Vocal Mic

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Brandondrury suggests the Shure SM57 as a good all-round, entry-level mic. If the mic is to be exclusively used for vocals, is there a better choice? Is there a better "vocal" mic that costs a little more?'

[brandondrury]

If the mic is to be exclusively used for vocals, is there a better choice? Is there a better "vocal" mic that costs a little more?'

Good question.

There are a few ways of answer this question, but vocal mics aren't about "best" they are about "most flattering on X voice". Mics like the SM 57 have been used quite often on major label vocal recordings. However, they don't work well on all voices in all situations.

No vocal mic is perfect in all situations. A SM 57 is a great entry level mic but it will never sound like a condenser. If you want the condenser sound, you can't get it out of a dynamic. Most budget condenser mics are going to be bright and fizzy. I would check out the Kel mics. Those are much smoother at a very inexpensive price. I'd also like the at the Shure SM7 also.

Brandon

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Thanks so much for your clear counsel.

[TonyB]

Originally Posted by brandondrury

Good question.

There are a few ways of answer this question, but vocal mics aren't about "best" they are about "most flattering on X voice". Mics like the SM 57 have been used quite often on major label vocal recordings. However, they don't work well on all voices in all situations.

No vocal mic is perfect in all situations. A SM 57 is a great entry level mic but it will never sound like a condenser. If you want the condenser sound, you can't get it out of a dynamic. Most budget condenser mics are going to be bright and fizzy. I would check out the Kel mics. Those are much smoother at a very inexpensive price. I'd also like the at the Shure SM7 also.

Brandon

Excellent summary! I can vouch for the SM7b. Costs about $350. Maybe costs a little more than a little more than what you were thinking (betcha can't say that three times in a row).

I can't seem to put the SM7b down. Great for rock vocals. Great for pop vocals. Great as a kick mic. Great on an amp. Sometimes I'll put put a SM57 and SM7b on a guitar amp (diaphragms aligned).

But as Brandon said, for vocals, it all depends on the vocalist and environment. When a LDC doesn't work on a singer (i.e., Rode NT-1, Mojave Audio MA-200), then the SM7b usually fills the void.

[brandondrury]

But as Brandon said, for vocals, it all depends on the vocalist and environment. When a LDC doesn't work on a singer (i.e., Rode NT-1, Mojave Audio MA-200), then the SM7b usually fills the void.

Agreed!

Brandon

[renegade44]

I mainly record my band and my demos. I like tone of out live performance. I use the SM58 on stage to sing. I love the way it works in the studio. For the price, replace them often. Also, keep them covered when not in use.

To me the SM57 is better on the guitars and toms. I like the SM58 for cymbals.

My $.02.

[String7th]

I'm not a fan of the SM58 for vocals on recordings, even on a stand with or without a pop shield, the sound is a little mid-cut. Kinda muddy, but mainly just getting too much P's and B's.
I do frequently use a Beta58 for metal screaming. The singer wants it over-driven and raspy and it sounds great with a bit of analog-emulating plug-ins creating a bit of high gain.

[brandondrury]

I'm not a fan of the SM58 for vocals on recordings, even on a stand with or without a pop shield, the sound is a little mid-cut. Kinda muddy, but mainly just getting too much P's and B's.

The SM58 has a very strong proximity effect. If you back off 6" - 12" from the mic that mud turns into a very aggressive, cutting tone. Listen to just about any U2 record and you'll hear it on lead vocals.

Brandon

[renegade44]

I see a lot of folks abuse the mics. Too me, one of the keys is the "care and feeding". I have two 58s. One was babied. One abused. They sound different.