Trumpet player needs advice on intrument mic

[spitvalve]

I'm going to buy a couple of inexpensive, wired, durable microphones for live, loud performance of trumpet/flugelhorn (big band, Tower of Power, salsa, etc.). I have done a bit of research and listed below are several mics will show you the ballpark I'm in regarding cost and type.

A quick search on Amazon shows all of these mics can be bought, new, for anywhere from $50 to $125.

Please advise me, if you're so inclined! Thanks!!

• EV Co4 (thanks to The Axis on this site for some good info on the Cobalt series) - hey The Axis, have your Co4's been as durable as you would hope since you first reported on them in 2001? Can something this cheap have lasted well for you or any wind players you know?
• Shure SM57 (seems you can't go wrong with even the Mexican SM57s)
• Shure Beta 57A (seems like a great step up from SM57 especially on a loud stage with much off-axis noise)
• Audix I-5 (seems even more built-like-a-tank than the good old SM57)

 

[TimOBrien]

You're not really going to go wrong with a Shure SM-57 or 58....

I've used a 57 on my sax, but I do prefer to use my MD-421.

 

[dementedchord]

unless you can pony up more cash... buy the 57 and call it good...

 

[spitvalve]

Thanks, Tim and dementedchord...

I did a lot more research and I see you can't go wrong with ol' reliable SM57. I came REALLY close to ordering the Shure Beta 57A. But I ended up ordering the Audix I-5, new, from zZounds.com. $99 each with a free 20' cord thrown in. Shipping very cheap (I live in Alaska). If the mics are as good as the reviews I'll be very happy. I do have an old SM57 that works but it looks like it's going to fall apart soon (the head shield is loose, it's plastic at the bottom and it's taped to make it stay attached), and the Audix looks like it might be even more accepting of abuse due to a more solid "collar" area.

Tim, you're a sax player - what do you like to use most in a live situation? I play next to an awesome bari man (he plays the Doc Kupka Tower of Power stuff with real balls) and a guy who can really shriek on tenor. I think they come through the system sounding way more "tinny" than they really are. They're playing clip-on mics but I don't know what kind. If you reply I'll compare what they're using to your recommendation.

-Mark Green
Anchorage, Alaska

 

[fraserhutch]

You know, I hate to say it, but I've NEVER been happy with the sound of an SM57 for trumpet. I guess I'm in the minority, but my recommendation would be to keep looking.

The SM57 is a compromise all the way through. It'll do the job sorta, but you'll lose a lot of what makes a trumpet shine, IMHO.

Live, I use an AKG C535 eb that I've had for a very long time. A little more pricey, but I felt it was worth it at the time.

 

[dementedchord]

yeah but the535 is outta his range and he sounded as if he wants a dynamic... for my bone i used a 421... would have liked to try an re20 but couldn't rationalize the dough back in the late '70s..

 

[fraserhutch]

I wasn't suggesting he go that route. I just putting it out there.

I would go for a Cascade ribbon LONG before the SM57. He might be avle to find one out there for a good deal. And yes, I would definitely consider using some of the newer ribbon constructions live.

 

[Paj]

spitvalve: If you like the SM57, you'll probably really like the Co4. Tough? You can probably use it to hammer an SM57 into a piece of wood. Does EV make anything that ain't ready to fight?

Don't laugh, but if your drummer has one of those drum mic sets around, try the tom (and the kick) mics out.

Paj
8^)