Best Guitar Amp Mics: Capture The Perfect Tone

The Shure SM57 is an outstanding instrumental microphone. Such a dynamic mic sounds amazing on almost all sources, providing exceptional clarity (thanks to the Unidyne III capsule). Generally, it’s one of the most popular mic choices out there for both durability and affordability.

Primarily, the Shure SM57 features a cardioid polar pattern. This makes it excellent for isolating sounds and eliminating background noises. Plus, it’s known for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels without noticeable distortion.

For many years, the Shure SM57 has proved its trustworthiness in the audio industry. Using it, you don’t notice much difference from its higher-priced counterparts.

The Royer R-121 is a highly regarded ribbon microphone used in both audio recording and live applications. Made by Royer Labs, this mic produces clear sounds and spectacular dynamics with no acoustic feedback.

Moreover, the Royer R-121’s ability to provide vintage sound character with detailed transient response makes it one of the best. It features a bidirectional pickup pattern, making it ideal for focused source isolation.

Due to its high sound pressure level (SPL) handling, the Royer R-121 can capture loud sound sources excellently. While it’s well-constructed, it can be a bit more delicate than dynamic microphones.

The Sennheiser E 609 is a popular dynamic mic designed specifically for miking guitar amps. It features a hypercardioid polar pattern, providing outstanding off-axis rejection. Moreover, it performs quite well when it comes to isolating sound and minimizing background noise.

What’s also great about the Sennheiser E 609 is its flat, low-profile design. This allows it to drape over the guitar cabinet and be right on its grill. Even if you attach it to a clip, it’s not easy to knock over.

That said, the Sennheiser E 609 is built to handle high SPL. That’s why it’s a super convenient choice for close-miking loud guitar amps. It can capture the intense volume and dynamics without distortion.

The Neumann M 149 is a high-end condenser mic known for its phenomenal audio quality and versatile capabilities. It performs amazingly in a huge range of applications, including vocals, instruments, percussion, and more.

This outstanding mic features a dual-diaphragm condenser, allowing users to switch between different polar patterns. It also utilizes vacuum tube technology to deliver a rich, vintage sound character.

The build for the Neumann M 149 reflects high precision and care. When it comes to high SPL, it can handle all situations without distortion. Overall, it’s a favorite among professional audio engineers and recording artists for capturing audio with superb details and transparency.

The Audix i5 is a dynamic mic specifically manufactured for capturing the sound of musical instruments. Due to the high SPL handling, it performs greatly when it comes to guitar cab miking, drum miking, and other applications.

This spectacular mic features a cardioid polar pattern that focuses on the sounds coming only from the front. Such a pattern is excellent for isolating the sound source while reducing the pickup of off-axis noise and minimizing feedback.

The Audix i5 provides outstanding sensitivity and clarity in capturing sound. Moreover, its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to position and handle. All in all, this mic is built to withstand the wear and tear of use.