Vocal Mic Suggestions

dmb66 · Post by **dmb66** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 1:30 pm

So, as stated in the title, I'm looking for a decent vocal microphone. I've pretty much decided I'm going with a Shure SM58, unless someone has some experience with another mic they feel is comparable. Can anyone lend me some suggestions? Anyone with experience with the Shure or other makes or models? My budget is around 120 bucks max. Thanks.

-Nick

Kahn · Post by **Kahn** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 1:47 pm

I have an SM58. Works wonders.

RunsWithBuffalo · Post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:06 pm

for 120 an SM58 is the best around. It works great live and very good in the studio, its built like a tank so it will last you years. One guy i talked to had one that was 20+ years old! It doesnt need phantom power which is a plus and its extremely versatle.

Appfro · Post by **Appfro** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:24 pm

nm. i think you're looking more into stage mics so mine was bad advice

Brock · Post by **Brock** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:00 pm

yeah, that's kind of an important question — are you looking for a mic that's primarily stage, primarily studio, or that can do both okay?

sunglassesatnight · Post by **sunglassesatnight** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:07 pm

Indeed. Condensor mics would be much better for primarily studio use. The frequency response of SM58 isn't what I'd consider good enough for quality studio use.

Appfro · Post by **Appfro** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 7:26 pm

yea, i suggested a condensor mic but then from him saying he wanted the 58 i only assumed stage.

dmb66 · Post by **dmb66** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:24 pm

Yes I should have clarified...first and foremost, this is a stage mic. If it can double as a half decent mic to record through a cheap mixer into my laptop, that's a nice bonus. The mic's we're using now are Carvin mics that came with our PA system, and the volume to feedback ratio just plain old sucks, they aren't very clear, and monitors make them a real hassle to try and use without feedback. Thanks for the input. Anyone else?

6_strings_for_life · Post by **6_strings_for_life** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:15 pm

i say sm 58 too, cant beat one for the price...

mattinbeloit · Post by **mattinbeloit** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:39 am

Those 58's never cease to amaze me, they do anything decently, all around good mic for live and studio... With your budget I can't really think of anything better for live application.

dmb66 · Post by **dmb66** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:44 pm

Ok well the consensus seems to be that SM58 is the way to go. In searching for some online I stumbled across the Beta57. Is this one worth me holding off and saving for or is the difference gonna be minimal? I'm pretty much set on the 58 but would like to make sure. For one, I like the grill style on the beta57 a lot more, as I like to sing with my lips basically on the microphone. Thanks in advance.

RunsWithBuffalo · Post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:24 am

Hmm i dont have experience with that mic, but if you like to eat the mic be warned that the sm58 has a lot of bass very close to the microphone, so you may have to eq some of it out. Im not sure if the beta 57 does that, but im sure its a good mic and i think howie day uses that one.

mattinbeloit · Post by **mattinbeloit** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:40 pm

RunsWithBuffalo wrote:Hmm i dont have experience with that mic, but if you like to eat the mic be warned that the sm58 has a lot of bass very close to the microphone, so you may have to eq some of it out. Im not sure if the beta 57 does that, but im sure its a good mic and i think howie day uses that one.

Ya, lol don't eat the sm57, that's bad news bears. There is a little bit of difference between the beta and the sm, I've used both but still prefer the 57. But I dont do much live stufff so im thinking the beta might be better for you. If there is any way you could try both of them I would suggest that.

Trippin Hillbilly · Post by **Trippin Hillbilly** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:29 pm

I have a beta57 and beta58. They're incredible mic's, i'd recommend either of them.

RunsWithBuffalo · Post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 3:02 pm

Singing with your lips on the mic, or "eating the mic" is bad with any mic really because it messes with the movement of your lips and can really throw off your diction. You will get much better results by standing back an inch or two. That way if you need a part louder you can always move in, and if you need it quieter move away. The point is give yourself space on both ends, that way you can really work the mic. I kinda think of a mic as an instrument and there are certainly good and bad ways to play it.