Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic

Subject: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 06:40 AM

We currently use SM58s for vocal mics for live sound. I wanted to explore some alternatives which offer a flatter frequency response and a warmer sound more suited to female vocals.

While I am happy with the Behringer and AKG condensor mics we use for recording I am not keen to take these into a live situation!

I wondered if anyone here had any favoured mics for female vocals?

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: Willie-O
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 07:04 AM

This is a minority opinion since they are not a very well-known model these days. But I swear by the Shure Super Pro, model PE50SP. It's a dynamic mike, all the ones I've used are from the 80's, it was upscale from the SM58 in the Shure line--cost a hundred bucks more. A friend of mine whose music store went out of business had a bunch of used ones, after I bought two for $100 each for a community group, I went back the next year and got one for myself. Comparing the sound with a regular 58, it's definitely warmer. Always get complimented on the sound these things get. Physically it's almost identical to a 58 except that it's switched (a mixed blessing of course). I haven't really tried the 58 Betas so I don't know how they compare, but Super Pros are a bargain if you can find them!

Last year I did sound for a trio who carry their own condenser mikes (Scarlett Washington and Whiteley); they generally eschew pickups. I was skeptical on their insistence on bringing their own, but damn, it sure worked great. Nary a peep of feedback the whole evening. If you already have them, I would seriously consider using them live, at least in civilized surroundings.

Best
W-O

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: JedMarum
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 08:46 AM

The Sennheiser 855 is a remarkable dynamic mic. It has a superb response. This is the best dynamic mic I've seen/used. The series is pretty good, that is the 835, 845, etc) but the 855 stands way out beyond any dynamic out there for its ability to close mic (vocal mic) and pick up every nuance of vocal/mouth noise. It also has a short range which is important for stage use, since it reduces the amount of unwanted noise ... you won't be picking up the loud guitar player, or fiddle or feedback.

I like the SM58s, I like other mics - but for my money the Sennheiser 855 is the best dynamic vocal mic out there.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: John J
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 08:48 AM

If you PM Bernard I'm sure he could advise, he's a VERY experienced sound engineer.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 11:44 AM

Thanks for the commments so far - I've also had the AKG C1000 and SM 57 Beta suggested on other forums.

I'll PM Bernard as suggested.

I'll also post any other feedback (no pun intended) I get, and the results of any experiments I manage to carry out, on this and the other forums where I've posted the question.

Cheers for now,
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: bigchuck
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 04:46 PM

We've been using akg C1000's for a couple of years now, both indoor and outdoor venues with fine results. A relatively affordable mic that seems to work well for either instruments or vocals in my experience is the MB 4000C by Audio Technica. The AT 3031 is also excellent.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: GUEST,reggie miles
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 07:28 PM

Interesting perusal of the PE50SP. I had no idea. I managed to pick a couple up some time ago for a bargain price and have had no real complaints with them.

I found an odd mic at a recent garage sale foray, an Electro-Voice 644 Sound Spot. It's from the early 60s think. The off/on switch needs to be rewired but I couldn't pass it up for a sawbuck.

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 04:11 AM

I would be heretical and say that the SM58 captures nuance better than the AKG c1000. THere is a lot of favourable comment on the Shure Beta 87A for "building" female vocals. Personally, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I like the sound of the AKG D 880 (at about a third of the price in the UK of an SM58) better than anything. Certainly when my daughter's (very electric) band played the Kings Head in Fulham a couple of years back the sound engineer there finished up using my 880 for her voice, rather than his own Beta 58

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: treewind
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:37 AM

Test a mic (lots of mics) on the voice you're going to use it with. It's the only way really to know how well it will work, and it may lead to a real bargain with a low cost mic that just happens to work well. At the low end of the price range, even test several examples of the same model, because they vary.

Having said that...

I've heard good things about the Beta 57 but never tried one.
The C1000 is a horrid screechy mic that won't add warmth to anything. True, it's got more top than most dynamics, and if you've never used a condenser mic before, it may be superficilally impressive, but... I had a pair (before I knew better) stolen in a burglary, and I didn't replace them. Not with C1000's anyway.

The thing about SM58 for vox and SM57 for instruments is that they are reliable. Not only in the sense of being robust, but in the sense that they rarely sound really bad, almost whatever you use them for.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Alternatives to the SM58 mic
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 10:27 AM

I certainly agree with Treewind's comments about the SM58/57 versality, without boring you with the details I had to use an SM58 on a Hi Hat recently and I was really suprised at how good it was.

I'll at least have fun analysing and testing the different options.

Thanks again for the help so far - Mudcat as ever coming up trumps.

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk