Sm7 and small condenser for live use

[Mattbob]

I'm a solo acoustic guy. I have an Sm7 and like it pretty well, but also have a large diaphragm/small diaphragm set up. I am just starting to play out frequently now and want to start finding my own set up.

I know I have read about guys who use the SM7 live talking about how much gain it needs. There really isn't a lot of information on it, but my novice brain doesn't understand how a mic getting plugged into a pa with at least 200 watts would need more juice.

I come from a bluegrass/americana background with the large diaphragm mic is essential for live use. I also move around when I play I guess, and I don't like having to think about how close/far away I am all the time. Definite advantage to the LDC.

I love mixing my internal mic in the guitar with a small diaphragm condenser. It seems to be the best of both, but have only used that set up at low volumes. Not that I would play to huge rooms.

Do you guys see any points to consider for either?

Matt

CD 'Good Day Long Train'
MatthewRobertEich.com

 

[CoolCat]

the sm7 would be a great live mic for noise'/room rejection...
if you didnt move around a lot.

I doubt it will be real accommodating for moving arounf the stage. I've read the Shure Beat 58 is a good live mic?

 

[clivus]

Setting up your PA in a rehearsal space and experimenting with the different mike setups you have (or are considering- I.E. borrowing or renting) would be useful. Then you can determine if the preamps on your PA will provide adequate gain for your SM 7, or if another setup is needed. Feedback and room reflection problems are also a concern when working with mikes that have wider pickup patterns, especially at higher volumes, which will also have some bearing on your mike and monitoring setup.

 

[cobaltaudio]

The gain output of a microphone isn't really that big a deal for live stuff.

So long as there's enough to get some decent and clean level through, then it's down to the mixing desk and power amp to generate the required amplification that's relevant for the size of the room. I've rigged SM57's on amps for bands playing to arenas of tens of thousands of people.

The sm58, beta or otherwise does have a 'narrower' cardioid pattern, so rejects a lot more of the reverb/room noise/ambience/crowd noise etc. BUT it relies more on the proximity effect, aka bass-tip up. The closeness of the microphone to the source means more bass-end is picked up by the mic.
This is not the case for the 57, but it is not quite as directional. Good though. Nice sound too.

If you like the sound of a particular condenser mic mixed with the internal pickup, then give it a go at the next bigger gig and maybe have an sm57 on hand in case there's too much ambience or it starts to feed back too easily.