Important Read Before You Record Acoustic Guitar with Shure SM57
Whether you’re considering purchasing new or have one lying around, and you’re wondering if you can record acoustic guitar with Shure SM57 microphone, there are a few details to consider which I’ll go over in this article.
The Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone so it’s not going to sound perfect, but it’s good enough if you don’t want to buy another mic just to record your guitar. The sound is a bit too bright and brittle on some songs, but when you’re in the studio and you have all day to experiment with mics, you can achieve some decent results.
However, there are many other choices that will make your recordings sound better. If you’re looking for an affordable solution to get started recording an acoustic guitar at home or in a small studio space without breaking the bank, the AT2020 might be a budget alternative worth checking out!
Who Should Record Acoustic Guitar with Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is really a great tool to have in your studio, and if you already have one in your arsenal then by all means, go for it. Bear in mind how big of a difference mic placement can make and I’m sure you’ll be able to get some decent quality recordings.
There is another scenario that I can think of where it would be totally fine to record acoustic with Shure SM57. Outdoor recording, where you care less about the sensitivity of the microphone and more about resistance to sources of noise and even portability and durability.
These are the two scenarios where I would recommend you record acoustic guitar with Shure SM57.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Frequency Response: 40-15 kHz
- XLR Connection
Best for Outdoor Use
Audio-Technica AT2020: The Alternative
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a professional-quality studio mic that comes at the same affordable price! With superior transient response and a wider dynamic range, it’ll capture even the softest harmonic tap and let you go all out with your rhythm strumming.
Additionally, it works great as a vocal microphone if you’re planning on singing or talking as well. So if you’re looking to buy a new microphone for your home studio, and Phantom power isn’t going to be an issue for your use case, then I recommend you consider the AT2020 instead.
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz
- 48V Phantom Power
- XLR Connection
Best for Budget Studio
Rode NT2-A: The Best Option
If you’re still reading, then I assume you don’t already have an SM57, nor are you looking for a budget microphone to record your sweet guitars with. That’s why I saved the best for the last. I have recommended the Rode NT2-A for vocals before, and I’ll recommend it again here simply because it’s a great studio microphone all around.
I have been using mine for years and I’ve used it mostly on acoustic guitars and vocals in all of my releases. Of all the microphones that I’ve used, Rode offers the best value for money.
- Multiple Pickup Patterns
- Frequency Response: 20-20 kHz
- 48V Phantom Power
- XLR Connection
Editor's Pick
So Can You Record Acoustic Guitar with Shure SM57?
Can you? Yes, you can! Should you? It depends. So let me sum it up in a couple of lines:
If you already have an SM57 lying around in your home studio, or you will be recording outdoors, then you’ll probably be fine, go ahead and record acoustic guitar with Shure SM57.
But if you’re looking to buy a new studio microphone on the cheap to record acoustic guitar with, then go for the AT2020.
Finally, if you are looking to buy new, and want to go for top-quality, then you’ll be happy with the Rode NT2-A. I know I am happy with mine! For more acoustic guitar recording options, check out my post best microphone for acoustic guitar.
