The Best Microphone For Instruments for Your Money in 2023

Top Picks

•  Best Overall: Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Instrument  

The jack-of-all-trades dynamic mic is the perfect electric guitar recording partner since it allows you to record the instrument at volumes that are almost concert-like without compromising quality. Its cardioid pickup pattern isolates the necessary sound well and is as tough as a pair of old boots. We really enjoy the versatility of the Shure SM57 Microphone. This mic is more than just a master with electric ax; it also enjoys transferring its skill set from the recording studio to the stage. It works well with singers, acoustic instruments, bass guitars, and percussion.

•  Best Large-diaphragm: Neumann Vocal Condenser Microphone 

The Neumann TLM-102 Microphone was designed to withstand high sound pressure levels, therefore it is not adverse to being placed in front of a guitar cabinet (SPLs). We like its tiny size as well, and we've used a TLM-102 in conjunction with a dynamic mic to create a wider tonal range while mixing with great results. If you need a small selection with plenty of characteristics, this Neumann is the best guitar recording microphone for your needs.

•  Best High SPL: Royer Labs R-121 Large-Element Ribbon 

Ribbon microphones are often handled cautiously due to their fragility. They resemble the expert team you send out for very specific use cases. Since the R-121 Microphone was created to combine the best sonic attributes of a ribbon mic with the durability and lifetime of a dynamic, nobody informed Royer Labs, however. The Royer Labs R-121's exceptional longevity and capacity to tolerate loud recordings make it the perfect choice for guitar cabinets.

•  Best Sound Quality: AKG Pro Audio C414 XLII Vocal Condenser

It is obvious from the AKG C414 XLII Microphone why AKG is the undisputed leader in the condenser microphone industry. It is practically a necessary studio equipment because of its many pickup patterns and range of on-mic attenuation and filtering options. The AKG C414 XLII is ideal for recording a variety of guitar sounds and techniques as a result of this, without sacrificing the dynamic range you'd expect from a high-quality condenser.

•  Best Metal Construction: Sennheiser e609 Silver Drum Mic + Free XLR

A separate mic stand is not necessary since the Sennheiser e609 Microphone was designed particularly for recording guitar amps. If you just drape it over the top of the amp and point it toward the speaker cone, the e609 will happily sit there and accept sounds at any level you want to aim for. The hyper-cardioid pickup patterns ensure that the microphone will only record the exact sound coming from the speakers with no bleed or feedback. Its frequency range isn't the widest, and there are probably microphones with better "sounds" for sensitive playing methods.