Help: performance microphone...

Subject: performance microphone...
From: Branwen23
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 06:04 PM

I need to buy a microphone... I know absolutely nothing about sound equipment, and have never purchased a mic before... Can anyone recommend a good mic for female vocal? (I don't mind spending a little money if it's worth it for the quality)

Help!

-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 06:07 PM

SM-58... the workhorse of the music world...

Unless ya wanna get fancy...

[~`

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Branwen23
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 06:30 PM

thanks, I'll check it out... anyone else have any recommendations?

-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: dwditty
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 07:17 PM

I'll second the SM-58. Very reasonable. The J-45 of microphones.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 08:26 PM

Shure SM 58, aye. Out-live and out-perform all. Don't take a knockoff to save a few bucks. It may sound great but won't be as tough. Then the sound goes.

Treat yer mic like yer vocal cords-- with care and respect. After all, once you get used to using one, it is as important in getting your sound out as the cords. And spend a lot of time at home practicing with the volume way up. You will be mortified at first as you hear all your vocal imperfections amplified, and any lack of support will sound perfectly awful. After a couple of hours of practice, tho, you will adjust your technique to what you are hearing off the amp, and the amp sound will replace what you have been hearing mostly through your jawbone. And you will discover all kinds of things that your voice can do that you did not know it could do. But be careful with this, some of those new tricks can hurt your voice.

What are you planning to plug it into? Until I had my Crate acoustic amp with vocal input, I used a bass amp, and it actually worked pretty well.

Have fun with it! Wish you could come sing with me!

~S~

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: InOBU
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 08:57 PM

I use an Electrovoice 875/A great stuff, beats the hell out of the old shures the band used to use... Larry

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Jason LaPrade
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 11:07 PM

Hi Branwen,

The SM58 is definitely the standard vocal mic, and not a bad choice. I'd suggest something different though -- AKG D880. I find it particularly good on female vocals but it works nicely for men too. It has a much warmer tone to my ear. It's even a little cheaper. I've been doing live sound for a few years now, and it's my mic of choice for the main vocal.

Unfortunately, unless you've tried many different mics, it's hard to know which one is right for you. One mic can be perfect for someone, and terrible for someone else. But I've found the AKG D880 to sound better and more natural in all kinds of situations, and for all kinds of singers. Remember just because the 58 has become standard doesn't mean it's better than the rest.

Good luck, Jason.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: GUEST,Alex
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 11:43 PM

The original Shure SM58 was designed to go along with the (ancient) Shure Vocalmaster system and is more suited to a male voice. The newer Beta SM58 works better for a female (high) voice but tends to be more of a rock and roll sound for a male. I recommend them for road work as they can be dropped on the floor or the mic stand knocked over and they still keep going.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Nicole Leonard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 04:41 AM

It definitely depends on your own individual voice. The SM58 is good for male vocals and females who don't have high voices, however my voice is quite high and clear and the SM58 doesn't suit it so well. It gives a lot of warmth in my lower register but where my range is naturally strong the SM58 doesn't pick it up very well. I use an Audio-Technica ATM63. It isn't as warm, but is strong in the range where my voice is strong, and gives a sound more like how I think I "really" sound (i.e. when singing unamplified).

The SM58 seems to have become a "standard", it is very robust and sounds good or at least okay for most singers. My husband sings with one, and before buying he tried half a dozen different mics (AKG, Beyer, Audix - can't remember the models) but the 58 sounded warmest and smoothest for him.

I would recommend you try a selection of mics and see what you like the sound of for your voice.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Terry Allan Hall
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 10:10 AM

Another vote for the SM-58...I own a few others, but they're for other folks who might sing with me...I've been very happy with this SM-58 for about 25 years.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Dave Swan
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:24 PM

We just replaced four twenty-five year old SM-58's with, wait for it, four brand new SM-58's. The old mics had taken some knocks and seen a lot of use over the years. As a result, they began to drop off a little, so we bought new ones. It's like cleaning your windshield after it's slowly become dingy. You don't know 'til you're singing into new mics the extent to which the old ones had slowly deteriorated. We tried others at a number of shops but returned to SM. Beacuse it's what we're used to? Probably that's part of it. For me, it's consistent reproduction throughout my tenor range and a very forgiving pick-up pattern.

I agree with those who suggest that you try a wide range of mics in order to find the one which works best for you. In addition to the variable of the amp you use, remember that your perception of your voice and the mic's performance will be affected by the monitor through which you hear yourself. Monitor nightmare stories are many.

Good luck.

Dave

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Alice
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:44 PM

great thread. I like the feedback pointing out that mics sound differently with high and low range voices. Let's carry on with more on what you are plugging your mic into, and how that affects the sound of high and low ranges. Interesting.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 05:51 PM

All really depends on how you want to work with the mic. The SM58 is a close-vocal mic, with a 'midrange peak' to suit most vocalists whilst reducing feedback. However, it only works properly if you work VERY close, i.e. two inches (50mm!) or nearer.

A good all rounder is the Beyer M201, which is equally at home miking up a kick drum or a piano. It is particularly good as a 'ladies' mic'.

The wisest way to choose your mic is to contact a sound hire company, and try a few of theirs (I work for one - bet you didn't guess!!?). You will also get real advice from the people who work with them for a living!

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: JedMarum
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:13 PM

I like the sures, and the EV but I believe the best performance mic right now is the Senhauser E825S (click here).

They have a very clean, very crisp sound, and an excellent reponse range. I have very impressed with its clarity. Your audience will be able to understand every word. You might check out the website and reead up on 'em. Then ask about 'em at your music store.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:27 PM

Yes, the Sennheiser (!) Evolution series are good budget mics, and quite robust. But what suits one doesn't always suit another! Try before you buy! The average cost of hiring a mic is around £10 for a weekend in England - you do need a sound system, of course!

It's fair to say that a microphone is only as good as the system it's plugged into - expensive mic + crap speakers = waste of time! The amplifier is less of a problem, but you need good speakers!

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: oggie
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:38 PM

As well as a good mike get a 'pop cover' (if that's what they're still called!) as well. The Sure would get my vote even though they're an old design>

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: JedMarum
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:48 PM

I agree with Bernard the Beyer is superb, and may well be a good choice for you Branwen23.

And Alice, what you plug it into??? Well that is most important indeed.

I think excellent speaker are very important, chosen for the sound going throught them, the budget, and the venues in which they will be used. I love JBL enclosure, and use a pair of ML925s. These excellent speakers can put out a surprising volume of sound, with deep bottom and crisp highs. I drive them with about 1000 Watts from a Crown Amp. This is meant to be a small/mid sized system, but it quite good for large venues, and a full (acoustic) band. For a mixer I am using Folio - very low cost, high quality mixer (not built for the rigors of the road though, and I've had a road case built for them). I use two these mixers, one with 6 XLR inputs (mic inputs) and 10 over all ins - the other with 8 XLRs and 16 over-all ins. I inhereted these, and they've worked fien. If I was starting again, I probably purchase Mackie or one of the other more comonly used products.

I am firm believer in high fi speakers and amp, if you can get 'em. They make all the difference between a loud sound system, and an excellent sound system.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Les B
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 10:49 PM

What happens if you try to mix the various kinds of mics suggested? Three of our four member group could probably get by with SM58's, plus SM57's for banjo & mandolin mics. Our lead singer, a woman, has a beautiful high soprano. If we mix in a beta SM58, or one of the others, will it be difficult to equalize, etc. ??

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 11:01 PM

It all comes down to how much homework you want to do and what your partners are using. All the mic's mentioned are really good, but the SM58's are standard in the performance field. SM 57's are the same mic, with a different ball on the end. The Shures aren't the best around these days but they sound good in any system, pretty much always sound alike and, if you play a lot of different places, the majority of the house mics will be 58's. And you can pound nails with them.

Beta 58's are a lot more responsive. The EQ will be a lot different.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 11:20 PM

No matter what mike you finally buy, never Never NEVER blow into it to see if it is on. My Dad, the Sound Man jumped my butt about this so badly the first time I did it that I NEVER EVER did it again. You can get moisture (spit) in the mike, and really,REALLY screw it up. Just say a few words, or play a few notes. DON'T BLOW INTO A MICROPHONE!! sorry, ma da, there.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: JedMarum
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 10:34 AM

mixing mics on a stage is not so hard on a mix (for the most part). With the advent of all the home recording equipment being sold these days, there are a lot of good condensor mics on the market. These mics are normally considered very poor for the stage, though. You should be using dynamic mics on stage (and in fact, that is all we have been talking about here).

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Midchuck
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 10:39 AM

I concurr with the general opinion that the SM-58 is the "default" stage vocal mike. In spite of what others have said, it works pretty well for my wife's voice as well as mine (and bigchuck's). Of course, my wife's voice is so low she can't reach most bluegrass tenor parts...

We've been expirimenting with a "two-mic" setup for the trio, using an AKG 3000 for all the vocals and the fiddle, above a 1000 for the guitars/mandolins/etc. The jury is still out, but it looks like we'll go with it for smaller, indoor, venues.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 01:59 PM

My sisters perform and were wondering this very thing when purchasing equipment. The Shure SM-58 was the one that was recommended most by the performers they questioned. When they went to Long & McQuaid (a Canadian Music Store with several locations) they were told that this was probably the best microphone for them, but they suggested renting the Shure and some others that they also thought were pretty good. This way they could get a "test Drive" The rental rates were ridiculously cheap. They ended up with the Shures anyway, but were able to make an educated decision.

Rick Fielding suggested looking in pawn shops for these mikes. My sisters had already purchased theirs new, but apparently these are so bullet proof that buying used ones shouldn't be a problem.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 06:48 PM

Try 'em before ya buy 'em is great advice, but sometimes rental gear is so beat up that it loses response. I have seen mics with so much junk on the windscreens that they lost fidelity. Usually this is the residue from singers who chew cough drops. The sugar recrystalizes on the windscreens (believe it or not)and is like a thin layer of plastic between the source and the mic.
SM-58's are hard to find used because people who buy them use them, and rarely find a reason to want to resell them. You can always find a lot of the "flavor of the month" mics, even good ones - AKG's, Beyers, EV's - for sale used.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Branwen23
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 07:05 PM

wow, lots of great info, guys. I guess I should do a little more research before I make my purchase, although the SM-58 seems to be the most popular...

thanks for all your help!

-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 09:24 PM

Here's another vote for the SM 58 Beta.

I've had a few of them for a couple of years, now, and the difference between this model, and the original 58, is vast.

And a true workhorse of a mic.

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: GUEST,Carol's Friend, Don
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 11:20 PM

I do a fair amount of acoustic sound reinforcement (as opposed to electric sound) and while I agree that the SM-58 is a good all purpose mic, it does have it's drawbacks, most of them having to do with a phenomenon called "proximity effect". As you, or your instrument move closer to the mic, the bass notes tend to be exaggerated, and on some mics there is a "bass roll-off" switch, which reduces this effect. The most common example of this effect is the famous "Thank you verrrry much" of Elvis Presley. On some occasions the proximity effect can give women that Lauren Bacall voice. The Shure Beta 58 is a good mike for a women though it's about half again as expensive, but again don't crowd it. Pop filters and wind screens are a good idea and contrary to massive ignorance, do not cut off any level in the range of human speech. Besides they keep the amateurs off the screens (kinda like bugs). Believe it or not there is one good cheap mic from (dare I say it?) Radio Shack, the 3001 which can be had on sale for the third of a SM-58. It has the same specs as a 58 and the advantage of a switch (good, if you're on your own and need to change positions or instruments without the THUMP [called rumble] bad, if you do sound for others and the twits turn off the mics just before the performance starts). Remember, all mics switches are the same, pull towards the mic head to turn on, push away from the mic head to turn off. SM-57's are primarily instrument mics and a bit crisp for females (same for condensers) but both can be buffered with a good tube preamp (ART MP for example) and give you a smooth return. You can really burn up a lot of money buying sound gear, and one way to avoid this has already been proposed, renting the type of gear your interested in. However many years ago I discovered that if you approach the sound guy after any concert in which you really enjoyed the sound, they are really interested in providing good info, as it helps them in the future (when YOU make it big). Almost no-one ever understands that the even the best musicians will suck if the sound man does. Sound guys know the local markets, and often know which band is cashing it in and selling their gear. Good luck with your search, hope this has helped.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 11:24 PM

Always know your soundman

Nice one, Don.

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 12:23 AM

I am still waiting fo a reply to the question about diferent mics in one board. I have a similar question. My band uses a Peavey 860 board with a Peavy 22, a CM 20, and a (Gag) Nady wireless. I am going to replace my CM 20. Do I go with the 22 or do I get an SM 58? Would it be best f we all had one style of microphone? We are all male singers, 2 baritones and a tenor. The instruments go through the same board, no sepataye amps.

Don

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Les B
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:04 AM

In addition to answering the question about mixing different types of mics, has anyone had any experience with the Shure SM55SH - the vintage 1950 looking mic -- with supposedly the same electronics as the SM58 ? Our group would like to experiment with using just one mic for our four vocals, like the old bluegrass groups, weaving the instrumentals in and around. Does this SM55SH have an omni or cardioid pick-up pattern to enable this, and will it handle instruments, etc. I've been told by some sound men that the feedback on a single mic set-up is severe.

It's a bit pricy to just buy for experimentation, and I don't think any of the shops here rent them. I've heard one negative comment from an electric bass player, but he was not too clear what the problem was. ?!?

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Jacob B
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 10:07 AM

Shure's information page for the SM55SH says that it is cardiod.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: RichM
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 01:59 PM

LesB asked about the vintage reproduction mic SM55SH.

One of the people in my bluegrass/old time country band bought one of these, with the idea of using one mic for the whole band. It's a disappointment. It has the old timey, one-mic look, but functions as a standard cardioid mic. You can't get it hot enough to pickup from 2 to 3 feet away in a live sound setup, without feedback.

I saw a one mic setup that does work, using a large diaphragm condenser mic, and a gizmo called a feedback eliminator. This gadget allows you to zero in on feedback and notch out that small part of the sound spectrum. It was hot enough to pickup several musicians playing and singing around the one mic.
I'll report back with more information, when I can talk to the owner of this setup.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Les B
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 02:27 PM

Thanks RichM, that's what I feared about the SM55SH. I'll look forward to what you find about the other set-up. Everybody seems to be wanting to return to those simpler days.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 03:42 PM

As for using different mics into the same board, it can certainly be done with no ill effects. But it might take your sound man a little longer to customize optimum settings for each. The SM 58 is the one mic that you can be confident every sound man is familiar with; if you're going through the house sound system and using the house sound guy, familiarity can be an asset.

I am currently using the Sennheiser 835 (one step up from the 825 that Jed mentioned). I like the sound, but notice that the proximity effect "fuzziness" is pretty pronounced -- lean in too close to this mic, and things start to sound muddy. Since I often play in high-volume settings where you have to "eat the mic," this can be an issue. Good mic, overall, though.

My advice -- if you're not confiden that there's something out there that YOU prefer, go for the SM 58, because it's a known quantity. In my experience you have to spend some time with gear before you can really evaluate its strengths and weaknesses; renting one for a night might not really tell you what you need to know. Also, as someone else mentioned, rental gear is often pretty beat up; it won't necessarily give you a good basis for evaluation. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 03:58 PM

The old SM55 was fine in its day, but finding a good one is almost impossible these days, as Shure stopped producing spare parts. However, the 'vintage' is a 'nostalgia version', which has different 'innards', but looks the same and performs better.

Jargon Buster:

An SM55S has a switch, and an SM55H is high impedance. Nobody uses high impedance mikes these days (well, almost!).

Oh, and an SM58-LC only means 'supplied less cable'!

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:29 PM

I have 2 SM-58s with on-off switches. I use the newer one, two years old, and have the other (17 years old) as backup. I change the balls-if you'll pardon the expression-every couple of years or so, or when they get grungy and dented. I use a Peavey XRD 680 Plus powered mixer, which I think compares favorably with the equivalent Mackie powered board. For small rooms, I use 2 Bose 402s, and for large rooms, I use the Bose 802s with the 402s. Oh, and a little Boss Powered Monitor, with the Boss Speaker removed and replaced with a Bose driver. (I had to do a bit of drilling and minor surgery on the Boss cabinet, but it works great! BTW, I bought the new SM-58 for $40 on E-bay. ALl the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:37 PM

I absolutely love the 802's. The sound, as dear Mbo would say, RULES!!
Wire them up with a couple of Nolan bass bins, and you'll be suckin' diesel.

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 11:49 PM

Seamus,

We just bought a Peavey 680 plus. We are getting rid of the 12 channel monster we've been draggin' about. Things get heavy as we age you know. W also got some new Peavey speaker boxes and stands. Unfortunately I can't adequately seem to explain to Delaney 4 speakers means more sound, not more volume. So he thinks we can handle big venues with the 2 new speakers alone. I disagree but he won't believe me. Set him straight next time we see you will ya.

Don

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 07:48 AM

Four speakers are always better than two! You are going to get more watts out of your amplifier!

Ignore Ohm's Law - because there are lots of other considerations rather than just impedance!

If an amplifier is rated at 450 watts per channel at 4 ohms, connecting two 8 ohm speakers (one per channel) is only going to give you about 300 watts per channel (approximately, and it varies between amplifier types).

However, if you connect two 8 ohm speakers per channel (a 4 ohm load), each channel will deliver its full 450 watts.

Ohm's Law says you should only get 225 watts at 8 ohms, but that's ignoring Total Harmonic Distortion, etc., upon which the 4 ohm rating is based.

This is one reason why people keep blowing their speaker drivers!

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: pastorpest
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 08:06 AM

The SM-58 is everywhere because it is reliable and good quality for the dollar. If you can find the opportunity to work with a good sound man or woman with lots of vocal mikes try out a number of them where the other variables are eliminated (same hall, same stage, same settings on the sound board, etc.) A good sound engineer will set the board to reproduce your voice as naturally as possible: then try the mikes to see what you like. There are performers who carry their own mikes that are usually expensive. If it is just one for you then get what suits you. And if you spend big bucks do not buy until you can make the comparison.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Branwen23
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 02:15 PM

okay, in case anybody cares, I bought my mic yesterday. I went into a place and I ended up talking to the store manager (I didn't know this until after I had been talking to him for a while)... He was really nice and knew what he was talking about. He explained all the different specs to me and what was good and what was bad, and let me try all the different mics I was interested in in a sound booth (unbelieveably helpful).
I ended up buying an Audix OM-5. It has a 48Hz - 19Khz freq range, really low impedance, and gold-plated contacts. I got a great deal, they threw in a 20ft monster cable. I took it to reheasal last night and it sounds wonderful!
Thanks to you all for your great suggestions... I did try the SM-58, which so many of you recommended, but found that for my voice, the Audix sounded better. However, I'm going to recommend the SM-58 to a friend whose voice is, I think, better suited to that mic.

Thanks again!

-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Willie-O
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 03:53 PM

Lots of interesting stuff here. Glad to see you got your mike Branwen, and took your own advice above all!

I went shopping for sound equipment for my community centre yesterday. Got lucky, too, I think--found a matched pair of Shure Superpros, used, (they were $100 more than SM58's when new), with a switch, for $100 Cdn each. They seem to have good warm sound, and have a pretty good pickup range. (This is important in a scene like this where a lot of performers are amateurs unused to microphones and don't tend to get too close.)

Anyone have experience with this mike? Shure Superpro PE50SP.

In response to Don's question about using different mikes in the same board, there may be a technical reason why this should be avoided, I wouldn't know. I know from experience that trying to run a board with 5 or 6 mikes with radically different characteristics is a bit of a nightmare--you have to crank up the less-hot ones, and if you get mixed up and do that to the better mikes, you get a big blast of feedback and the whole room thinks you're a bozo...so one of my objectives is to get a set of evenly matched mikes and discourage folks from bringing funky ones to use. And in any "potluck PA" situation, at least one mike is going to be really problematic and make the whle thing sound bad.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 02 Aug 00 - 07:33 PM

Brendy, 'bout ye big lad? Have you ver tried the Bose 402s? I use 'em with the Bose Equalizer. For small gigs they are unbeatable. Power, clarity anad easy portability. All the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 01:41 AM

I forgot about the 402's, Seamus. I used the 802 setup when I played with a ballad group in the North in the early 80's. This was, normally, 8 802's in 4 X 2 formation (we used to try and get four at the front, four at the back) Each of these stacks had either JBL or Nolan bins supporting.

I normally walk around with a brace of these, these days (well not this year, as I'm taking it off from gigging), but when I did a tour of northern Norway a couple of years back, I had to hire my equipment closer to the source of the gigs. North Norway in December is not a place to be trailing big stacks around in an old Mazda 626 (which I also hired in Tromsø) - oddly enough, the car rental firm was/is called 'Rent-a-Wreck' (I kid you not)

Anyway, I digress.
I was handed this rather heavy 400 watt September Amp (remember them???), and waht I thought were two very small speakers. These things!!
I said to the agent who was organising all of this for me "You got to be kidding". He said, "No, there's four of them"
I realised that each of these 'speakers' actually contained two, and my depression got worse.

My first set of gigs was 1000 km away from Tromsø, in Kirkenes, which is on the Russian border, and I knew that I would be playing Irish pub music to loads of Russian sailors, and was thinking that these speakers would never do the business. The 402's that I had must have been the model before the one where my link leads to, because I never came across the equaliser. We had one for each pair of 802's, I know that.

But my first soundcheck told me that these speakers were special; I had thought that they were a 'cheap Bose', and should have trusted more in my knowledge of their quality in general, rather than looking at the size of them.

They were brilliant. Loads of bottom end; not quite the way I want it - I need a 'different' kind of sound, especially for the guitars. But that is not to say that I wasn't delighted with them. I think they make an excellent 'one-man' setup, and would use them again at the drop of a hat.

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 02:53 AM

Just another thing, Seamus.
I remember McGurks of St. Louis had 802's as their main set of speakers, and a set of 402's as the monitors.

Great sound in that pub!

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 04:14 AM

I'll be one of the few people not to recommend the standard Shures, but mainly on the basis that they mask a singer's mouth and a pop filter makes them monstrously big in my opinion. An audience will warm to you more if they can see your lips. There are plenty of good robust pro mics on the market, but my personal favourites are the AKG's.

If you've got lots of mics connected to your desk and you're punching out a lot of sound in a live environment I definitely prefer to use the same type of mic. That way they will all have the same frequency response and are much less prone to feedback.

NEVER buy mics with an On-Off switch. It's just something else to go wrong and prevents people fiddling with them. There's nothing more frustrating than finding out after the event that your mis was switched off the whole time.

Buy a uni-directional mic for live work. Using an omni-directional will give you feedback problems.

Even if you don't own the right gear at the moment try to buy a low impedance mic with a BALANCED output (that means three wires). A good mic can serve you well for decades if you look after it. Connected to an amp with BALANCED inputs you can run a longer cable with much less likelihood of electrical interference from fluoro lights and other nasties.

If you didn't get a mic cable with your new purchase then buy the best quality cable that you can or get a pro to knock you up a heavy duty cable with the best quality connectors. With a good quality mic the greatest possibility for problems will lie with the cable and connectors.

When you've finished a gig make sure that your mics are put away straight away - even before you have a beer - preferably in a special box without other gear rolling all over them. Well meaning people may want to help you pack up but treat your mics in the same way that you handle your instruments.

There endeth etc..Regards, John

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 04:27 AM

Couldn't have put it better myself! My only reservation is that AKG mics are a lot less 'roadworthy' - the top basket assemblt often falls apart as soon as you look at it. Their reputation is for studio condenser mics, not dynamic vocal mics...

Anyway, 'er ladyship is now fixed up, despite our efforts to the contrary! Good luck, chuck!

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: alison
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 04:31 AM

I use alan of Oz's gear..... for years he had me singing and playing through a shure SM58 lately I've been using a shure SM57 because they were recommending it for instruments and female voice, (I play whistles and flutes in the same mic too)

I'm waiting for a head set Sennheiser to arrive soon then I can move away from being glued to a mic stand......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 04:49 AM

Can we call you Kylie Minogue, then? *BG*

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: alison
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 05:13 AM

hahahaha

the singing budgie

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Brendy
Date: 03 Aug 00 - 05:37 AM

It's a strange one, though.
I have never used a headset, and I think I would find it a bit strange; what being used to being 'glued' to the mike, it sort of keeps me anchored.
I would be afraid it would make me look like Garth Brooks, or somebody.

I would use one, of course, if by doing so would make me the money he was making!!!

Downside of it, though.
Sometimes when you have to clear your throat, and you choose the the end of a sentence, or the end of a verse to quickly turn away from the mike, and 'cough', you can do this without having the audience aware that you have just done it.
With a head-set, you can't really do that 'off-mike', as it were.

B.

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: alison
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 09:10 AM

this one has a mute button so as long as I remember to turn it off at the end of a song I can still chat to the band......

mainly I want to be able to go onto the floor and demonstrate dances if I have to

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: Bernard
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 02:21 PM

Headworn mics are also great for flute/whistle/recorder players, making it fairly straightforward to switch instruments. It doesn't work for reed instruments, as the noise comes out of the other end (so to speak!).

It's wise to use the popshield, even if you don't have P and B problems, as it offers the mic capsule protection from you 'gobbing' all over it.

I have such a way with words...

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: RichM
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 05:23 PM

Willie-O,I had a look at the Shure company's web site for the Shure Superpro PE50SP. Lots of other "PE" models, but no 50's. This is the link:
Link to Shure's discontinued mic site
At their home site, there's lots of good information about specific mics, and much advice about mic techniques for different situations.
Link to Shure mics /a>

You could try sending an inquiry:
Link to Shure's contact support group

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: RichM
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 05:30 PM

In my reply to Willie-O about his Shure PE50SP mic, i made a Blue Clicky that doesn't work.

Here's the email address for Shure's contact support group:
[e-mail].

Subject: RE: Help: performance microphone...
From: tradsteve
Date: 05 Aug 00 - 12:33 AM

I like the Sennheiser 835s. Works great for me.