Hazarding Used or go New?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Insight
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Insight

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Hey guys,

So I've been doing research on this site, and for my limited budget ($200 before tax MAX, though for posterity I'd love to hear my options in the $250-$300 range - my room is not tailored for acoustics or sound proofed in any way) and variety of needs, it seems like an SM57/SM58 is a great first purchase. It's something I'll use for a long time while I grow my collection; I'm in this for the long haul.

I tried searching for a thread on this matter but could not find one. I was originally going to purchase the Blue Icicle to go with it, but after learning of the difficulties many people have and the Shure X2U's durable design and direct monitor plug, I decided I'd probably be better off getting that in the long run.

I've read that there are a lot of fakes, and so I was probably going to purchase new. I can save myself about $25-30 if I go used, but it just seems awfully risky to me. Not to mention that you don't know how many people have spit into the thing once you get it. How can I be sure the sound quality will be as good as a new model if I'm new to this? Granted the SM57/58 are nigh-indestructible from what I've heard, I just wanted to get your opinion before I made a decision.

For reference, I'll be recording rap vocals primarily, some singing, and RARELY micing my guitar cab. For this, I think, the SM58 over the SM57 is best, as it has the pop filter (mostly because I spit, spit, spit, but the pops count too) and in a pinch will hook up to the cab alright. Am I misguided? I admit my ignorance on the subject - something I'm only now ameliorating.

If it's important, I am also a fledgling producer.

What do you guys think?
 
Yup the 58 will be a great first microphone that you will own and be able to pass on to your children when the time comes.
 
moresound said:
Yup the 58 will be a great first microphone that you will own and be able to pass on to your children when the time comes.
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I've got the 58, its simply awesome, and is able to do vocals pretty well, just that it can't be more sensitive without picking up background noise when recording something far away.
 
Awesome guys, I'm glad I'm going down the right path here.

What about buying one used? Is it too risky, or worth the $30 or so I'd save? I have no manner in which to test it, and I'm worried the sound quality will be lower quality than a new model unless I'm sure of it. Being new to this thing, I don't feel qualified to check one out.
 
Just check around the web for the best possible price then go looking for a rebate coupon - they are everywhere.
 
I would never buy "transducers" second hand unless from a reputable source, a pro studio say.

For hardware like AIs I am not that fussed. Just yesterday I bought a tascam US 122L from Cash Converters. Bit scruffy and there were no discs or books in the box but it works fine on XP and W7/64. £40 and CCs give a 7 day, no quibble money back deal. A year ago I paid £60 for a 144mk1 but that had all the paperwork AND an un registered copy of Cubase LE4! So, SOMETIMES Steinberg's byzantine system works in our favour since I bet the previous incumbent got pissed off trying to register! (took me 3 days!)

Dave.

NB. If you are going to gob into that mic for the next ten years buy an additional foam "ball"!
 
SM58s are built so you can practically use them as a sledge hammer--no problem with used from that point of view.

However, just exercise some caution and probably avoid eBay sellers who look anything like a business--a home hobbyist might be a better bet.

Finally, there are lots of guides to help recognise the fakes--for example THIS ONE but Googling will find lots of others.

Now, the bad news. The SM58 is an okay mic and will always be useful to have in your mic case. However, to describe it as "great" or "awsome" is going just a bit over the top. It's a 45 or 50 year old design aimed more at the live market than the studio area. It has peaks and troughs in it's frequency response which often mean you need to use some EQ to make it sound decent. In short, ask yourself how much of your desired sound you're missing in your recording as a way to mute unwanted room effects.

None of this is to discourage you from buying your SM58--it'll be fine as a first mic--but get suspicious if somebody is too overblown in their praise.
 
jimmys69 said:
Cuz it shouldn't have taken that long....
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Well I KNOW that but that is Steinies for you!
Anyone who has bought and authorized Reaper or Modartt Piaoteq as I have will tell you that the process CAN be made painless and easy. Steinberg and others make things difficult because they are scared shitless someone is going to rip them off and they don't care how much their systems discommode the genuine customer so long as they keep 100% security. If they were a supermarket they would go broke in a week.

Dave.
 
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