Dying Condenser vs. SM 57

[Shaky Tee]

I'm trying to record my tunes the pro way.

I've got a Condensor mic (SE1000) that's slowly giving up the ghost (buzzes when I turn the preamp output up and I sing into it, etc). I can't afford another condenser mic, and, from what I've read here, the SP C-1 is back ordered to Feb anyway.

I've got an SM-57 that I can use. But I hear it's crappy on vocals.

I've actually used it to sing on one of my tunes. I thought it sounded okay, but could use a bit of equing.

Here's an example of me singing with an SM-57 mic

I used my slowly getting trashed Condenser on my later ones and I get complaints of a bad vocal sound.

Here's an example of me singing with the slowly crapping out condensor mic

Who's right? Should I just stop recording until I get a new condensor mic? I've got all these songs I've written that I wanna do, but I have no money for a new mic, much less time in a studio.

I hate the holidays!

 

[Shaky Tee]

PLEASE don't feel compelled to listen to the whole song...just enough to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Thanks.

 

[chessrock]

I'm trying to record my tunes the pro way.

If you're trying to record your tunes "the pro way," then I would suggest letting a pro do it. If you want to learn the craft, then perhaps you could take some courses or volunteer some time at a studio or with someone who has a knack for this sort of thing.

Not trying to be mean, but judging from your sound files, I don't think you should spend any more money on gear until you feel very confident with your engineering skills. Get yourself to the point where it doesn't matter what mic you use.

It sounds like you have a very good voice and good material, by the way.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I would say you still have a few options still

- Rent an even better mic from a studio, If where you live theres a resourse.

- Start PMing those of us that live in your area,(wherever that is), and borrow one. Id help you out if you are in KC.

- Get a B1, they are really good with ladies voices.

 

[DKMurphPr]

I'm not a pro, and I don't wannabe, I just like recording for fun.

I use the SM-57 for vocals all the time. I like the sound I get out of it.

If you like the results you're getting with the SM-57 then fine. If not, you might consider something like the Studio Projects B1, which I think costs the same as the SM-57.

BTW, not too long ago there was a thread (I don't remember if it was on this board or another board) where someone wanted to know if the SM-57 could be used as a vocal mic.

One person responded with a long list of people who routinely use (or used) an SM-57 for vocals. Including John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The poster even said the SM-57 is McCartney's preferred studio vocal mic. (Don't know if that is true tho).

 

[Shaky Tee]

Chessrock,

I appreciate your response. I didn't think you are trying to be mean. I thought you were trying to be honest.

If I could do all you suggested, I would. However, like I said, the money thing...I do have a friend here (San Diego) who does engineering work from time to time, so I'll see about seeking him out.

Darrin, I've heard both good and bad about the B-1. However, if Studio Projects don't skip on quality even on their B-line, I might just consider it.

DK, I find that the SM-57 works better on my lower register (I'm a natural alto) than in my higher register (I'm a wannabe soprano, that ends up a falsetto). I just wish I could find something that could accomodate all of my ranges...

SM-57 seems to be more of a "man's" mike anyway. True?

 

[esactun]

SP B1's don't skimp on the quality. They're solid and well-made. They're also pretty neutral, so they should handle your ranges pretty well. I dig mine a lot.

 

[jet-rocker]

It's just practice and patience and $$$.

I haven't listened to 'these' files, but I know you've got a great voice.

You could do worse than the 57. Use it until you can get something else. What you gain from fighting with the 57 can be transferred to whatever mic you buy next. You might even like the 57 better. A high shelf boost might give the 57 more presence.

Yup.......

-Jett

 

[darrin_h2000]

While lennon and mc cartney both used Reslo Ribbon Mikes, the 57 was used by many of the artists on the atlantic label that Phil Kramer produced. Robert Plant and Paul rogers are the most notable.

 

[Shaky Tee]

Thanks all!!

Looks like I'm stuck with my 57 until some money rolls in...

 

[chessparov]

Lennon used an old cracked(!) '57 for vocals on his solo albums when he
wanted a grittier sound.
The SM57 like any other dynamic microphone is very sensitive to how
complementary (or not) the mic pre you use is, more than condensers
are. It has gotten an unfair reputation among home recordists who plug
it into a portastudio or Mackie mixer and think that's how good it can
sound. Plug it into a good mic pre and it's a whole different story!
You may therfore want to consider another mic pre also...

Chris

P.S. Sir 'Mac also likes the EV RE20 BTW!

 

[DKMurphPr]

DK, I find that the SM-57 works better on my lower register (I'm a natural alto) than in my higher register (I'm a wannabe soprano, that ends up a falsetto). I just wish I could find something that could accomodate all of my ranges...

SM-57 seems to be more of a "man's" mike anyway. True?

I don't know, I've also used it to record my wife's vocals, with good results.

Then again, the only two mics I have right now are the 57 and the SM58, so maybe I only THINK the results are good.

I think maybe I'll buy a SP B1 soon....

 

[darrin_h2000]

Have you tried to rent one yet?

 

[wes480]

the VTB1 is supposed to be pretty decent for the SM57 and RE20 right?

 

[chessparov]

wes, the VTB-1 sounds VERY good on the Shure SM57.
In full agreement with ozraves on that aspect of his review.
Don't have an RE20 (yet), although that's on my gearslut wish list for the future!
Still like a good condenser like a Studio Projects on ballads,
however, on uptempo tunes, the Beyer M88TG has sounded killer on my (bright/present) voice with the VTB-1.
(so any singing shortcomings are my own )
The '57 has more of a "presence" peak than the M88 BTW,
so it can work well on normal to less penetrating voices to
cut through a heavy mix.

Another benefit to the VTB-1 is that its built like a tank so its
well suited for live work. Better too than bringing a Manley pre to
a local gig and having someone spill beer on it!
Definitely smokes the pre's on a typical club's Mackie.

Chris