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Need a Mic

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Other music related lounges
Forum Name: Tech Talk
Forum Description: Discuss musical instruments, equipment, hi-fi, speakers, vinyl, gadgets,etc.
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=94935
Printed Date: November 24 2024 at 22:32
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Topic: Need a Mic
Posted By: Ambient Hurricanes
Subject: Need a Mic
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 13:18
I have been using my brother's all-purpose microphone for recording but that option is now out the window because I could not very well have taken his mic with me when I moved off to college.  So I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality microphone at a low price.  I want to use it for a variety of things, such as:

1. Recording ideas and sending them to my band back in St. Louis
2. Recording rough takes of my material for demo purposes and such
3. Possibly recording guitar (acoustic or electric) or vocals if I'm asked to collaborate on a project

$100 or less would be preferable, but I want something that can get me good, near-professional quality and that will be effective for recording purposes in the long term.  I am aware of the standard Shure microphones but I'm not sure if the SM57 or SM58 are best for all-purpose (i.e. both instrument and vocal) recording. 


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Replies:
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 14:40
I own an SM57, use that bad boy for everything.  Works well for voice if you don't get too close to it.

By the way, the only different between a 57 and a 58 is the ball top and pop filter, AFAIK


Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 15:31
I have a 58. Dynamic mics are the best for live stuff, but not the greatest for recordings. I would recommend getting a condenser mic for recording. I wouldn't necessarily recommend mine for multi-purpose recording, but I have heard of a few that do really well in that realm and aren't too expensive. I'll ask a few friends.


Posted By: Vompatti
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 17:49
I have the t.bone MB85 Beta which some people say is practically the same as SM58 (for less than half the price). I can't compare it with the Shure since I don't have one, but I've been using it for everything and been happy with the sound. Feels sturdy and durable too.


Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 22:20
Originally posted by Triceratopsoil Triceratopsoil wrote:

I own an SM57, use that bad boy for everything.  Works well for voice if you don't get too close to it.

By the way, the only different between a 57 and a 58 is the ball top and pop filter, AFAIK


The 57 and 58 are very similar but a little more different than that. The 57 is more versatile IMO (sounds good on vocals and on instruments, the 58 is slightly less good at instruments and slightly better for vocals).

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend them overall because their output is low and you have to crank the gain on your interface, which could make it very noisy depending on the quality of interface/preamp.

So, get this instead:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002T45X1G" rel="nofollow - http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Diaphragm-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002T45X1G

-large diaphragm
-10 dB pad
-80 Hz filter
-low-ish noise


Bada-boom.


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Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 23:05
I record guitars and bass with this, and I'm quite happy with it:  http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm" rel="nofollow - http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm

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Posted By: The.Crimson.King
Date Posted: August 22 2013 at 23:58
I bought an SM58 back in 1978 and I still use that same mic for everything today.  You can get one for $99 at Musicians Friend mail order.

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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: August 23 2013 at 03:40
The SM57 and 58 are great all-rounders and very robust. In the studio I was surprised at how well the Sure performed for recording vocals once you positioned it right to overcome any sibilances - the noise generally associated with dynamic microphones wasn't that evident (yes it is there, but not as bad as to be unusable).
 
For recording accoustic guitar I would recomend using more than one mic (such as two SM57/58s or a SM58 and a Rode NTK condenser) - one near the sound hole (an SM58 works well here) and one near the fret-board - I would also add one a few feet from the guitar to record the ambience as well, afterall that's what accoustic guitars are all about.
 
If you can get a used SM58 for a decent price then I'd suggest adding a cheap condenser microphone such as the Behringer C1 to compliment the SM58 - with some careful shopping you should be able to get both for around $100. You may even manage to get a used Rode NTK or similar for a good price.
 
 
 
 
 
one thing I would add - and that is treat your mics like the delecate instruments they are - keep them in padded boxes when not in use, don't bash them around, don't let them get damp or covered in dust, don't swing them around by the cables (that's okay for Roger Daltrey, he can get a new mic for every show) - even the cheapest dynamic mics will perform well if they are looked after.


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What?


Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: August 23 2013 at 03:54
Originally posted by Pekka Pekka wrote:

I record guitars and bass with this, and I'm quite happy with it:  http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm" rel="nofollow - http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_sc440_usb.htm
Ooo - that looks interesting.
 
 
/edit: taking this into consideration with Vomps recommendation of the t.bone MB85 Beta dynamic mic you could get both for less than $100 and that would be a pretty versatile set-up for home recording. Approve


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Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: August 23 2013 at 09:02
I hear Sennheiser has some top of the line Mics, but they are a tad on the expensive side.
The wireless models look and sound interesting. ;)

http://en-de.sennheiser.com/wireless-microphones-s%20" rel="nofollow - http://en-de.sennheiser.com/wireless-microphones-s

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Posted By: The.Crimson.King
Date Posted: August 26 2013 at 00:19
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:


If you can get a used SM58 for a decent price then I'd suggest adding a cheap condenser microphone such as the Behringer C1 to compliment the SM58 - with some careful shopping you should be able to get both for around $100.

I haven't specifically tried their mics, but I love Behringer gear.  Great stuff with great features at a great price Thumbs Up


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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: September 28 2013 at 21:27
I bought a new mic today.  This one, with a shock mount:



This beauty retails at $249.99.  Guitar Center is having a microphone sale right now, so it was marked down to $179.99.  Our particular Guitar Center for some reason had it marked down to $99.99.  I had two $25 gift certificates from my in-laws.

I just bought a brand new $250 condenser microphone and shock mount for $50.   Smile


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Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 02:49
Congrats, quite a steal Clap

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http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=42652" rel="nofollow - It's on PA!



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