Which vocal mic are you using?

mmbongo

mmbongo

I have too many basses.
Aug 5, 2009
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#1
The time has come. The time to SING! I feel sorry for my bandmates :)

Anyway, I want my own vocal mic. Something of nice quality instead of using the '$50 for 3' mics that we have at the practice space. Something around $100 or so. I'll be getting it at Sweetwater to take advantage of their sale that ends tomorrow so I'll be ordering soon.

I do not have a deep, booming voice. I sound a lot like Ed Kowalczyk (lead singer of the band Live), if that matters. I'm also not extremely loud.

Looking at:
Shure SM58
Sennheiser e845
Blue Encore 100

Could also choose from AKG or Audio Technica. I'm totally open to suggestions.
 
#2
I bought some $100 mic or whatever that Guitar Center had on sale for closer to like $50. Super clear, way clearer than what the singer of one of the bands I play in uses. I think it's an Electro-Voice Cobalt.

But I end up playing a lot of venues where I don't have to use my own mic. I use whatever is supplied, and just get the job done. I don't care that the mic I have isn't a Shure or whatever cause like I said, it's CRYSTAL clear.
 
#9
Pyrat said:
SM57...the bass players mic...natch~
Click to expand...

I've already got a 57, maybe I should just use that? I guess I was wanting something fancier :)

Heil and EV are not available in the sale so I can't choose those. It's:

Sennheiser
Shure
Blue
Audix
Audio Technica
Rode
AKG

I'm beginning to think there's not much difference between them in this price range.
 
#12
I couple of guys whose opinions I respect a lot suggested Audix mics. I'll disagree, specifically because you said you're just getting into singing. You have to be very consistent with your distance to the mic with Audix OM series because the pattern is so tight. I'd suggest a SM58 as a good place to start. Much more forgiving if you move off a bit or turn your head to glance at your neck. OM series mic do sound fantastic though. If you do get a SM58, get a new one from a reputable dealer since there is a booming industry in fakes.
 
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#13
Sm58 here. Mainly because I bought it with stand and cable off an old band mate for cheap. It serves well for my back up singing. It's not as scooped as their lower end Mic, but not as bright/clear as the beta.
 
#17
I only sing backing vocals (badly).

I started out with a Shure SM58 because it's been described as the "industry standard" for the past hundred years -- based on everything I read. I guess it worked fine for me for a few years. Ultimately, I became frustrated with my vocals getting lost in the mix. After some more extensive research, I purchased an Electro-Voice N/D767a. I immediately found the EV mic to be more articulate (clearer) and better suited to my voice. My bandmates noticed an immediate improvement in sound quality as well.

Coincidentally, the lead singer in my new band uses EV N/D767a mics. He is an electrical engineer by day, and a spends a LOT of free time time researching and A-B'ing gear. He arrived at the N/D767a after a lot of trial and error in both real-world use and bench-testing. I trust his opinion.

I also own three additional Electro-Voice Cobalt 9 mics for my practice space. Two of them sound OK, but one of them is really hot and difficult to EQ. I would not recommend this model as your "go-to" good mic.
 
#18
AKG D5. A/Bing them with Shure 58 and Beta 58, I find there is a close field richness, articulation, and feedback resistance that's superior to the 58s, at least for lead/backup vocal work. There's a condensor version as well, the C5, but I've been plenty happy with the dynamic version. Price point's about the same, or a bit less, than for the plain jane 58—again dependent on the options you choose.
 
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