What mic to record a classical guitar?

[fenderman2009]

Can anyone suggest a good microphone to record a classical guitar, particularly one that is accurate and very low-noise? Say, for under $300.

Thanks in advance, and thanks to 64Strat for suggesting I post here.

[woodman]

Wow, man, the choices are wide. Are there any big-box music stores nearby where you could take your guitar and try a few out? It's a really personal choice when it comes to classical ... you're looking for nuance, not the "big sound" most mike-shoppers are looking for.

[64Strat]

Originally Posted by woodman

Wow, man, the choices are wide. Are there any big-box music stores nearby where you could take your guitar and try a few out? It's a really personal choice when it comes to classical ... you're looking for nuance, not the "big sound" most mike-shoppers are looking for.

woodman,

In the Acoustic forum here, I suggested the Audio Technica AE-5100, which I have had really good luck with recording my acoustics. Current street price on the AE-5100 is $279 or thereabouts. A very high quality condenser. It does require phantom power though.

[woodman]

Originally Posted by 64Strat

woodman,

In he Acoustic forum here, I suggested the Audio Technica AE-5100, which I have had really good luck with recording my acoustics. Current street price on the AE-5100 is $279 or thereabouts. A very high quality condenser. It does require phantom power though.

Is that what you used on Here Comes the Sun?

[64Strat]

Originally Posted by woodman

Is that what you used on Here Comes the Sun?

Yes..... and The Beatles - 'I'll Be Back', which has my nylon string Guild MkII in there.

[woodman]

Yeah, I remember that as a pretty dang good-sounding mike.

[64Strat]

A used AT-4033 would be under $300 and would also work. I have one and have used it on acoustics with good results.

I also think a Rode NT1-A would work and it comes in under $250.

If you do consider used, be sure with used mics that the seller states that they have never been dropped.

The thing with the Artist Elite 5100 is that it is specifically recommended for acoustics. The 4033 is a general purpose / vocal mic as is the Rode.

[Jeff76]

I would look strongly at a shure sm81. A bit over $300 new. Very flat frequency response and detailed with a fast response. It will excellent at capturing the subtleties of a nylon string. It is a go to Mic for me for acoustic work. Good luck with your search.

[64Strat]

In the link below are 3 acoustics of mine recorded with the Artist Elite 5100 by Audio Technica. A '66 Guild F-47, my '71 Guild D35 and my '74 Guild MkII nylon string. Just to give you an idea of how the AE-5100 sounds in a project studio environment.... all three were just single mic'ed at about where the neck joins the body, at about 12-15" away.

3 acoustic guitars recorded with the AT AE-5100 - I'll Be Back (Beatles cover)

[fenderman2009]

Just wanted to let you know that I just got a used AE-5100 for $152 on ebay, and it is very nice. Extremely low-noise, and, while not completely accurate (I can hear the difference between the way my classic guitar actually sounds, and the way it sounds on the recording), this mic will do very well for my amateur recordings. Thank you all for your input, and especially 64Strat!

[64Strat]

Originally Posted by fenderman2009

Just wanted to let you know that I just got a used AE-5100 for $152 on ebay, and it is very nice. Extremely low-noise, and, while not completely accurate (I can hear the difference between the way my classic guitar actually sounds, and the way it sounds on the recording), this mic will do very well for my amateur recordings. Thank you all for your input, and especially 64Strat!

our pleasure!

For the money, the AE-5100 is a great mic for acoustic instrument recording.

Keep in mind, where you position it to the guitar makes a big difference in the recorded result. But you probably already know that.

[donh]

Originally Posted by fenderman2009

Can anyone suggest a good microphone to record a classical guitar, particularly one that is accurate and very low-noise? Say, for under $300.

Beyerdynamic M201 or Heil PR30 or PR35. Simple, clean, and accurate.

[MiloCroton]

No need to invest in a special specific mic, put all your money into a top quality large diaphragm vocal mic. You can use the same mic for pretty much everything.

-edit-

Just noticed you already sorted your mic. Thats a fine mic. How it sounds depends on a lot of things, dont forget your ears are listening to your playing from a completely different position than the mic. You are picking up a large amount of room noise from left right & above. While im guessing the mic is right in front of the guitar.

A popular method of micing acoustic guitars in studio is, one on the sound hole, One at the fret board, and one overhead mic for ambient room sound. Mix it all together to get a realistic sound.

The closer you get to mic's, they tend to get boomy. If you are using one mic, try putting it further away.

Whatever your monitoring through also makes a big difference.