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Beta 58a, or AKG D5,

Green Lantern

Green Lantern

Nov 3, 2011
608
498
PA
#1
The SM58 while a great mic when it came out, lacks too much top end for what I am looking for. I have narrowed my choice down to the Beta 58a and the AKG D5. What difference have you found between these two mic's?

Thanks
 
#2
It really depends on the source. Beta 58's have a fair amount of upper midrange boost that the standard 58 doesn't. It really improves some sources/voices but ruins others. The D5 is a solid all-around mic that seems to have more bottom end than either the 58 or beta 58 and the presence boost is more subtle.

If you're going to use this mic on a variety of voices, I would go with a standard SM58 or the D5.

For reference, here's a live recording I did of The Civil Wars using D5's for both vocals: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

FYI - recorded with no compression, almost no EQ, and a touch of reverb through a Soundcraft GB4 console. the recording feed is taken via Aux buss directly into the DV Camera...which is the source of the clipping towards the end of the song. Also, keep in mind the data compression used to post the video online doesn't exactly do the audio justice but you get the idea.
 
#5
You should at least attempt to audition a few mics. Buy one of each from a place with a return policy and then give them a shot.

I would add the Audix OM5 to your list. It's more clear than either the AKG or the Shure. I did the audition this summer and bought three as my PA front line vocal mics. Having said that, I personally sing on a Sennheiser 421 but that is another price range. Sounds like it too...
 
#9
I personally have a Blue Encore 100 and love how it captures higher voices. It is very clear and really makes singers with a lot of upper mid and treble energy sound great. It also has nearly no proximity effect, which also makes it great for lower voices. Overall, I've been really impressed with the mic and would definitely recommend it for consideration.
 
#10
I have heard the Blue Encore 100 I prefer it over the SM58. Have not done a shoot out against the Beta 58a. I agree its best to try several different mic's out. I also found one mic is not best for everyone person either. So I may get a couple of Blue Encore's and Audix. Thanks for your insight.
 
#11
Green Lantern said:
The SM58 while a great mic when it came out, lacks too much top end for what I am looking for. I have narrowed my choice down to the Beta 58a and the AKG D5. What difference have you found between these two mic's?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I still use a 58. Another band member brought out a Beta 58. Only difference I can see is that the Beta is a " hotter " Mike.:ninja::hiding::ninja:
 
#12
Normal 58 has a much nicer proximity effect, and a slightly less noticable kick at the top end. I actually prefer the SM58 to the Beta 58a in live work, as it 'cuts through' more, and is much more forgiving to singers who eat the mic.

OP, if you need better highs, then David1234 may have hit it on the nose: going for a condensor may be just the ticket, even if it's just for the lead vocalist.

My $0.02. :)
 
#13
Jimbob Jones said:
Normal 58 has a much nicer proximity effect, and a slightly less noticable kick at the top end. I actually prefer the SM58 to the Beta 58a in live work, as it 'cuts through' more, and is much more forgiving to singers who eat the mic.
:)
Click to expand...

I also thought the same thing. Some other mic's had too much top end when I later realized that the 58 was actually not providing enough top end. The way a nice condenser sound had top end. Of course some mic's top end is stronger than other.

I agree that the Beta sounds very similar to the SM58 but it does have a hotter sound (bigger magnet) and there is a little more top end as well.
 
#15
I switched from a 58 to a Beta 58 and much prefer it. The enhanced highs work well with my voice and it sounds clearer when singing live. I got positive feedback from a really good engineer who had worked with us before I made the change. He said he preferred the sound of the Beta.
 
#16
I would check out the Blue Encore 200, its an active dynamic so it needs phantom just like a condenser would but make no mistake it's a dynamic, and if more highs is what you want then AB it against a beta58 and I gaurentee ull like it better. But ya I really don't care for the AKG D5, actually I kinda hate whenever someone brings one in to one of the venues I work at..
 
#17
Do yourself a favor, and check out EV nd767 . Passive mic, but behaves like a condenser. Highest gain before feedback of any mic I've used. Haven't tried the AKG, but they do have some nice models. The Beta isn't even in the same league as the EV, and the EV is only $130 or so.
 
#18
One thing I don't like about the betas - they can just up and quit on you without warning. I've worn down many a 57, but they let you know they're getting tired well ahead of time. Two different guys I work with have had betas fail all the way on a gig.
 
#19
4Mal said:
You should at least attempt to audition a few mics. Buy one of each from a place with a return policy and then give them a shot.

I would add the Audix OM5 to your list. It's more clear than either the AKG or the Shure. I did the audition this summer and bought three as my PA front line vocal mics. Having said that, I personally sing on a Sennheiser 421 but that is another price range. Sounds like it too...
Click to expand...
 

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