SM58 for vocal recording to computer

[humbog]

Hi ,

do you reckon a SM58 will do for vocal recording to computer or should I buy a similar priced condensor mic?
I am just hoping I can save money by having the same mic for live and recording.

BTW I am hoping to record through the tube preamp effect of a V-AMP 2 guitar amp modeller , anybody got any experience of this?
It sounds bad to ok on a cheapo mic so i hope it sounds better on a more expensive one.

cheers.

 

[Farview]

The preamp on a guitar amp is much different than a tube mic preamp. The only reason for running vocals thru it would be to get vocal distortion.

A 58 is fine if you like the sound.

 

[Ben Logan]

I've been recording for about two years - a hobbyist.

The SM58 is actually my vocal mic of choice. I've tried a few of the cheapo Large Diaphram Condensors (the Studio Projects B1 and the MXL mics). Lots of people like these for vocals (LDC's that is).

I think the LDC's sound too shrill for vocals when recording onto the computer.

What I've learned through experimenting, and from others with more experience, is that you need to try lots of diff. mics and find one that compliments your voice.

The SM58 and the SM57 actually sound best on my rather nasally voice. They warm it up a bit.

Plus - rumor has it Mic Jagger has recorded with the SM58 by choice.

Go for it!

Ken

 

[Farview]

A lot of people record with 58s. The trick is to find out what sounds good on your voice. You have it pretty easy, you only need to buy the equipment that you need to acomplish your project. Commercial studios need to have one of everything, just in case it's needed.

 

[Milkbomb]

See what happens

In the days before I could afford condensor mics, I had to use a 58 since that was what I used live. I got pretty good results with it.

 

[humbog]

thanks for all help so far.
ive done some more digging , is it worth getting a mic pre amp e.g. BEHRINGER
MIC100?

 

[chessparov]

A good set-up would be;

1) Shure SM57
2) Get Shure's foam add-on for it (about $10)
3) Joe Meek 3Q mic pre/opto-compressor/EQ (about $200)

The reason for the SM57 + foam pop screen is that it sounds clearer than a SM58, plus you can take the foam piece off when recording instruments or amps.

The Meek will destroy a Behringer pre, and normally you need to smooth out
a '57 via EQ to get a high quality vocal sound, after placing the mic well first. SM58's and SM57's don't sound near as good on cheap pre's/mixers.

The pre in the 3Q seemed comparable to the $500 Grace 101 IMHO.
The opto-compressor is excellent for rock and/or R&B music BTW.

Chris

P.S. If the 3Q is out of the budget, get the Studio Projects VTB-1.
Edges the DMP3 on the SM57, and is built MUCH tougher which
can be critical for stage use. Also quieter at high gain.