cheap condensor or sm 58 for cymbals/back ups

[bullyhill]

Hey,
I need some advice on 2 new mics. Our band could use two mics for backups and 2 mics for overhead or cymbal micing. I hear condensors are good for overheads but if we bought them they would have to be the same price as sm58s which is what we wouldv'e bought for backups. 2 mics are all we can afford now. Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[mgraffeo]

Well, you've defined the price to be the cost of 2 new SM58's, which means about $200. For backups, do you mean in a live situation, or studio backup singing? I'm assuming you mean live (hence the 58's). If so, you've got seriously competing design requirements. For drum overheads, you'd want a pair of condensers (often small diaphragm, sometimes large diaphragm), to pick up all the cymbal detail, and depth of the kit. However, for backing vocals live, you really want dynamics. So for the $200, I'd recommend 4 mics:

2 MXL 603's ($60 each) for overheads
2 MXL Fox's ($30 each) for backing vocals

total of $180, with a little leftover for cables. Let me know if my assumptions are way off, and you're looking for something else. The recommendations could change quite a bit if so.

 

[still4given]

I'll assume as back-up mics you're speaking of live. I would get two SM 57's and pop filters for them. Use without the pop filter when overhead and with when singing through them.

Blessings, Terry

 

[bullyhill]

on the money

Yes,Yes,
Ok, and I stay in my price range.
Thanks Mgraffeo

ps i found the 603s for 89.00

do you have a link to a lower price?

 

[bullyhill]

Terry,
Would or can the 58s be used in the maner, removing pop screen for overheads?

What are the differences in using the mic without the pop screen or the mxl 603s?

Thanks

 

[still4given]

Would or can the 58s be used in the maner, removing pop screen for overheads?

Yes, they can. You just want to use a little care as to not damage the diaphrams. They are little less protected when the ball is removed.

I have never used a 603 so I can't compare them. I've read nice things about them though for recording. I don't know how good they are in a live setting. I would wonder how good they are at rejecting feedback.

Blessings, Terry

 

[mgraffeo]

new MXL 603's are available on ebay for $74 "buy it now" price. I think that you can find used ones a little cheaper. I'm sure that someone else here has a link to their favorite retailer (I haven't bought any).

Are you looking for drum overhead mics for live use, or for studio use? I was thinking studio use. If you're looking for something that's dual purpose, both live, I'd pick up a set of SM-57's. If you wanted to splurge a little, I'd pick up a pair of Beta 57A's (usually about $140 ea. , but you can ebay them for about $110 ea). Probably a little bit better at each application than either the SM 58's or the SM 57's.

I'm not a big fan of taking the grille off of a mic anywhere but in my studio (I do it all the time there). In a live setting, you never know when a mic stand is going to get knocked over, etc. If the diaphragm gets destroyed, you're out one mic. The grille on the Beta 57A is stronger than the grille on the SM 57 (Metal vs. plastic), and would probably go a long way for you.

 

[bullyhill]

I am more concerned with the studio application, small home studio.

 

[chessrock]

My experience tells me the 57s and 58s basically sound like crap on cymbals.

The mxl 603 is pretty good . . . outstanding value for the money. Oktava mc012 would be about your best bet if you can swing it.

 

[mgraffeo]

Yeah, the MC-012's were my first thought. I was concerned with their application for backing vocals, if they were going to be used live.

If you're most interested in studio drum overheads, I'd go to www.oktava.com, and check out a matched pair of MC-012's. They're $426 for the single capsule, but they'll be SWEET. If you want to go budget, you can get MC-012's from Guitar Center, sometimes as low as $99 a piece. You'll have to work to match up a pair (reportedly, the QC on these units is somewhat lacking), but if you're willing to put in the time, you'll get some pretty good results.

Otherwise, stick with the 603's. Try doing backup vox on them, or overdubbing using your lead vox mic.

 

[bullyhill]

Thanks,
I think the mc012s are out of my budget, I will probably go with the 603s, forget about backups and squeeze in a ATP 25. Thanks Again and yes I found the 603s for less like you said(nice).
I will let you know how it turns out then maybe some help on the mix.