shure beta - which one to buy?

[coreyB]

i know this is more of a question for a "live sound" message board but i thought i'd throw it out there...

i am looking for an incredible live performance vocal mic and i am looking at one of the shure beta series (57a, 58a, 87a) and i can't decide on which one to buy... the costs are about 100, 150, and 230 respectively... i'd rather go with one of the first two but if it makes a difference i'd shell out the extra cash for the 87a... anyone have any experience with these mics? it seems the 57a is more of a wide-variety application mic (can mic vocals and instruments) whereas the 58a and the 87a are vocal mics... anyone? thanks so much in advance...

 

[still4given]

It depends a lot on what style of music you are doing. The 87 is an awesome sounding mic, but if the singer is eating the mic in a loud environment, the 58 would be my choice. The 87 is a condenser, and not as good at high spls as the 58. For my tastes, the 87 and the 58 are better for vocals than the 57, although it will work as well.

Blessings, Terry

 

[coreyB]

thanks! i think i am definitely leaning towards the 58 as i will be using this as purely a vocal mic in quiet (coffee shop) and loud (crowded bar) settings... thanks so much for your info!

 

[Big Kenny]

Get a senn 845
In His Name
Big

 

[chessparov]

Corey, you should try each one out of the Shure's and Sennheiser's at your local dealer. No one can tell you what's "best" since voices all differ.

If it's not easy for you to do that, a "safe" choice is the Electro-Voice RE16 or RE15. They're reputed to work well on most any singer.
(yeah I've owned/used them!)
They run around $100 or so used in good or better condition.

The Shure SM57 has clearer sound than a SM58 due to the foam pop screen and the larger basket.
The SM57, is more fussy than the RE16 as to which mic pre you use though. A Mackie's pre's, for example, do NOT work well.

The Shure's, including the 87(owned/used that one too),
all have a massive presence peak boost to help cut through a typical rock mix.
The EV's are more mellow sounding, so they don't show any mic pre deficiencies as much.

You can get "incredible" sound out of any of these microphones as long as you have a reasonable mic pre's and you sound incredible! Over 95% of it is the source (you), not the gear.

Another option to try is the Electro-Voice EV 635a, but since it's an omni you have to "eat" it. Common choice back in the 60's/70's for Radio/TV use, and popular with early R&R/blues singers.

Chris

 

[chessparov]

Also should add that the EV's are easier to work with, due to the
RE15 and RE16 having the patented "Variable-D" feature.
This minimizes the proximity effect you get from "normal" cardiod
pattern microphones. Similar benefit with an omni dynamic like the
EV 635a.

Chris

 

[mixsit]

I'd line up the above mics and throw in Audix OM5.
The 87 is quite different than the 58/57 - seems much more high-tilted to me.
Wayne

 

[coreyB]

The Shure's, including the 87(owned/used that one too),
all have a massive presence peak boost to help cut through a typical rock mix.

You can get "incredible" sound out of any of these microphones as long as you have a reasonable mic pre's and you sound incredible! Over 95% of it is the source (you), not the gear.

thanks chris... since i am playing with a band and my vocals are a key part of the music i want them to stand out and rise above which is why i'm looking at the shure beta series... i'm currently using an audio technica DR2000 and it has no presence and mid-range so anything will be a step up i believe... i have a VERY similar voice to howie day (if that means anything) and he uses the beta 87a in live scenarios which is why i am looking at them but might go one step down since i don't want the mic to require phantom power...

 

[noisedude]

another vote for senn 845 but not properly used the betas.

 

[chessparov]

I'm familiar with Bowie not Howie, getting older you know.

Another classic live microphone is the Beyer M88, which Bowie
and many other top acts have used.
Phil Collins does most all his studio and live vocals with it too.

Unfortunately, I fell into the small percentage of those it emphasizes sibilance on. Beautiful tone on those otherwise.

There is also the 87c which is cardiod and has flatter top end response and smoother sound than the 87a BTW.
(not neccesarily better-just slightly different)

Liked the 87a quite a bit before selling mine, not enough live use
to have warranted keeping it.

Chris

 

[coreyB]

looks like i'm actually gonna go with an audix om-5... i went to see a friend's band play last night and he was using this mic and it was incredible... i checked reviews and it looks like most people strongly prefer the om-5 over the beta 58a... anyone beg to differ who has used both?

 

[chessparov]

Your friend's voice may be different than yours.

Still go try them each out personally...

Chris