Sennheiser e835 vs. SM57

[geet73]

Would I be better off buying the senns or the 57's? I trust the 57's a bit more, but my friend is trying to tell me that the e835's would be better because they have "newer technology" and I can get them cheaper.

Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Neil Ogilvie]

This has been covered a number of times - trying doing a search.

My personal favourite is the e835. Prefer the sound of it, warmer but clearer.

[bgavin]

If you are buying four, consider a pair of each.

As a complete newbie recordist, I picked up a bunch of SM57 new because I got a deal on them. After the smoke clears, and one is smarter and wiser, other alternatives become apparent.

F'instance: I'd like to replace an SM57 with a Beyer M201 for snare. On hat, I'd like to replace the SM57 with either a M201, or the Sennheiser E609 black face. The E609-SE Silver is a whole different animal.

The E835 has its high frequency peak much higher than does the SM57. Perhaps this is what increases the clarity.

[Paco]

I have one of each, and through my cheap Art Tube MP, the 835 wins to my ears for most things (acoustic guitar, voice) for the clarity. But I dont' think you could go wrong with either

[noisedude]

i have a pair of 835s and four 845s, mostly used for live but always to my mind better than the sm57s or 58s they're marketed against.

but the SM57 has stood the test of time. you could do a lot worse. i'd do with the sennheisers every time but i'm still tempted every so often by adding a shure to my collection!

[bgavin]

I did a hand-held walkaround with an SM57 driving a headphone distribution amp and a set of cans. It is quite revealing, listening to the drummer and moving the mic everywhere.

My SM57 sound like pure dog sh!t on cymbals, especially up close.

I'd like to replace my snare and hat SM57 with a set of Beyer M201 or Sennheiser E609 black face.

[geet73]

I was planning on using these mics on toms, snare, and guitars mainly. I was going to get a pair of AKG c1000s for overheads.

I wouldn't want to get a pair of each.. I wouldn't be able to have consistent micing on toms. I dunno.

I did do a search first... nothing gave me what I wanted to know.. opinions on the 57 vs. the e835. From what I've gathered, the e835 is clearer and provides more crack on snares. I didn't hear anything about toms. The 57 is just the all around recording mic. At least it always has been.

I just want to know if it would be a bad move to just buy a handful of e835s. If they're thaat much cheaper, I might just go for 'em.

[cominginsecond]

Originally posted by geet73
I was planning on using these mics on toms, snare, and guitars mainly. I was going to get a pair of AKG c1000s for overheads.

Avoid the C1000s, especially on cymbals. They're harsh and brittle and overpriced. Believe me, you won't regret it if you get a pair of Oktava MC012s from GC. Wait until they go on sale for $50 a piece.

[geet73]

Really? My friend has a pair and I've always liked the sound he's got from them.

I'm borrowing some of those Oktavas and a pair of c1000s this weekend.. I'll compare. :-)

[noisedude]

i have a c1000S, it was always my intention to make a pair but i was never that struck with the sound of them. to this point i still don't have a condenser pair but i make do.

it wouldn't be a bad move at all to get some 835s. the 57 is certainly a classic sound and what is 'better' is very subjective. but i'd take the senns simply because i feel like i'm getting a good value for money thing. if you're not too keen they get decent money on ebay, at least over here.