At a Glance

The Specs:
Dual internal condenser microphones, attached to a self-contained ¹/₄-inch endpin jack. 80–15,000 Hz frequency response. Powered by two internal AA batteries. Optional ¹/₄-inch-to-XLR adapter.

This Is Cool:
Higher than usual feedback rejection. Easy noninvasive installation.

Watch For:
No accommodation for a second pickup.

Price:
$245 list.

Maker:
MiniFlex Microphones: (530) 230-7842; miniflexmic.com.

MiniFlex 2Mic, Model 1 Review

Many guitarists find that microphones—external or internal—offer the most natural sounding way to amplify their acoustic guitars, but the potential for feedback often limits their use in performance situations. Ken Donnell, MiniFlex Microphones’ founder, has been perfecting his internal-microphone designs for more than 20 years—a single-mic version, the Soundhole Mic, has been distributed by GHS since 1999—and his latest design, appropriately named the “2Mic,” is intended to both reduce feedback and improve sound quality. The two-microphone 2Mic system is currently available in three different models. Model 1 is meant for any guitar with an endpin jack, Model 2 installs without modification in any guitar with a soundhole, while Model 3 offers alternative mounting systems for use with other types of acoustic instruments. We took a look at Model 1.

Two Mics in One

Right out of the box, the 2Mic Model 1 looks different from most guitar microphones. The endpin jack is attached to a stiff black rubber tube, with a pair of AA batteries mounted on either side of the tube (the batteries end up inside the guitar once installed). The single tube splits into two thick rubber-covered goosenecks, each with a windscreen-covered condenser microphone on the end. The dual microphones pick up sound from two different locations inside the guitar, which makes placement less critical, and, according to MiniFlex, helps reduce feedback by being mechanically (but not electrically) out of phase.

Assuming you already have a standard-size endpin-jack hole, it is fast and easy to install the system using the clever included mounting tool. Simply run the mounting tool (a small wooden dowel attached to a wire) through the endpin hole, attach it to the 2Mic’s output jack before putting the 2Mic into the guitar (through the soundhole), and pull the wire back out. This pulls the 2Mic into position inside the guitar. Once the unit is secured in place, you can easily bend the rubber goosenecks to position each microphone as you wish. MiniFlex recommends placing one mic near the soundhole and the other under the saddle area.

With its attached batteries, the 2Mic does not require external phantom power and can be plugged into any amplifier using a regular guitar cord. However, for the best sound MiniFlex recommends plugging the 2Mic into a microphone input via the ¹/₄-inch-to-XLR adapter. Although you will need to uninstall the system to change batteries (by simply loosening the nut on the endpin and puling the 2Mic out through the soundhole), battery life is estimated at two years.

High Feedback Threshold, Natural Sound

The interior of a guitar is a challenging environment for any microphone, but, installed in a Martin OM, the 2Mic Model 1 sounded very natural, with no trace of boominess. While it is certainly possible to make the guitar feed back, it did appear that the threshold was higher than with other internal mics I have used. MiniFlex notes that for best results, the 2Mic should be used with a full-range PA system, but I was able to play at surprisingly high volume through an AER AcoustiCube, even though I usually find that small combo amplifiers are not a good match for a microphone-only system. Using a preamp with a good notch filter (in this case, an L.R. Baggs Venue), I pushed the feedback threshold even further, and a bit of EQ helped dial in a compellingly natural tone. One benefit of the 2Mic design is that it can be plugged into any standard preamp, tuner, effects, or guitar amplifier, using a ¹/₄-inch guitar cord.

I liked the natural sound from the 2Mic in performance with a medium-size PA system, although I missed the extra punch provided by a guitar pickup. Because it takes over the end-pin jack, the stock Model 1 cannot be combined with another pickup without adding a second jack. However, MiniFlex does offer custom configurations that can be combined with other pickups, and the 2Mic Model 2, the same basic system but designed to be externally mounted, could be used in combination with another pickup.

Although the 2Mic is best suited for live sound applications, the sound is natural enough to be used for recording and offers some advantages in a studio situation. With the mic inside the guitar, performers can be less restricted in their movement, and the internal location also provides more isolation between the guitar and a vocal mic.

Plug-and-Play Mic Solution

Microphones are not for everyone; guitarists who play in loud bands or with large monitors may not have success with any microphone. But for many guitarists, the 2Mic is worth a look for its improved feedback rejection, good sound, and plug-and-play configuration.

Doug Young, a contributing editor to Acoustic Guitar, enjoys composing and arranging for solo guitar, home recording, and performing around the San Francisco Bay Area.