E609 vs. E906 and SM57 vs. beta57 vs. I5

[rickyd]

First off, I've been looking into the Sennheiser e609 because I've always heard good things. I then saw that they also make the e906, which is generally the same mic but with a presence switch I think?

If anyone has used both of these mics, is the extra $80 or so worth it to buy the 906?


My other question between the 57 and the beta57. I've never used both side by side, so is it really worth the extra cash for the beta? I have a beta52a and I love it. I have the regular sm57 and It's obviously "the mic". The other debate is how does the audix I5 matches up against the other two. I have three i5's. I know I'll probably be shot for saying it, but I like them more than my 57 and find myself using them more often. Does the beta57 out do both of these mics?

side note- My sm57 seems to have really really low output... A lot lower than when I bought it... It got lost in my garage in the cold for about 2 months (don't ask) and I'm sure thats what did it. Is there any fix for this? anyway to trouble shoot and find out why or should I just go get a new one?

Sorry for getting a little "wordy" with my questions! I just can't find anyone who can give me a direct answer!

[mindundermatter]

Wow, that's a lot to answer. First, let me start by saying you need to throw all of your presumptions out the window. Your question is kind of like asking chocolate vs. vanilla vs. moosetracks vs. butter pecan vs. strawberry, etc. ice cream. The SM57 is not any better than the i5; nor is the beta57 any better than the standard. The same goes for the 609. Each is a great mic in its own right. I have used all of those on snare drum and guitar at some point or another and never had any complaints.

As to the 906 presence switch, I've never heard of that. I'm not really even sure what you would want one for except for maybe vocals; but then again I wouldn't use that mic on vocals (generally speaking).

You're not the first to prefer the sound of the i5s. If that's what you're using and it works for you with good results, then why fix something that's not broken? There's no sense in using the 57 simply because someone else said you should. Use your ears as the ultimate judge, as it sounds like you already are.

Your SM57 problem sounds to me like a blown transformer. That's not really a big deal. People mod the 57 by removing or bypassing it all the time with the end result being (arguably) better transient response and an increased low end on the plus side and a lower output level on the down side.

Hope this helps.

[rickyd]

What does the beta57 market over the sm57? what makes it worth the extra cash?

[mindundermatter]

I honestly couldn't say. Save your cash.

[paul999]

I own the e609, 57 and have used the beta57. I like the beta 57 on snare top better sometimes. M.U.M is right none is better just a different flavor. Interesting note I just got a cool mic pre (shadow hills mono gama) and the 609 sounds great through that. The last album I tracked I choose this for guitar. Without the pre I never used it alone on guitar. Too fizzy. 57 didn't change as much through the pre. Food for thought.

[Mongolian Fire Oil]

Hey, not to hijack, but my gut tells me I should buy every sm57 I can while I can get them slightly used for $60 each, whether I need them or not. Am I crazy?

Just bought 2 last night plus a Beta 52 for $220 total and I am giddy. Sorry.

[willjrockstar]

Hey i have the 906 and its good i guess. I think at some point you gotta be payin for the switch alone on that mic.

Which could be kind of a waste depending on how you view it. Ive never heard the 609, but how much better can it be.

The more i think about it nowadays, it seems like all those mics kinda sound about the same. From now on when i shop i think im just gonna skip buying anymore 120/160 dollar mics and just get something that really makes a difference.

Case in point, id much rather have an md421 as opposed to a beta 57 and a 609. Especially if i already have a beta 58 and a 604. I mean does the little differences in those mics really mean THAT much at our skill level?

Oh i have a beta 57 too. I didnt go WOW the first time i put it on the snare as opposed to the usual 57.

Good luck Get something that makes a difference IMHO

[Newysurfer]

After lotsa research & experimentation I've settled on......
Sennheiser e906 for guitars & keyboards
SM57 for bass
SM58 for vocals.

[willjrockstar]

Do you mind giving yr reasoning or yr plan of attack? Im just curios.

Are these for live use or home recording?

[Newysurfer]

Originally Posted by Newysurfer

After lotsa research & experimentation I've settled on......
Sennheiser e906 for guitars & keyboards
SM57 for bass
SM58 for vocals.

For recording of course but they're equally good for gigging.
Reasons - the e906 just sounds better to me for guitars. A bit fuller at both ends of freq scale.

SM57 picks up bass lows well. Experienced bassists on talkbass.com praise them too.

SM58 is a vocals mic & an industry standard.

Got these 3 used & cheap on Ebay. They do the job well and are not expensive. No doubt you could find better for a lot more $$ though