“Acoustic pickup” is a bit of an oxymoron when you think about it. By the nature of its design, an acoustic instrument is built to project its tone and create a full, lush sound in the absence of electronics.
For years, players and engineers have tried to solve the problem of projecting and recording acoustic guitars with either condenser microphones or acoustic pickups. Each have their favorable qualities, so why not just have the best of both worlds?
L.R. Baggs’ Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup is just that sweet spot on the condenser mic/pickup Venn diagram. Pairing the company’s favorited Element pickup with a newly-designed mini condenser mic dubbed the “True Mic,” the Anthem delivers organic acoustic tone with clarity while also adding a low-end body and warmth.
While the True Mic mounts to the underside of the bridge for response as though it was on the outside of the guitar, the Element pickup is fixed under the saddles, capturing the low tonal spectrum. The knobs are tucked in the soundhole, allowing easy access to the system’s volume and blend controls. Throw in the fact that with the Anthem you’re able to plug directly into a mixing board for unparalleled organic tone in recording, and you have one of the best acoustic pickups available on the market.
Check out the video above of Joe demonstrating the versatility and response of the Anthem and pick up one of your own.