Home Studio Recording: 5 Top Guitar Cabinet Microphones

Not everybody can afford to build their own home studio recording. However, by simply getting certain recording equipment one can create a miniature version of one. Owning a guitar cabinet microphone can help you realize the dream of having your own home studio.

There is a wide selection of guitar cabinet microphones available in the market today and choosing one that best fit your needs is essential.

1. Shure SM57

The Shure SM57 has a frequency response of 40Hz to 15kHz. This classic microphone is a popular choice among users because of its durability and sound. The Shure SM57 is commonly used on instruments that produce high sound pressure levels, like an electric guitar amplifier.

This dynamic microphone features a professional audio connector, which is 3-pin and is encased in enamel-painted, dark gray, die-cast steel. The microphone has polycarbonate grill that is stainless steel for durability. The SM57 uses a cardioid pick-up patter to provide more focus on a specific sound.

Being one of the best selling microphones in the world, the Shure SM57 is a favorite guitar cabinet microphone.

2. Sennheiser MD421

This dynamic microphone was introduced during the 60s and still remains one of the favorites in guitar cabinet microphones. The Sennheiser MD421 can handle high SPLs and a wide variety of sounds from vocals to electric guitars. This microphone has the capability to withstand high pressure levels, making it an ideal guitar cabinet microphone.

This large diaphragm microphone has a frequency response of 30Hz to 17 kHz. It can be used with other microphones, but alone it gives out a solid sound as well. This classic microphone from Sennheiser has a cardioid directional characteristic.

3. Royer 121

The Royer 121 is a versatile microphone that can be used from hard-pounding guitar amplifiers to soft woodwind instruments. This ribbon microphone is the flagship microphone product of Royer. It emits a realistic tone, combining it with a flat frequency response. The Royer 121 features a Figure-8 polar pattern and can withstand up to 135dB.

This compact and lightweight microphone has high SPL capabilities and extremely low residual noise. The Royer 121 has a frequency response of 30kH to 15000Hz.

The Royer 121 features equivalent sensitivity from the back or the front, and regardless of distance this microphone provides a consistent frequency response.

4. Heil PR30

A dynamic microphone, the Heil PR30 is built to be used in several professional sound recording applications, including live sound and commercial broadcasting.

The microphone has an all-metal casing, except for the stand mount, which is built from high-impact plastic. This durable microphone has a wide frequency response of 40Hz to 18 kHz, making it an ideal guitar cabinet microphone.

5. Sennheiser e609

From the same brand that made Sennheiser MD 421, the Sennheiser e609 has been re-designed. This supercardiod dynamic microphone has a frequency response of 40Hz to 18 kHz, making it an ideal guitar cabinet microphone. It also features 1.5mV/Pa sensitivity and a nominal impedance of 350 Ohms.

The Sennheiser e609 has super-cardioid pick-up pattern. It is made from metal and the neodynum ferrous magnate with boron keeps this guitar cabinet microphone stable.