Live Mic Question--handheld condensers

[rcane]

I know this is a recording forum, but anyone have any experience using the handheld condensers like Shure SM87, Beta87, Neumann KMS 105, Rode S1, or Earthworks SM69? I'm looking to upgrade from an SM58 for on-stage use. Thanks!

 

[timboZ]

If your on a budget checkout this mic.
http://www.avlex.com/pdfs/PRA-238B.pdf

I have a few of the superlux pra-238b's and use them for live vocals.
You can get then for less than $70.00 and the top-end is great on them.

 

[treymonfauntre]

that neumann is one of the best vocal mics i've had the pleasure of using

 

[pohaku]

Audix VX-10 and Audio Technica AE5400 are both very nice. Competitive with the Neumann IMHO. Less expensive too.

 

[Angusdevil]

I'll second the Audix VX-10. I've used them at many gigs and they sound great and are easy to work with.

 

[The Garage]

I went with a friend to try out a bunch of vocal condenser handhelds. We ended up liking a Shure model a lot better than the Neumann, which was a rip-off in my opinion. (Sounded very carved and unnatural -- atleast on his voice!) Anyway, I think you should most definitely go and try them out yourself because it's very difficult to make a "diagnosis" over the internet.

 

[sile2001]

Sounded very carved and unnatural -- atleast on his voice!

And that's a very good point. We can't tell you what will be best. We can only tell you what would most likely be crap. Each voice reacts to mics differently, so there is no one "best."

I have a friend that sounds great through a Beta87. I sound horrible through it, and much prefer my Beta57. Kind of surprising that I would prefer a dynamic over a condenser... I also sound horrible through my Beta58, even though it is not that much different from the Beta57. The AudioTechnica wireless condensers we use up at our church are very nice mics, but they somehow manage to bring out every undesirable characteristic of my voice. Go test some stuff out at a music store and see what you like!