Any Ideas on Vocal Mics?

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ashesofphoenix

ashesofphoenix

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So I do alot of back up vocals and our old singer owned all the mics lol. I've been used to the EV mics with the flat grill face, but Ive always wanted a vintage looking mic like the Shure 55sh. I don't have a lot of dough but want a really good mic I won't have to replace twice a year. I do a mix of clean and scream so I need something that can handle both. If anyone can give me any input at all I'd be greatful.
 
I've recorded clean vocals as well as screamers with a Shure SM58. A 58 never breaks and if the grille should happen to dent (takes a LOT of force) they can be screwed off and replaced for about $5. A 58 is a live sound staple and if you are looking for a worry-free small investment mic then the 58 is it.
 
Check out the Rode line up. They've got some great mics with excellent dynamics, very versatile and not over-the-top expensive.

They're website is pretty informative too, so it'll be a good place to start:

http://www.rodemic.com/microphones.php

Peace,
V.
 
thanks for the input.. Ive been lookin up mics all day now and beside the shure, which is what the "industry standard" is, I also like the look and reviews of the Carvin M68, Rode M1, and the Blue enCore 100. Any thoughts on these? Im really not big on shure for some reason.
 
FIrst of the Shure 57 as someone stated is not a vocal mic. It can do vocals, but I don't recommend it at all for that pursposes.
You should get a Shure 58 Beta version, its worth the 50 dollar difference with the standard version. They retail at 150 dollars a piece. You won't need another mic in your life.
 
My Audix OM-5 absolutely pwns my old SM58's. It's like night and day. I actually singer better through the Audix.
 
ashesofphoenix":2x0hw86o said:
thanks for the input.. Ive been lookin up mics all day now and beside the shure, which is what the "industry standard" is, I also like the look and reviews of the Carvin M68, Rode M1, and the Blue enCore 100. Any thoughts on these? Im really not big on shure for some reason.
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If you want durability and good sound quality you can't beat the Shure SM58. It's definately the workhorse of the industry. Nothings going to hurt that mic. IF you drop it and dent the grill it's easily replaced. Used them for years. Never had a problem with them. That's why a lot of PA rental companies use them. However, they do have a unique midrange response. But that's what I like.

Schaf
 
guitarslinger":2wa34pob said:
My Audix OM-5 absolutely pwns my old SM58's. It's like night and day. I actually singer better through the Audix.
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Did you try the 58 Beta, its so much better than the standard
 
sutepaj":2vxe22sn said:
get a used Beta 58.
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+1 heard great things about the Beta 58. I wished I had 2 Beta 58's over just the standard SM58 (own 2)

I also really like the EV vocal mics, great at eliminating feedback, you do have to be pretty much right up on them, which is how I sing anyway. I picked my EV vocal mics up for really cheap from a former EV employee.... :rock:
 
Nico":g6pvefj9 said:
guitarslinger":g6pvefj9 said:
My Audix OM-5 absolutely pwns my old SM58's. It's like night and day. I actually singer better through the Audix.
Click to expand...

Did you try the 58 Beta, its so much better than the standard
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I've used a Beta 58 (not through my PA rig)

but, I've used some various sennheisers, Ball mics, beta 57's, SM58's etc through my PA rig, and...

The OM5 is just sounds SO good, I can't get over how different it sounds.



I actually bought it because Shirley Manson (Garbage) uses one live. I figured if anybody knows what a good mic sounds like, it would be Steve Marker and Butch Vig.
 
I'm not sure how one mic can sound 'better' than another mic, but in my opinion the Beta 58 had a huge presence boost that can't be favorable on all sources. I tried tracking a friend of mine one time and the Beta made it sound like he was singing from his nose. After a while of trying, we swapped the mic for a 57 and pop filter and we were both happy with it.
 
Nico":1ds4dj7k said:
FIrst of the Shure 57 as someone stated is not a vocal mic. It can do vocals, but I don't recommend it at all for that pursposes.
You should get a Shure 58 Beta version, its worth the 50 dollar difference with the standard version. They retail at 150 dollars a piece. You won't need another mic in your life.
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If you are refering to my post, I said Shure SM7, not 57. Big big difference. Shure SM7 is a pretty popular dynamic vocal mic, used by lots of artists, and has works well with loud vocals. I mentioned the sm7 since it sounds like you may want to use it live, and being a dynamic, probably would work well in both studio and live enviroments.

other then that I like the shure condenser handheld, that starts at like 600 bucks, as well as the nueman handhelds.
 
Ive used the Audix OM2 for a while as well as the EV mics and I like them better than some of the shure's ive used (ie the SM58). I really love the look and sound of Shure 55sh tho too. Any thoughts on vintage style mics???
 
ashesofphoenix":nqkphw4n said:
Ive used the Audix OM2 for a while as well as the EV mics and I like them better than some of the shure's ive used (ie the SM58). I really love the look and sound of Shure 55sh tho too. Any thoughts on vintage style mics???
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The few vintage-style mics I have seen were just elements from other current popular mics put in to a retro case.

Another Audix fan, here. OM6 is my weapon of choice. (Not for me to sing in to, as a sound man.) Only ran it against a Beta 58 once, a good few years ago. The Beta was nice, but I liked the OM6 better. Could just be because I was used to the sound of the Audix, but the Shure wasn't enough to convert me back.

JakeAC5253":nqkphw4n said:
I'm not sure how one mic can sound 'better' than another mic, but in my opinion the Beta 58 had a huge presence boost that can't be favorable on all sources. I tried tracking a friend of mine one time and the Beta made it sound like he was singing from his nose. After a while of trying, we swapped the mic for a 57 and pop filter and we were both happy with it.
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'Better' is of course subjective, but there are mics that seem to be easier to get a 'great sound' out of. The OM6 was really easy to keep in front without having to push that fader up, and the voices sounded very natural. Almost condenser-like. Compared to the 57 and the 58 (not Beta) from a completely flat EQ, it made both of them sound very flat and lifeless. And I was a big fan (and they are certainly good mics, IMO) of both for various vocal styles.
 
Can't help with the vintage, Jack White schtick thing going on, but for studio quality, neutrality, and longevity - the Rode is the choice of many producers, and it's not a bank breaker. I own several, and they've always been the preferred choice in everything from ambient, room, piano, overhangs, and yep - 100% vocals.

Peace,
V.
 
Never, ever buy a used vocal mic!! yuck

That's one of those things that you should buy 'new'...it's like someone saying 'who would like to buy my half used tube of hemorrhoid cream'
 
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