SM57 for aggressive vocals

[moneycat12]

Once I have my gear, I will pretty much exclusively be recording hardcore and punk music. If anyone is unfamiliar with this genre, the band below is a great example:

HORIZONS on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Videos

I read in a book about personal recording that for aggressive vocals, a dynamic mic can sometimes be very effective (I'm unsure what the author of this book classifies as being aggressive). Would you guys ever recommend using the all mighty SM57 as a vocal mic?

[paul999]

Not if I could help it. You could pair it with a LDC which kinda gives you the best of both.

[TonyB]

Yeah, dynamic mics can be used for aggressive vocals. The Shure SM7b is well known as the "go-to" large dynamic mic for aggressive vocals (ala, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

The 57 can be used, but watch the proximity effect and plosives.

[moneycat12]

Originally Posted by TonyB

The 57 can be used, but watch the proximity effect and plosives.

I thought maybe the proximity effect might put a nice tone on the vocals. Couldn't it turn out to be more of a positive than a negative? But I guess I'll never really know until I try.

[FLZapped]

The SM57 will require you get windscreens for a 1 inch diameter mic. The nice thing about doing this (as opposed to the SM58) is that when they get gummed up, they are easy to clean and when worn out, they are super easy to replace.

[Audio~Geek]

Originally Posted by moneycat12

I thought maybe the proximity effect might put a nice tone on the vocals. Couldn't it turn out to be more of a positive than a negative? But I guess I'll never really know until I try.

This is true, but a 57 is very easy to pop.

It's not easy to get a consistent proximity effect, slight movements will change the tone.

A 58 with a foam windscreen works well though.

[brandondrury]

This is true, but a 57 is very easy to pop.

It's not easy to get a consistent proximity effect, slight movements will change the tone.

A 58 with a foam windscreen works well though.

I cover this heavily in Killer Home Recoding: Vocals. I agree that a 58 has way less issues with plosives and usually a hair more ideal for the hardcore stuff.

I do generally reach for an LDC first, but if it isn't happening the SM7b or SM57 on a stand and pop filter are my next choice. If that isn't happening, letting them hold a 58 often works.

Brandon