If you HAD to use a Sure SM58...

  • Thread starter Thread starter glynb
  • Start date Start date
G

glynb

Balladeer
Let's pretend...

If you had to use a Sure SM58 mic to record vocals for a session, [lets imagine your condenser mic was broken OK], and you had to get this thing recorded, what techniques would you use (including compression, mic position, singing style,etc) to get the best from it.
 
Hope you need to do rock or loud vocals because I don't think the Shure SM-58 is all that great for nuanced singing. Doesn't really need a pop filter considering it has one built in but try to sing slightly off axis instead of directly down the barrel to minimize popping and air sounds. Back off it at least 8 inches because there is pretty dramatic proximity effect. Some don't like compressing at all while tracking but it really depends on your song. If it's wildly dynamic it will be harder to avoid. But I would suggest using the least amount of compression possible to get it to tape without hitting the red. You can always add more later if you like. I've also read articles by mastering engineers saying it's not that important to pin it to 0dB. It gives them very little to work with.
 
glyn,

you talk aobut using a 58 on a vocal as if it's a no go area for recording.

believe me, there are plenty of records which probbaly have used 58's on vocals. sometimes, a singer wont sound great under a condensor, but 58 (or whatever your choice) may do the trick. certainly helped me out a few times.
 
yup, I used it a few times too... for heavy rock/ metal signers, you may sometimes end up with less detailed vocal, witch can be helpfull!

Phil Anselmo (Pantera) use SM58 to record.
 
Thanks guys, quite reassuring.

So what I'm getting is the SM58 would be quite good for a shouter/screamer type vocalist, but for a softer more 'breathy' style you'd really need a condenser.

As my vocal style is somewhere in between the two (as with most people) I guess I'd be better saving up for a condenser evetualy. The only thing I've noticed I'm missing is the strong sound of the singer's breath when recording. When I listen to music on the radio I noticed on most recordings these days the particular frequencies which bring our the breathing sounds are strongly accentuated, giving the impression that the vocalist is right in the room up close with you. I don't think its possible to get that with the SM58.
 
glynb said:
The only thing I've noticed I'm missing is the strong sound of the singer's breath when recording. When I listen to music on the radio I noticed on most recordings these days the particular frequencies which bring our the breathing sounds are strongly accentuated, giving the impression that the vocalist is right in the room up close with you. I don't think its possible to get that with the SM58.
Click to expand...

That's the compression as much as the mic. Sing close with a little bit of bass roll off to compensate for proximity effect and compress the hell out of it.
 
cheers

I feel quite encouraged by these responses. I'd previously got the impression that unless I bought a condenser mic I was wasting my time. Now it seems through employing various techniques i should be able to get a decent vocal sound with the SM58. I'll rtry the 'close up and compressed to hell' technique and see what happens!
 
you could certainly go a lot worse than the sm58. if that's what you've got, use it to the best of your ability. play around and find something that works for you in the context of the song. forget what everyone else says--if you like it and it sounds good, who cares what was used, ya know?

although, if you're like most of the rest of us, you'll find yourself looking for "upgrades" soon enough.

plenty of vocal tracks were recorded with sm57 and sm58s.


wade
 
mrface2112 said:
you could certainly go a lot worse than the sm58. if that's what you've got, use it to the best of your ability. play around and find something that works for you in the context of the song. forget what everyone else says--if you like it and it sounds good, who cares what was used, ya know?

although, if you're like most of the rest of us, you'll find yourself looking for "upgrades" soon enough.

plenty of vocal tracks were recorded with sm57 and sm58s.


wade
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'll do that, in fact I am DOING that!

I know what you mean about 'upgrades' though.
 
Here's the paradox- to get the best out of that SM58, I'd jack it into a preamp wiyh loads of clean gain, sich as an Avalon AD2022. The thing is, if you can afford that Avalon, you can afford a condenser mic.-Richie
 
If I HAD to use an SM58, I would. There's nothing to do to make it sound better than an SM58, since it is an SM58, so all to do it to use a good preamp and mic properly.

Like with all mics.

What was the question :confused:
 
Well I HAVE to use an SM58 as budget doesn't stretch to a condenser mic yet. So I was after any hints and tips to make the best of a bad job. Turns out its not such a bad job and the hints and tips are to use a good pre-amp and lots of compression etc.

So the question has been answered. Thanks.
 
If you HAD to use a Sure SM58...

I would hang myself with a Shure cord. AT LEAST I would get some use out a Shure product.
 
Richard Monroe said:
Here's the paradox- to get the best out of that SM58, I'd jack it into a preamp wiyh loads of clean gain, sich as an Avalon AD2022. The thing is, if you can afford that Avalon, you can afford a condenser mic.-Richie
Click to expand...

Then why do all the PROS have SM57s? Can't THEY afford a condensor mic? Well?

Ha, I thought so, no answer.
 
The pros use the 57 and 58 because the rest of their signal chain can get the most out of the inexpensive mics. They aren't bad but as Richard and many others have said on this BBS the 57 through a $2000+ mic pre and the 57 through a Mackie 1604 are worlds apart.
 
Pop screen

One thing I HAVE found is that you DO need a pop filter with an SM58. It may be OK without for live work, but for home recording you definitley get unwelcome noises if you don't use a screen.

I guess if you have a pro setup and used to all the best mics and pre's then to try to record vocals with an SM58 would be a miserable experience. But as they say, what you haven't had you don't miss.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top