Shure SM-58 vs Audix OM-2?

[Phat Ham]

I bought an SM58 a few years ago when I was playing in a band. I'm playing in a different band now but I've lost my 58 and it's time buy a replacement. Should I get another SM58 or has something better come along in the last couple of years? The Audix OM-2 is priced the same as the 58, but I'm not sure how it compares. Anything else I should take a look at? This will be used for band practice and maybe the occassional gig where we have to bring our own PA.

[bongomania]

There are "better" mics than the SM58 (and 57), but nothing as reliable no matter what you throw at it. Unless you have a fine voice and a refined presentation of it, I would stick with the ol' reliable.

I like Audix mics for drum miking, though.

[Phat Ham]

I guess I forgot to include that this will only be used for (my) backup vocals.

[barthanatos]

The guy at my local shop convinced me to go with the Audiotechnica P635 instead of the SM58, on the grounds that the SM58 uses dated technology, and the AT is a better mic for the same price. It has a neodynium magnet, which he said gave it a better signal to noise ratio. I've been very pleased with it.

[Jerry Ziarko]

I love Audix mics. I have been using an OM6 for years with absolutely no issues. Two of my band mates use Audix as well. (OM2, OM3) To tell you the truth, the OM2 is much less in price, but compares very well to it's more expensive brother. In my opinion, a fantastic bang for the buck mic. The only case in which I would not recommend them is if you are a "spitter" when you sing. That is the one area that Shure mics excel over all others hands down. Keep an eye out on e-bay. They can often be had there for a song.

[MM-Stingray5]

id have to say neither, if you are you are playing rock-metal type stuff you want a Sennheiser 835 because they are not only cheaper but they have a smoother sound and higher gain before feedback. If you are doing like a pop or jazz type thing go with and EX 767 or 267 both great have a much softer sound than the 835 but with the same amount of gain.


My 2 cents

[Phat Ham]

bump.

Still undecided and I need to buy one before the weekend.

[ihateusernames]

I'm really liking the Beta58 lately. It crushes the SM58 in regards to GBF and sounds much better suited to rock for three of the four singers in our band. (the fourth has yet to use one)

For practice only, I'd chose it over the SM58 solely based on the GBF - even at the higher price tag. I'm going to grab a Sennheiser 835 soon to compare.

[Passinwind]

If you use whatever everyone else in your band does, you will make life simpler for your sound man. Especially if you only have one monitor mix.