vocal mic 150 bucks and under

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musicsdarkangel

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My band is buying a vocal mic, and I just wanted to know what you guys would recommend.

:) i'm on a budget of about up to 150.

I've heard the Shure SM58, but I think theres better.
 
there is better

The SM58 is a world standard of sorts. Brandon boyd of incubus as well as thousands of others use them on stage. But shure also makes the Beta58. its $160 at zzounds.com. I don't know how much better it is but if you were recording, it would probably be worth it.
 
You need to try out different dynamic microphones at your local
"Guitar Center" type of dealer. Keep in mind though you'll save
about 25% when you buy a nice used microphone.
At least buy the cables at the dealer!

Chris
 
try the Audix OM5 or OM6. Beautiful mics that blow away 58's and beta 58's
 
One thing to be careful of with hypercardiod microphones like
the OM-7 or Beta 58/57 is that they're polar pattern is very tight.
For less experienced singers without good microphone technique,
they have to watch their tone quality when they sing off-axis.
They are less forgiving than a cardiod pattern.

Chris
 
thanks! this is actually for recording too....mostly live though.


I appreciate the help :)
 
That's good information as since it's mostly live recording,
a hypercardiod design will work better to minimize "bleed"
between a singer and the other instruments.

I prefer the Beta 57 over the Beta 58 BTW as it's more flexible
in terms of being able to mike other instuments too.
You'll save extra $$ by buying a nice used microphone whether
a Shure or an Audix.

Chris
 
I have the SM58, and it's served me well for so long and so far. I'd go with chess's recommendation with the Beta57. Don't listen to the other people who don't listen to you. You say $150, they give you $300 mics. =)

I think the Beta57 would make you happy. It's like $139, so you can buy yourself a cable or something like that and still be in budget. Good luck.
 
Stage mics are like recording mics in that there aren't just better ones and worse ones- There are certain voices that sound good on certain mics. I'm the odd man out here, because I have never gotten good sound with my voice through a 57 or a 58, although I use them for guitar cabs and toms/snares. I'll admit I've never gotten to try an SM7, but I've heard very good things about it. My choice is AKG D880S, and I get very good results from old discontinued D690's. Really, just sing through a bunch of mics through a real PA and buy what sounds good. Definitely try a D880 and an SM7 before you choose, and others on this board will suggest other good dymamics.-Richie
 
For live sound use the SM58. If you like your monitors loud and you hate feedback, get an Audix OM3. If you're an aggressive screamer or whatever just stick with the Audix. If you've got a good singing voice and you need that 10K for clairity, get a Shure Beta 87. Depends on your voice and your band dude...
 
I sing, and do some loud sorta scream singing.

I don't really do full out screaming, though. We hate feedback, and whatever mic we get, we want to use it to record.

SM58 sounds good :)

yes?
 
darkangel, If I was starting from scratch and had up to $150 to
spend on a dynamic microphone the contenders would be;

1) Shure SM57 (get the $10 foam piece for live use)
2) Shure Beta 57A or Beta 58
3) Audix OM-5 or OM-7 used
4) Beyer Soundstar MKII used (oops- I gave out a "secret"!)
5) Beyer M88TG (if lucky enough to it used for that $)
6) Sennheiser E855 used

Chris

P.S. A SM57 is clearer sounding than an SM58 BTW.
Still think used is the way to go on all these!
 
For live... you should be able to get a used Shure SM58 in mint condition for about $50... and put the $100 you saved in the bank until you have enough money for a good LDC mic for recording.
 
I like all the Shure dynamics mentioned and have sung through them all. However, if you want to turn the mic up in the monitors, the Beta 57 or beta 58 will get louder before feedback. I was amazed at the difference between the Betas and the non-betas in this regard. The Beyer M88 IS a great mic too, but I think you'd have to find it used to be within the budget.

I liked the Audix mics I have used, but they were soundstage equipment--I didn't own them. They sounded great and you could get 'em loud through the monitors too. Not sure which one I used either.
 
Elton John uses the Shure Beta SM58A live as well.www.humbuckermusic.com has a link to a $15 rebate from Shure through Dec 31st. So $149.99 -15.00 =134.99 + free shipping.
 
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