, as can an ADK Hamburg. The oktavas are great for stereo. What about a pair of those shiny box ribbon mics?
 
Ive used a combo of Rode NT5's (around $300-$350 for a matched pair) and a GT-57. The GT-57 is over your $300 price point but I would imagine some of the less expensive single polar patter Groove Tubes offerings would work equally well.
 
simpleybass said:
Bet two SP B1's and stereo mic that acoustic. Killers sound and dollars to spare!:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I'm not saying it's the best low-cost solution, but I gladly use this same set-up. Great results. If I take plenty of time to position these mics carefully, I've always been able to achieve a very pleasing result, with a certain sweetness to the sound that's surprising given the mostly non-boutique instruments I use.

That said, I recently heard a Windham Hill/Taylor recording with a single AT 4033, and the sound was stellar.

J.
 
I'd go with the AT4040. I got a review I've got written about this mic that I need to post up.
 
Audio Technica 4041 or 4033 (the 4033 can sound great on vocals too.).
 
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