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This subject has probably been done to death but I would value opinions. What is your favourite mic? Whilst the Shure sm58 is "the industry standard" over the years other makes/models have gradually stepped up to the plate and in some cases overtaken Shure for value and performance. I use mostly Audia Technica both wired and wireless but also carry an sm58 and a wireless sm58 as backups. Is it Horses for courses or are some mics generally better than others. One man's meat is another man's poison? Does it depend on your voice?

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This debate has been going on for years. The SM58 is still the most rugged and accepeted mic in the Live arena. You could pound nails with one and it would still work.

My experiance has shown the the SM58 is best on male vocals and the Beta 58 is better on female vocals. The 57 is wonderful for both vocals and insturments but because it has no pop screen it's more difficult to control vocally.

another really great Live or/Recording overlooked mic is the Senheiser MD421 a tad more money
I found it to be nothing short of incrediable on vocals.


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Thanks Larry. I have tried the Md42 and at a tad over double the price of an sm58. (Blindfolded) I do not think there is any real difference in sound quality so why pay double. Not that I am mean or anything. See my thread (Used v new)

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I have had great results with the shure beta 58.


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I've been using Samson Q7s for the last year and have been very pleased with the sound and durability. And, you can get a really good deal on a new one from eBay, because they don't have the name or stature of other mics like the sure.

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Thanks for reviving very old thread. There was a much more recent thread on this same subject called CHOOSING A MIC. You may want to take a look and post your comments.

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My all around favorite is the AKG C535EB, a cardioid condensor that has been in AKG's stable for at least 25 years. It is pretty rugged for a condensor, has a clean high end, decent pattern control, and is useful for both close micing vocals on stage, or for pick up of acoustic guitar in the studio. Best all around microphone I have ever owned, and I have owned and used quite a few over the last 30+ years.

The SM58 is still a useful, dependable, and affordable microphone, but I don't consider it the best of class in terms of performance.




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Hi Noiseboy

"The SM58 is still a useful, dependable, and affordable microphone, but I don't consider it the best of class in terms of performance."

Most folk I know will testify to that statement.





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After a prolonged search that meant borrowing or renting mics to try them out, trying to find a mic that suits my voice (and not being able to afford the Neumann I lust after), I've settled on a Shure SM7b for vocal recording. I use a Shure SM57 for some instruments.

I should mention I tried several mics, different brands, but the Shure SM7b ended up the winner. My voice is very bright so I needed a mic that would pick up vocal textures but not sizzle on the top.


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Interesting choice...the SM7 and the E/V RE20 are probably the two most popular dynamic mics used for studio recording (vs condensers). Curiously, they are also very popular broadcast mics - especially the SM7 for that "warm and in your face" late-night radio DJ sound: just add compression.

I haven't actually used an SM7 in the studio, but have tried an RE20.

+++++++++

I should clarify that the SM7 and RE20 are the most popular dynamic mics for VOCALS in the studio. The ubitquitous SM57 is still by far the most popular dynamic mic in general.

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Brand names cost more than generic. You are just paying for the name. Example generic medicines are identical in formula to "brand names" just ridiculously cheaper. Similarily there are many mics who's specs and ruggedness are as good if not better than shure at similar or cheaper prices. It pays to be open minded and shop around. Try a direct comparison test using the various alternatives against a Shure and honestly see which one you think sounds best. We have done this experiment several times with various folk and different brands. Most time they either cannot tell or do not pick a Shure.

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Shure beta 58's and 57 s we use for vocal some time,like to run the vox through amplitude on protools ,slightly driven bass rig and torture the eq for fx , but mainly rode nt1 condenser which is fantastic on accoustic guitar and vocals .
Thing is here in Australia beta 58s run out at about $300 au , but you can get em in Japan for half that .

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The same mics are also cheaper in the UK usually under £100 ($215 Aus) They are even cheaper in the USA. As I said in previous posts it pays to shop around both for specs and prices. Crazy when you think it is cheaper to buy abroad even with shipping etc than walk round corner to local music shop. It says a lot for our economy and tax system.

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I like the Shure Beta 58's. Their frequency response has a better low end and over-all a little bit flatter. Meaning they reproduce truer over a little wider range.

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Originally Posted by Rick Heenan
I like the Shure Beta 58's. Their frequency response has a better low end and over-all a little bit flatter. Meaning they reproduce truer over a little wider range.


Compared to what?

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Regular SM 58's. I've got both and the freg. response curve in the literature shows it.

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What other similar priced mics have you compared it to?
IMO we have tried and compared various makes and models to shure SM and BETA ranges. Guess what! Yep Shure is way way down the rankings for price, specs and performance.

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I'm pretty sure that all of the Beta series are hyper-cardioid instead of cardioid like the SM series. That would mean they have a very pronounced bass proximity effect when you get close - much more pronounced than the regular 57 or 58. Once you get further than about 18 inches away, the proximity affect wont make any difference, but those last 6 inches or so can make a huge difference in the amount of bass.

I'd bet that some AKG, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica mics would give those old stalwarts a run for their money in the same price range. The Shures are just a known quantity and people sort of know what to expect when you plug one in.



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I agree 100% I use Audio Technica mics for live work and it beats Shure every which way. I have spoken earlier on in this thread about a blind comparison experiment. I would advise anybody who rates shure as the so-called industry standard to try various makes and models against a shure. You will be surprised at the results.

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Jim, right or wrong, the Shure sm58 is the industry standard live vocal mic. The fact there are numerous mics that do as well, or better, at the job and cost less is moot.
That standard is a level of performance that's become, over a period of time, that which other mics are compared to. Some compare well, others not so well.

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I agree and am only trying to educate and remove the barriers. It is all down to preference BUT a lot of people choose Shure blindly without checking other options. The same applies to guitars, amps, speakers, fx units, software and just about everything else. All I am saying is check out the other options first. Sometimes the industry standard is not always the best option for performance or cost.

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The costs of the SM-58's and the company's promo of the industry Standard has a lot to do with it too.

Many top artist and others use mics designed well above the SM specs in all areas. Some ae EV's,,,some are Sennheiser's, (which our band went to, and WOW,,,side by side,,,,big difference in every aspect you could think of.

The list price is much higher for our Sennheiser 845's, as are the good EV's and some other mics. If at the same price, with the same promo statement,,,,who knows that mic would have been the "standard". But with higher end components and features, comes a higher price tag. That alone will have many go the hundred dollar mic,,,especially with the name, as Shure is good of course.

WE happened to get our Sennheiser's on Ebay new for a steal through one store on New Years Day, (no bidders but me!),,hangovers I guess. So, having already a fleet of SM 58's, we tried the upscale Sennheiser 845's. Did our first show with them, and what a nice difference. Even at practice in this little room, we could all tell. And we tried every setting and all with the SM's before,,,,for two years! Ask Iggy and Roon,,,,and specifically the people who heard us before.

Yamaha pianos also became known as the Industry Standard, from promo work, (logo on the sode of their grands when they GAVE the pianos away at events or for some colleges), and a good price. But Steinway, Bosendorfer, Baldwin SD-10's, Schimmel, Heinstman, Bluthner, and even Kawai, (the "other Japanesse maker"), are preferred by many in the industry.

For there are many products with higher quality parts and craftsmanship than the very good standard. Depends on what you want to spend, and for what the application,and for ones own preference.

For us,,,,the standard has changed to Sennheiser.

Shure's good,,,,These are even better. And there's better yet, (mics in the 300 hundred dollar range and up).

Some might not need the better or the best, for whatever reason.
Just don't let the tag Industry Standard mean anything more than good promo and a good product.

John


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It is amazing how many people do not try out other makes before plumping for the most popular. The same price tag can give a far better performance if you only look to see what else is available. That goes for just about everything not just electronics.
Ebay has some great bargains if you know exactly what you want and do not get involved in a bidding war.

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The SM58 is a world wide standard, proven tried and true, will work everytime...I agree there are better...I have played with certain singers who sound better through a 57, I don't like them too directional...I do like them for micing my guitar amp for a large venue...I like a sennhieser mic for guitar micing in the studio. I actually take the sennheiser and mid cone it and then put a 57 at cone's edge and track it to two channels if I'm looking for a beefier rythym guitar track, makes for a nice full range that you can pan in the recording if you want, no worries on seperating sides and conflicting strums or something, they are the identical track recorded with 2 different and different positioned mics.The other mic I cherish is a Rhode NTK, at under $500 for a tube condenser for use in the studio it rivals the very expensive Neuman's that alot of studio's use, I can't justify $2500 for any mic on my budget, and the NTK is critically acclaimed and I for one love it, whoever the guy was that was a studio engineer I met at a conference, Jim somebody...ha...it really was Jim ?, but thanks , it's a great mic with a warm rich tube sound for recording... I also have a few audio technica's Jim...a couple that are designed just like the SM58, can't recall the model # but I keep them set up for when we rehearse...and another inexpensive condenser mic ATK something that I run through a Focusrite tube preamp in the studio for micing acoustic guitar...good discussion here...thanks...Moker

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My first mic was a Shure it was the best available. That was over forty years ago when there was little choice or competition. Things change with new developments. Many companies have overtaken Shure in price and performance. It may be the industry standard but NOT necessarily the best. I used to have a little cheapo, great sound, even set flat, it was rugged and despite being thrown around a lot took it all in its stride. It did not have any make or model on it but I loved it. It cost buttons second hand. Sadly I lost it or somebody stole it. Would recognise it in an instant if I ever saw it again.

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Jim, or anyone else....

Next year, maybe late ths year,I will be in the market for a new vocal mic. I will be using it for home recording. My maximum price is in the $300.00 US range. I need a recommendation.

My vioce is very thin...not at all full-bodied (damn!!!). I have virtually no overtones/undertones. I need something that will give my voice sme air...make it sound warm and fuller. I realize that putting lipstick on a pig doesn;t make it a beauty queen. But, I will gladly accept anything that fills out my voice, making it sound richer and fuller. Also, my voice tends to be too "crisp".

I hope I have adequately explained myself. Right now I am using a Shure M-58. It doesn't "soothe" my voice very well. Thanks for any suggestions.

Al

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Hey Al, for what it's worth,

Once I can justify it--because there is ALWAYS a laundry list of purchases that come before Daddy's Little Obsession--I am going to buy this microphone for vocals:

http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic/mxlv69mogami/mxlv69.htm

I first heard about it on another technical forum, praised by several engineers I have come to respect. Since then I have tried one out, and it sure seemed to rival some of the high-end mics that cost four and five times as much.

What's more...it looks supercool. smile

EDIT: this gives a sense of price: MXL V69

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Hi Al Have not used the mic Mark reccomends however it looks OK from the specs and quite a cheap price. It should fit the bill.
I personally would reccomend Audia Technica the ATM610 or PRO37 or AE6100 However you need to check the equipment you use for suitability as some of these mics require phantom power. This is only available through certain mixers or amps. No point in buying a mic and it not working cause you do not have the proper equipment to use it with.

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/92de3a8dee4f48f9/index.html

http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/5ef0e5beb547be51/index.html












Last edited by BIG JIM MERRILEES; 02/24/08 09:25 PM.
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Al,
whatever mic you buy, if you're home recording...buy the little presonus tube-pre and run it through there first...it is a tube pre-amp that will warm and thicken anyone's vocal on virtually any mic...it's maybe $90 or $100 bucks...hell buy it first, you might not need a new mic...ha...here's a link to it...Moker

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TubePRE

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Al.
Moker is correct I forgot to tell you about a pre amp. That will probably fix the prob. My pal uses one and swears by it. I do not know if he uses a presonus but I know presonus are very good and great value.

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You both sold me on the TubePRE...off to eBay...

I just bought a Presonus Firebox interface on the cheap, was recently GIFTED Cubase SX, thanks to Santa, so that little pre amp would just be icing on the cake. Can't wait to go digital.

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Mark, you'll be, I think, very happy with that MXL mic. I have 5 of their microphones, 4 condenser and 1 dynamic, and all are nice.
I have a MXL-1006 LD, a pair of MXL-1000 MD hand held mics and a FOX dynamic, all have been discontinued, and a MXL-990 MD. Each has it's own flavor but each does a very nice job.

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Nice to hear, Dak, thanks. smile

And it looks like a used Presonus TubePRE can be had for 50-60 dollars, judging from the recently completed eBay sales...

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Hi Mark I phoned my pal and it IS in fact a personus he uses just to add more fuel to your quest.
I also checked Ebay. Yep used price about $50.
Sheesh it costs over £100 ($200) In the UK. Think I might emigrate. The stuff generally is so cheap in the states compared to the UK. Usually about double the price on average.

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Quest accomplished. eBay, $50. Cha-ching. smile

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Meanwhile, I learn that the firewire port on my PC will create havoc with my Firebox...turns out that most good firewire audio interfaces are going to have issues with noise and latency if the chipset in the firewire port is anything other than a Texas Instruments (TI) chipset. Something to keep in mind if any of you get baffled by poor performance...

These cards work:

http://www.unibrain.com/Products/p1394/FireBoardBLUE.htm
http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10085
http://www.firewiregear.net/productdetails1.cfm?sku=TI-3P-PCI&cats=302&catid=538
http://www.firewire-1394.com/pyro-pci-64.htm

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In Canada, there are some awesome mics from APEX, sure they're imports but for the $$ you can't beat them. I only use their condensers, the dynamics are a bit weird sounding. The model 190 (SD condenser) is my go-to fave for recording any acoustic instruments. Even tube and ribbon mics for no more than $300. How cool is that?

I really like my Beta 57's, they are my go-to for dynamic mics, stick 'em in front of a screaming amp or pairing them up for recording piano and also for live vocals, they are work horses.

I got an interesting mic last year and AKG 880 (I think)it's a nice dynamic mic, best suited to live vocals or mic'ing an amp, not enough presence for recording though. It was $80 so I thought "why not".

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Originally Posted by Al David
Jim, or anyone else....

Next year, maybe late ths year,I will be in the market for a new vocal mic. I will be using it for home recording. My maximum price is in the $300.00 US range. I need a recommendation.

My vioce is very thin...not at all full-bodied (damn!!!). I have virtually no overtones/undertones. I need something that will give my voice sme air...make it sound warm and fuller. I realize that putting lipstick on a pig doesn;t make it a beauty queen. But, I will gladly accept anything that fills out my voice, making it sound richer and fuller. Also, my voice tends to be too "crisp".

I hope I have adequately explained myself. Right now I am using a Shure M-58. It doesn't "soothe" my voice very well. Thanks for any suggestions.

Al

The previously mentioned SM7, used close up, is quite good for fattening vocals.
For less money, see if you can audition an EV767. Much smoother than a 58.

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Check out MXL, Apex and a few other inexpensive models for tube mics. These have come way down in price since they're almost all made in China now. Tube mics have a warm sound to begin with, often have variable polar patterns, but they do require phantom power which usually comes in the form of a power supply, with them.

Another good idea, is take the mic you're using now, put it through a tube preamp, you can get a fairly serious one for the $300 you're willing to spend. The bonus is that you can put your guitar through it; makes piezo pickups sound much better, and you can force a bit of saturation (natural distortion) with it on electric guitars.

My suggestion would be the either the tube mic, (which you'd never take out for a gig though) or the tube pre with your existing mic. Heck, for that money, get the tube pre and a used BBE sonic Maximizer...THEN you'd be really good to go. $300 is quite a bit, with what you want to buy, I'd go for maximum versatility rather than putting all my eggs in that one basket.

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I switched over from an SM58 to an AKG C5 for my live vocals, because I felt the Shure had too much of a nasal sound to it (with my voice). The AKG is more natural sounding. It's more me.


Jim Offerman ~ inspirational pop music
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Hi Jim.... Ray Davies uses this mic. He has a thin nasally voice so there is probably sense in what you say. My advice as always is to try a few out and select the one you like best. Everyone has a different voice so it is important to use a suitable mic.


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Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
My advice as always is to try a few out and select the one you like best. Everyone has a different voice so it is important to use a suitable mic.


I whole heartedly agree! smile


Jim Offerman ~ inspirational pop music
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I have several microphones including some condensers but the one I find I use the most (by far) is my Audix OM2. I like the lack of harshness.

Tom


Thomas Shea

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i don't know the sm58 i've used many times but it's sort of obscure for me!


Priscilla Hernandez singer-songwriter
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Shure mics taste better.

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Sure...mics taste better...than what though?

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Well Senheisers give me hiccups and EVs give me wind. Never tried a Shure...will give it a shot. I have one in my mic case that I have never used as I do not like the sound. Might as well eat it.

My best bet for not getting indigestion is an Audio Technica. They are pretty good if you want to sing through them as well.

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I was in the mood for Chinese last night and had an MXL. Two hours later, I was hungry again.


Kevin Edward Rose
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Actually,
I was thinking that a 58 has that "proximity" effect(don't know the technical term) where you can get different tones by moving in close or backing off or singing from the sides. I recently had to lay my oldest mic to rest(25 yrs). I buried it in my back yard next to the dog(15 yrs). I kept the wind screen though, for a snack.
Rick

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Originally Posted by Kevin EdwardRose
I was in the mood for Chinese last night and had an MXL. Two hours later, I was hungry again.



Well at least your iron levels will have been increased. No problems with anaemia on that diet.

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