Beyond the SM57 for live vox?

mambo4 · #1 05-19-2008, 03:23 PM

I'm looking for a gift for a vocalist. Everywhere you look it's SURE SM-57's on stage, I'm thinking of trying to find something superior

I know that for recording you cant get far superior vocal mics, but they are usually to delicate for live shows. Is there a superior quality vocal mic that still holds up in sturdiness?

bkbirge · #2 05-19-2008, 03:28 PM

Sennheiser 441 will fit the bill, it is a big step up and is reasonably sturdy though not as sturdy as a 57. 'course for a vocalist live I'd go for a 58 instead of a 57.

**baba** · #3 05-19-2008, 03:36 PM

The SM58 is actually more common for vox than the 57.

I use a Beta 58 and it's rock solid.

knarleybass · #4 05-19-2008, 04:20 PM

I have a Shure Beta 57, it rocks!

fenderhutz · #5 05-19-2008, 04:24 PM

Shure Beta 58.

rzpooch · #6 05-19-2008, 05:04 PM

Get a Shure 58. I have been using one for 20 years...the same one!

Hawaii Islander · #7 05-19-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambo4

I'm looking for a gift for a vocalist. Everywhere you look it's SURE SM-57's on stage, I'm thinking of trying to find something superior

I know that for recording you cant get far superior vocal mics, but they are usually to delicate for live shows. Is there a superior quality vocal mic that still holds up in sturdiness?

The Shure Beta SM58A is a better quality mic for vocals than the SM57 or the SM58. It's not too much more than they are either.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Mic?sku=270120

F-Clef-Jef · #8 05-19-2008, 05:17 PM

I'll offer up the Audix OM5, just so this isn't purely a Beta 58 thread...

knarleybass · #9 05-19-2008, 07:35 PM

I have an OM5, it's a great clear sounding mic.

T-Bird · #10 05-19-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi.

Sennheiser MD421 would be my primary choice.

If You wish to stick with Shure, The Beta 58 is most probably the best choice. Works wonders especially with female vocals, compared to SM57 and SM58.

There are others of course, but as I haven't used any, can't really comment about them

.

Regards
Sam

Jerry Ziarko · #11 05-19-2008, 11:21 PM

Audix has some great vocal mics (OM-5, 6, 7). They don't work well with spitters though. Shure will win that battle every time.

Laserman · #12 05-22-2008, 07:06 AM

I'll 3rd the Audix OM-5. Great mike. There are better mikes than shure these days. Shure's Reign is coming to an end.

xshawnxearthx · #13 05-22-2008, 07:25 AM

i have a 57 and a 58. the 58 sounds different IMHO. both were gifts.

derrico1 · #14 05-22-2008, 08:14 AM

I use regularly use both the Audix OM7 and Shure beta 58. They're both good stage vocal mics, but for most voices (including my own) I prefer the beta 58.

Frankly, I was surprised to slightly prefer the Shure. It has a hotter output than the OM7 (which shouldn't really matter, unless you're maxing out your channel gain in an underpowered PA). But even gain adjusted, most voices seem to sit better in our live mix with the Shure.

JKT · #15 05-22-2008, 08:31 AM

Count me in on the Audix OM's. We like them much more than the 58's we have been using for years. They seem clearer in the mid-range, less of a proximity bass effect, and better feedback rejection at high gain.

JKT

Mr. Pickles · #16 05-22-2008, 08:36 AM

Ditto all that. The Shure betas are an excellent blend of sound and quality build. Sennheiser makes great vox mics as well. My female vocalist uses a 935 (I think).

el_Kabong · #17 05-23-2008, 09:07 PM

Female vocalist? SM87a stage condensor. Open, airy and clear vocals, a major step up from a 58. Tight pickup pattern so it works on a loud stage, great mic. Needs phantom power.

projectMalamute · #18 05-23-2008, 09:28 PM

Beyer M88 makes a real nice live vocal mic.

4Mal · #19 05-23-2008, 10:17 PM

I used to be an sm-57 guy. I have a fairly thin voice - the 4K presence peak of the sm-58 doesn't work for me at all. I moved from the sm-57 to the Beta 58 a year ago and that works great on stage. Feed back rejection is much higher than either a 57 or 58. Smoohter response works well with my voice.

The Beta 87 is a killer mic but condenser's on stage can be a pita.

I would entertain going to the local GC and demoing some mic's ...

tommixx · #20 06-03-2008, 09:48 PM

Shure Beta 87 for a condenser, Audix OM 7 (or to a slightly lesser degree OM5) for LOUD stages, Beta 58 for a general purpose throw anything at it mic. I have them all but use Neumann KMS105s on my money vocal channels if the stage is not too loud. If the stage is louder I go for the Beta 87 and then the Audix OM7 in that order. The Audix OM5 is an "improved" SM58 IMHO and generally works better than the older SM58. The Beta 58 is a lot closer to the OM5 in terms of clarity and rejection but the OM5 will give you a bit more usable gain and better overall feedback rejection than the Beta 58 IME. They are all good but I would opt for the Audix OM5 in terms of over all quality and flexibility for the money. You should be able to get an OM5 for under $100 if you ask for a discount. I have about 10 or 12 of them and the most I ever paid for one was $99.99. If you are looking for an improvement over the SM57 for an instrument mic, I suggest the Audix I5 (about $79 if you ask) or the Beta 57 (about $120 or so if you ask). The I5 is a bit more rounded and even and the Beta 57 is an improvement to the element and sounds clearer but still has that 57 sound.

Peace,

T