Afterdawn is probably the wrong place to ask questions about this topic because it has nothing to do with anything that the site is about. But everyone on this site seems very technologically inclined so im gunna ask it anyway. I am looking for a good microphone for vocals. Anyone have any suggestions on what mics are good. I'm thinking about getting a shure SM beta 87a, or possibly a shure SM beta 58a, even thinking about a Sennheiser E865. I'm think i should go with a dynamic mic and not a condenser cuz condensers pick up background sound too much. Money is not really an issue price range prolly $200-400. If anyone can help me decide or lead me into the right direction. (don't bother telling me this is the totally wrong site to ask cuz i already know that lol but i'm sure there are some people on this site who know what im talkign about). Anyways thanks for your help
well it all depends on what you want to use it for. if you plan to use it for studio recordings in a quiet environment, then most definately get a condenser microphone. you can easily find a decent condenser at music shops like guitar center for under $400. Or if you need a mic to play live or out on the road, the Shure SM58 is pretty much the king. More SM58s have been made and used than any other microphone in the world combined. The new 58 betas sound very nice too. You can get them for under $100 usually. If your price range is $400, then that is plenty of money to get both. SM58s are usually around $100, and you can probably find used ones on eBay for way cheaper. They are so durable that I would feel comfortable buying a used one. Then with your remaining $300 visit a local music shop, and you should have at least 5 or 10 condensor mics to choose from that are under $300.
yeah ur right i think im gunna go with a dynamic cuz everything will be live not in the studio. As for the SM58, i had one of those, don't get me wrong it is a good mic, but i want an amazing mic. Something that gives great quailty and gives high gain before feedback. Do you know of any amazing mics?
well I've heard good things about the SM86, which is similar to the 58 but is a consenser mike and is much brighter. Also check out Sennheiser's MD 431 II, it is a fantastic sounding mic.
thanks for your help....i think the Shure SM beta 58a is what im gunna go with....it seems like the best bang for the buck....have you used or heard about the beta 58a?
yes they are very good mics. I myself have and use the regular 58s, but where I teach audio we have the new betas and they sound great. They're just as good and durable as the originals, but the betas have improved frequency response and some other new features. I'm sure it will work great for you, its hands down the most used microphone in the industry.
Honestly, the SM57's and 58's are hard to beat. Their moniker comes from the year(s) they were first manufactured. Very little has been done to change their design, since then, due to the fact that there doesn't really need to be any. Senheiser's are also very good mics. Check out AKG as well. Right now I'm using an ST90 MKII by Audio Technica. It was cheap. I was working at Guitar Center when I bought it so that made it even cheaper. As far as recording, use a condensor. They're awesome. Coupled with a little phantom powered pre-amp and voila. Ultimately, a mic is only as good as the singer who's holding it. Doesn't matter how good the mic is if the singer sucks. LMAO. )
