Acoustic Stereo Mic Shoot Out Between the AKG C451B, RøDE NT5, and the SHURE SM81

I recently recorded an acoustic mic shoot out between 3 very different stereo mic pairs on a Taylor acoustic guitar. I ran each stereo pair through the Signature Series Black Lion modded pres on my Pro Tools Digi003 Rack. You can hear the difference between each stereo mic setup. I used a simple X/Y type setup with the mics at a typical 90º pattern facing each other. All mics were recorded linear with no pads. You be the judge on which mics sound the best!

AKG C451B Stereo Pair
AKG C451 B Audio

RODE NT5 Stereo Pair
RODE NT5 Audio

SHURE SM81 Stereo Pair
SHURE SM81 Audio

Winners:

1. Shure SM 81   ($700 for new stereo pair) To me these mics sounded the most organic and natural, without being too low ended. I felt these mics captured alot of mids very well of the acoustic with a smoother feel on the highs. I thought they sounded the best at the X-Y stereo pattern I used. They also didn't have as much output when recorded, as if there was a -10db pad engaged. (But there wasn't)
2. Rode NT5   ($450 for new stereo pair) Were a close second maybe even 1st. These mics recorded the cleanest. I liked the brightness/presence of these mics. The top end that these mics picked up was nice without being too harsh. I would consider using these mics in a mix with more instruments going on, to cut through if you wanted more of that acoustic type of sound to come through. These mics recorded alot louder than the other 2 setups.
3. AKG C451 B  ($1100 for new stereo pair) Stereo pair was the most expensive and my least favorite for this particular application. Very boomy, distant and almost a bit dirty to me. These microphones are better suited for cymbals and drum overheads.

Conclusion:


With more time, I would of tried some other better miking techniques to capture more of a natural  stereo spread off the acoustic guitar. Possibly with the mics facing away from each other at 90º or 120º.  Maybe one above my right shoulder facing straight down aiming at the top of the body, or perhaps spaced farther apart with one on the bridge and one angled on the neck where it meets the body of the guitar.


I would of maybe switched on the low cut filter on the AKG 451s and on the Shure SM 81 as well, to knock out a bit of the low end boominess on the acoustic to help clean things up.


Sometimes the more expensive the mic doesn't necessarily mean that you will get better results. Each mic has it's own place when recording instruments. Always try different miking techniques to achieve your desired sound. What works for one song might not work for another. Until next time, thanks for stopping by the Underground Recording Studio!


Tom Yurik