Good microphone for live and recording.

[Bassy113]

Hello.

So me and my friend are struggling to find the perfect VOCAL microphone for us. We want some microphone that is good at rehearsal/jam and also good at live recording. It needs to have a good tone of voice and also as less feedback as possible when rehearsing.
I suggested the Shure Super 55 Deluxe. It seemed like a good mic for both I guess.
He suggested the Rode NT1-A.

I dont know much about microphones btw, but I think dynamic mic would be better.
I hope its understandable.
Thanks

 

[hbarcat]

Those are two vastly different microphones. The Shure is a dynamic cardioid, while the Rode is a large diaphragm condenser.

 

[AGCurry]

The Rode is impractical for live use. You will not get enough gain before feedback.

 

[Mighty Thumb]

A couple of these are a great place to start. SM58® - Vocal Microphone - Shure USA

 

[Stylee Mousse]

Definitely heed AGC. Dynamic is absolutely the way to go. A 58 or similar (sennheiser 845, etc) will be fine up to the point where you would be recording with someone else’s mics

 

[longfinger]

Between those two microphones, you are better off with the Shure Super 55 Deluxe. It can be used for rehearsal/jam and live shows, as well as live recording. The Rode NT1A would only be for studio recording use.

If the vocalist likes the look of a Shure 55, and is inspired by it, then that is a legit reason to get it over say a Shure Beta 58 or similar looking mic.

 

[hbarcat]

A couple of these are a great place to start. SM58® - Vocal Microphone - Shure USA

Yeah, this.

Your best bet is to keep it simple.

The SM-58 is an industry standard because it sounds good, works well under just about every condition that you can imagine, and is ultra durable and reliable.

Plus, the price is budget friendly.

 

[BAG]

You can use any live vocal mic for recording, but using some good recording mics (generally large diaphragm condenser's) can be a nightmare on a live stage.

I would only go with the Super 55 deluxe if you specifically want that look on stage. The frequency response isn't that much different from an SM58 however the 58 has the build quality and track record to last a long, long time and deal with just about anything singers might subject it to.

For recording, the Rode will work well in most situations but could be a nightmare live, particularly if you need plenty of volume.

 

[hbarcat]

For recording, the Rode will work well in most situations but could be a nightmare live, particularly if you need plenty of volume.

I have a pair of NTI-A mics and I wouldn't necessarily recommend them for recording vocals, either.

They have a distinct sound built in that works well in some recording situations, but I find that they're not very versatile - especially with vocals.

But of course you're right about them being completely unsuitable for live performances.

 

[bass-shy]

Lately I've been using a Shure Beta 57 for recording. It's placed about 1" away from my cab and even at wall-shaking volume, there is no sign of overloading or distortion. It also has plenty of low end punch, for my 4-string basses anyway.

Over the years, I have built up a collection of mics and this Beta 57 gives me the best mic'd cab sound I've had yet.

 

[Geri O]

I've found a microphone that, for the first time, I believe is worthy of replacing my SM58s and Beta 58s.

It's the SE V7 microphone. Super-cardioid, lots of gain before feedback, great sound. And really good for live recordings. As I said, it's first mic out of all the so-called "58 killers" over the years that I really believe fits the bill. We carry them with on gigs and all the sound co guys are really impressed with them. And at $100, they are a bargain.

sE Electronics V7 Supercardioid Dynamic Handheld Vocal Microphone

One does have to adjust their vocal technique a bit and not get off of them as much. Our artist keep saying, why is there a gate on my vocal mic?? Once I explained to him what was going on, he adjusted quickly and now he loves it.

We've recorded two shows with the V7s and they translate very well for live recordings.

The fellow that I passed my symphonic mixing gig off to recently bought the small condenser version of the SE, The sE7 (28 of them). They are very pleased with the results.