Whether you’re chasing pristine cleans, raunchy overdrive, or vintage fuzz, capturing the true character of your guitar amp starts with the right microphone. Different mic types—and even specific models—can drastically influence how your tone translates from speaker to recording. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective microphones for recording guitar amplifiers, whether you’re in a home studio or a professional setup.
🎤 1. Shure SM57 — The Industry Standard
Type: Dynamic
Price Range: £90–£110
The SM57 has been a staple on countless records for decades. Its tight cardioid pattern and midrange punch make it perfect for isolating the speaker cone and highlighting the amp’s tonal core. It handles high SPLs effortlessly, making it ideal for cranked-up tube amps.
Best for: Rock, punk, blues, and just about anything with a cab in front of it.
🎤 2. Sennheiser e906 — Flat Front, Full Sound
Type: Dynamic
Price Range: £160–£190
Designed specifically for guitar cabs, the e906 offers a more neutral frequency response compared to the SM57, with a switchable presence boost. Its flat-faced design allows it to hang directly over a speaker grille without a mic stand, making setup a breeze.
Best for: Clean tones, edge-of-breakup amps, and high-gain applications.
🎤 3. Royer R-121 — Smooth Ribbon Warmth
Type: Ribbon
Price Range: £1,100+
A modern classic in the ribbon category, the R-121 delivers a warm, natural tone with excellent detail. Its figure-8 pattern captures both the front and rear ambiance, which can be magical when paired with a dynamic mic.
Best for: Studio sessions where warmth, depth, and vintage character are key.
🎤 4. Beyerdynamic M160 — Tight and Vintage
Type: Ribbon
Price Range: £450–£600
With a hypercardioid pattern (rare for a ribbon), the M160 is a favorite of engineers like Eddie Kramer and has graced sessions for Hendrix and Zeppelin. It offers the smoothness of a ribbon with a more focused pickup.
Best for: Classic rock, blues, and layering with brighter mics.
🎤 5. Sennheiser MD421 — Full-Range and Versatile
Type: Dynamic
Price Range: £350–£400
This large-diaphragm dynamic mic excels at handling loud sources with a full-bodied sound. Its 5-position bass roll-off switch makes it highly tunable depending on the amp, room, or style.
Best for: Big, bold rhythm guitars, metal chugs, and aggressive alt-rock.
🎤 6. Neumann U87 (or TLM 102) — High-End Condenser Clarity
Type: Condenser
Price Range: £500–£2,000+
While condensers aren’t always first choice due to potential harshness at high volumes, used carefully they add sparkle and air. The U87 is iconic, while the TLM 102 is a more affordable, compact alternative.
Best for: Clean guitars, stereo room setups, and ambient miking.
🎤 7. Audio-Technica AT4040 — Affordable Condenser Option
Type: Condenser
Price Range: £200–£300
This large-diaphragm condenser is smooth and detailed, especially when placed off-axis or a foot or two back from the cab. A great choice for room tone capture or as a secondary mic.
Best for: Ambient takes, dual-mic setups, and clean jazz tones.
🔀 Bonus Tip: Combine Mics for Maximum Tone
Many engineers blend mics—such as an SM57 close-miked and a Royer R-121 slightly back—to capture both bite and body. Don’t be afraid to experiment with mic placement and pairings to find your sweet spot.
🎚️ Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all microphone for guitar amps. It depends on your genre, the amp, the speaker, and the room. But with a dynamic like the SM57 or e906, a ribbon like the R-121 or M160, and a condenser for room capture, you’re well-equipped for a versatile and professional guitar recording setup.
