Umair Gaines
There are many types of microphones that can be used for recording electric guitars, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Dynamic microphones are the classic choice for miking electric guitar cabs, as they can handle high sound pressure levels and capture a high amplitude, resulting in a smooth recording. Condenser microphones are also an option and are known for their wide frequency response and low noise characteristics. Ribbon microphones are a third option that can bring weight to the low end and lower midrange. Popular microphone models for recording electric guitars include the Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, Sennheiser e609, AKG C414, Neumann U87, Blue Baby Bottle, Soyuz Bomblet, and Beyerdynamic M160.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microphone Type | Dynamic, Ribbon, Condenser |
| Popular Dynamic Mics | Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, Sennheiser e609 |
| Popular Ribbon Mics | Beyerdynamic M160, Cascade Microphones FAT HEAD BE |
| Popular Condenser Mics | AKG C414, Neumann U87, Blue Baby Bottle, Soyuz Bomblet, Shure SM81 |
| Microphone Placement | Distance and direction relative to the amp impact the sound; closer to the centre results in brighter sound, outward gives more bass, off-centre results in a more diffused sound |
| Other Considerations | Studio vs. stage requirements, budget, size, versatility |
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What You'll Learn
Dynamic microphones
When choosing a dynamic microphone for an electric guitar, it is important to consider the situation in which it will be used. Studio and stage applications have different requirements, and the microphone's polar pattern should be selected accordingly. Cardioid polar patterns are the most common, capturing sound primarily from the front while rejecting off-axis sound from the sides and back. Supercardioid and hypercardioid mics are more directional, with sensitive rear lobes that reduce bleed from the sides.
Some popular dynamic microphone models for electric guitars include the Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD 421, and AKG D112. The Shure SM57 is renowned for its versatility, allowing recording at stage volumes without any loss of clarity. It has a flat grill that enables close placement to the amplifier, and its cardioid polar pattern ensures clean reproduction of amplified instruments. Additionally, the Sennheiser Evolution e906 Dynamic Guitar Amp Microphone is designed to amplify the sound of electric guitars, offering a fast response, a hum-compensating coil, and three selectable characters: bright, normal, and smooth.
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Condenser microphones
When choosing a microphone for recording an electric guitar, it is essential to consider the situation in which it will be used. Studio recordings may have different requirements than live performances, and the microphone choice should reflect that. Combining a dynamic microphone with a condenser microphone can be an excellent option for electric guitar amps.
Some popular condenser microphones for recording electric guitars include the R0DE NT-1A, which is a budget-friendly option, and the Neumann U87ai, which is a higher-end choice. The Shure SM81 is another condenser microphone that is moderately priced and known for its ability to capture the high-end frequencies of an acoustic guitar.
While condenser microphones can be used for recording electric guitars, they are more commonly associated with acoustic guitar recordings. Their small size makes them less obtrusive during performances, and they can add extra detail and stereo width to recordings. However, when used with electric guitars, they are typically employed for capturing room ambience rather than direct recordings of the instrument.
In conclusion, condenser microphones can be a great choice for recording electric guitars, especially when combined with dynamic microphones. They offer a more sensitive alternative to dynamic mics and are capable of capturing nuanced sounds. Depending on your budget and specific requirements, there are various condenser microphone options available to choose from.
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Ribbon microphones
While ribbon microphones may not be the go-to option for modern electric guitar sounds, they are excellent for capturing vintage, warm tones. They are also ideal for use in noisy environments as they only pick up sound directly in front of them. Some popular ribbon microphone models for electric guitars include the Beyerdynamic M160, the Royer R-10, and the AEA R84.
The Beyerdynamic M160 is a unique ribbon microphone that resembles a dynamic microphone due to its present sound and hypercardioid polar pattern. It was notably used by Eddie Kramer to mic up Jimi Hendrix's amps in early recordings. The M160 is well-suited for noisy stages or any situation requiring a very direct response.
The Royer R-10 is another popular ribbon microphone for electric guitars, known for its smooth and natural sound quality. The Audio-Technica AT4081 Active Ribbon Microphone is similar in that it delivers a smooth and natural sound but with a higher output.
When choosing a ribbon microphone for an electric guitar, it is essential to consider the specific characteristics of each model and how they align with your musical style and recording environment.
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Budget options
There are several budget-friendly microphones available for recording electric guitars. The Shure SM57 is a popular and affordable option, widely used for recording electric guitar amps. Another budget-friendly alternative to the SM57 is the Sennheiser MD421, which has a wider frequency response and a larger diaphragm, resulting in greater off-axis coloration. The Sennheiser e609 is also a great choice, often regarded as the first choice for recording electric guitars, with its flat side-address design and supercardioid polar pattern, perfect for isolating the instrument on stage.
If you're looking for a microphone that is both affordable and professional-sounding, the sE Electronics X1 A is a dynamic microphone worth considering. It has a high max SPL, allowing it to capture the full range of your guitar without overload, and its wide frequency range ensures a vibrant and natural tone. Ribbon microphones, such as the Beyerdynamic M 160, are also an excellent choice for recording electric guitars. They are valued for their ability to capture a crisp and warm vintage sound. The M 160 is compact, lightweight, and easy to position, making it a versatile option.
While some condenser microphones can be cheap, they may not always provide the best sound quality. However, the Blue Baby Bottle is an exception, retailing for $399. It is a large-diaphragm microphone that delivers sound quality comparable to more expensive options. If you're willing to stretch your budget a little further, the Soyuz Bomblet, priced at $1,200, is a solid-state condenser mic that captures the guitar's full range and responds well to EQ adjustments.
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Microphone placement
The distance of the microphone from the amp is another important factor. The further away the mic is, the more room tone will be picked up. This is especially important to consider when using ribbon mics, which are more susceptible to damage from high decibels.
The type of microphone used also influences placement. For example, the Sennheiser e609's flat side-address design allows it to be hung by the mic cable from the top of the amp, eliminating the need for a stand. Supercardioid mics like the e609 are ideal for on-stage use as they provide near-perfect isolation of the instrument and allow for more tonal variations from small changes in positioning.
Additionally, when using condenser microphones, careful placement is required to pick up the nuances of the guitar. Dynamic mics, on the other hand, are more versatile and can handle the full force of an electric guitar amp, making them a popular choice for recording electric guitars.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three types of microphones that are commonly used for electric guitars: dynamic, ribbon, and condenser.
The Shure SM57 is a widely popular microphone for recording electric guitars. It is cheap and allows you to record at stage volumes without any loss of clarity. The Sennheiser MD421 is another versatile microphone that works well with electric guitars.
The Beyerdynamic M160 Double Ribbon Microphone is a great option for a ribbon microphone. It has a deep sound with great low-mids and body. The Cascade Microphones FAT HEAD BE is another ribbon microphone that is known for its smooth top end.
The AKG C414 is a versatile condenser microphone that is widely considered to be among the best microphones for electric guitars. The Neumann U87 is another condenser microphone that is often recommended by experienced engineers.
