Best Mics for Vocals
- Thread starter Cadorman
- Start date
When I mentioned the high pass on the AKG, I only meant to point out that actually using it might be disappointing. Those mic’s could be really cool...the frequency charts look pretty standard on all of them in cardioid...the multipattern mic looks pretty darned flat in other modes.
The highpass can be done in software with an eq plug.
Have a look at the charts:
The multipattern offers a lot of options that might be useful, at the risk of the HPF being inappropriate in some cases...if engaged. This can be worked around with eq (heck, some preamps have a perfectly good HPF button too).
OP
Cadorman
Ambassador of the Catocaster
I did it. Got the AT mic, stand, xlr cable and pop filter for $199. Should arrive Wednesday. I will start researching more expensive, but sub $1k mics in the future. I love rabbit holes. Now I have 3 days to come up with some lyrics.
On a completely different topic I do have to say that recording in this unfinished basement works really well. The combination of cinder block, plastic covered fiberglass insulation, exposed ceiling trusses, boat carpet and some stuffed furniture makes for a very neutral sound. No echoes, reverb or unwanted noises. If I was upstairs in a bedroom I would have all sorts of liveliness to deal with.
On a completely different topic I do have to say that recording in this unfinished basement works really well. The combination of cinder block, plastic covered fiberglass insulation, exposed ceiling trusses, boat carpet and some stuffed furniture makes for a very neutral sound. No echoes, reverb or unwanted noises. If I was upstairs in a bedroom I would have all sorts of liveliness to deal with.
stringtree
Well-Known Member
bea
AmBASSador of the F Clef
Disagree. It is easy to beat. Unless the mixer does not have a good equalizer at hand, it is more or less the guarantee of non-understandable vocals. Which is actrually what You hear from most amateur bands.
Microphones with a smoother but slightly enhanced presence range usually cut better through the mix. A lot better. Even my cheap Beyerdynamic TG V35 cuts through better than any SM58.
And the overall quallity of microphone like the Sennheiser E935 / E945 or probably any other micro in this price range is way better than the SM58. IMO that's the quality any serious singer should seek for at least.
The SM57/SM58 have had their time - but it has reasons why there are other models. Even from Shure.
Fair enough. The SM58 is(and was) not my first suggestion in this thread...but budget was introduced in to the equation. I have one SM58 that has been in service constantly for 26 years. Two more that are approximately 20 years in use. They’ve traveled, and functioned well the entire time. They are currently set up, and ready to use as I type. The only maintenance/repair issues that have arisen in that time have been windscreen replacements. The windscreens can usually be found readily, for a reasonable price, without much difficulty.
Since I play guitar and sing, and prefer to use my own personal mic live(rather than share saliva with random strangers)...I’ve never had a sound engineer refuse to let me use my own SM58 at a multiple band show...they do, always, ask what kind of mic I’ve brought though.
Is it my first choice for tracking? No, not usually. But I have used them for studio tracking on occasion...those Death Metal guys that I’ve worked with in the past don’t seem to be comfortable cozying up to a nice condenser. They’re usually much more comfortable grunting into a 58.
Are there other, possibly better, options to be had? I’m sure there are. I have an old ElectoVoice dynamic that has great clarity and presence...but it’s no longer made. I’ve also enjoyed a few others from Audix, Audio Technica, and Sennheiser(but older Sennheiser models only-1980s, and 90s).
My original pick was a Shure SM7b. It has also been around for a looong time, and other mic’s are out there that will perform better/differently...but for male vocals...it can be a solid performer. I put off purchasing one for a long time. I wish that I had not. It has become my favorite personal vocal mic for my current set up. But vocal microphone choice is very subjective...too subjective to give a single, definitive, answer to what’s ”best”.
As to the venerable SM57...I’m not a big fan...I have one...it gets use(I actually like it under a snare drum)...but I prefer the Audix i5 on my guitar speakers.
@bea ...Perhaps you have inspired me to sample some of the newer tech available in microphones today. Maybe it has been too long, and I’ve been an “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” kind of guy for long enough now. I thank you for that.(I’m fairly certain my bank account will be disappointed though
)
bea
AmBASSador of the F Clef
If i would (could :-() sing, i would try out that one: Kundenbewertungen zu beyerdynamic TG V50 s – Musikhaus Thomann
It is the better version of the mic i bought for doing announcements (the TG35).
Priced like te SM58 and appraently better.
(And try to read the comment, maybe through a translator: that's apparently from a trained singer who had tried out a few mics).
It is the better version of the mic i bought for doing announcements (the TG35).
Priced like te SM58 and appraently better.
(And try to read the comment, maybe through a translator: that's apparently from a trained singer who had tried out a few mics).
OP
Cadorman
Ambassador of the Catocaster
I'm trusting you guys won't be too harsh. I just wanted to try the mic tonight. This is straight into my Scarlett 6i6 and recorded on Ableton 10 Live Lite. No processing whatsoever and no warm up. I have to say the mic sounds very life like and neutral. I had it mounted in the shock mount and had the pop filter in front. I was about a foot from the pop filter.
Very nice Chris ,, you can carry a tune.
My cat is freaking out....so I guess your new mic is fairly accurate and clear.
But, I only have it running through iPad speakers.
But, I only have it running through iPad speakers.
There is an invisible man, with a jacket on ... but no pants ... standing next to your microphone.
Same as video maybe? You’ve done that recently, haven’t you?
OP
Cadorman
Ambassador of the Catocaster
I'm sure I could upload a phone audio recording directly, but I mean a file from actual recording through the interface. I think the files have weird file extensions from my Ableton software.
Can you render as an mp3, or something?
OP
Cadorman
Ambassador of the Catocaster
I will have to try that. I would rather render some bacon though.