Acoustic Guitar for Recording: Should You Choose Onboard Electronics or External Microphones?

Are you considering purchasing an acoustic guitar specifically for recording? The decision to go with onboard electronics or external microphones is crucial. This article will guide you through the considerations, ensuring you make the best choice for your recording needs. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each option.

Onboard Electronics

Acoustic guitars with built-in electronics, commonly known as onboard electronics, are designed to enhance the recording experience by converting the natural sound of the guitar strings into an electronic signal.

Pros of Onboard Electronics

Convenience: Onboard electronics require no additional setup or adjustments. Simply connect the guitar to a mixer, interface, or recording device and start recording. This convenience is invaluable for live recording sessions or when you don’t have access to external miking equipment.

Consistency: Instruments with onboard electronics can offer consistent sound quality regardless of external factors such as room acoustics or environmental noise. The sound is standardized, which is particularly useful for recording sessions in different locations.

Enhanced Tone: Many onboard systems utilize high-quality microphones or other sensors to capture the natural tone of the guitar. This ensures that the recorded sound closely matches the unplugged performance, providing a more authentic representation of the instrument.

Cons of Onboard Electronics

Limited Sound Shaping: While onboard systems can capture the natural tone of the guitar, they often lack the flexibility to adjust the sound in real-time. This might prevent you from achieving specific tonal nuances that can be done with external microphones.

Noise Susceptibility: In some cases, onboard pickups can be more susceptible to background noise, which might not be an issue with carefully placed external microphones.

External Microphones

Using external microphones requires a bit more setup, but it offers a great deal of flexibility and control over the recording process.

Pros of External Microphones

Customization: External microphones allow you to position the microphones according to your specific recording needs. This flexibility can lead to a more tailored and nuanced recording experience, capturing the exact sound you envision.

Flexibility: You can experiment with different mic placements and techniques (such as using multiple microphones for a fuller sound) to achieve the desired result. This is especially useful for recording in various settings and capturing a wide range of tonal qualities.

Cons of External Microphones

Setup Complexity: Setting up external microphones requires more planning and execution than simply plugging in the guitar. You’ll need to ensure proper placement, mic quality, and mic techniques, which can be time-consuming.

Cost: External microphones can be an additional investment, and you might need multiple microphones to capture the full range of sounds from a variety of recording positions.

Conclusion

The decision between onboard electronics and external microphones depends on your specific recording needs and preferences. If you prioritize convenience, consistency, and a natural sound, onboard electronics might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you require flexibility and customization in your recordings, external microphones offer more options and control.

Regardless of which option you choose, ensure that you are satisfied with the sound of the guitar when recording before making your purchase. Testing the instrument in your intended recording environment will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your instrument meets your expectations.