|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
Well, I've gone from the microphone in my Sony HandyCan to the microphones in my somewhat recently purchased ZOOM Q3HD. Then I moved over to computer recording. Yes, I'm a newbie. I was originally going with my Peavey PVM580TN but did a test of my Shure PL91A and I like it a little better. Less sensitive. So I did half a track and messed with it in Audacity and, well, I think I can pass as a less than fair vocalist.  So that's where I am now, thinking about microphones. Do they REALLY matter?  I did a Google Search and found the following: http://www.recordproducer.com/?a=154http://www.recordproducer.com/?a=156(I haven't seen them yet, but will later today). Frankly, although I'd like to read about different microphones being used and how much some like them, I think I have my heart already set on the Shure 55SH. The type of music I like playing is 50ish type stuff with a rock edge so I'm thinking the Shure 55SH might be ideal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
There's lot of choice in the price range of the 55SH and most mics from the old, respected manufacturers will all be good quality, but will all have their own distinct character. The trick is to try as many as you can until you find the one which suits your voice and style best. There's no one mic which suits everyone.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
Quote:
There's lot of choice in the price range of the 55SH and most mics from the old, respected manufacturers will all be good quality, but will all have their own distinct character. The trick is to try as many as you can until you find the one which suits your voice and style best. There's no one mic which suits everyone.
This might be strange, but sometimes I buy stuff simply because I've made my mind up that I WANT it. Yep, like the Shure 55SH. I guess it's just part of my screwed up nature. Well, that and the fact I could always turn around and sell it on eBay myself and, perhaps, make a small profit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
I have always used the Shure SM57 for both vocals and miking my acoustic guitar. The SM58 "Ball" may be preferable for vocals (the response curve is slightly flatter) but they are both built like a tank, virtually indestructible. My son recently bought an AKG ribbon mic that he likes a lot but it was somewhat more pricey ($200-ish as opposed to about 90 for the Shures) and far more delicate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
Don- I've signed you up for the SM57 appreciation society, which I've just started.
So far, it's you, me and Mick Jagger.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
ROG, LOL! I guess it's just me and the Brit Infusion then. (Snickering up my sleeve)
We old flatulents!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,059
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,059 |
I keep one in my bag of spare parts for gigs. They are indestructible.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,278
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,278 |
Quote:
Don- I've signed you up for the SM57 appreciation society, which I've just started.
So far, it's you, me and Mick Jagger.
ROG.
Add me to that list.... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Wow, incredible counterfeit! I guess that speaks to the popularity of the SM57 if counterfeiters want a piece of that market, huh? You're probably well advised to pay a few dollars more at a reliable dealer or the monster online sources like Sweetwater; Musicians' Fiend, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Quote:
Quote:
Don- I've signed you up for the SM57 appreciation society, which I've just started.
So far, it's you, me and Mick Jagger.
ROG.
Add me to that list....
Add me too, please! 
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
The microphone matters.
There are good looking microphones not worth the brownish stuff.
There are tremendously good microphones that don't look sexy.
If the microphone "colors" the recording you will never get it clean again. If there's already some cream in the coffee you will never get coffee and cream separated again. And if you don't like cream in your coffee -- you might prefer it black --, bad luck.
If you need a certain coloring an equalizer might help if the recording is good. If the recording is already colored, an equalizer can't give you back what is lost already.
Get the best microphone your money can buy from a trusted dealer.
The best microphones around are probably condenser mics with a small diaphragm. If -- for certain reasons -- you prefer dynamic mics, also small diaphragms are a good choice...
That's why a trusted dealer is necessary.
By the way: I use a Shure 55SH II and an EV N/dyn 767 - depending on what I do.
Good luck for finding YOUR microphone.
Guido
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Depends on the source. Those who think there is a 'best mic' are talking about a specific recording situation. Think about possible needs before deciding. I wouldn't put a couple mics mentionedin this thread on a snare or inside a bass drum. And has been mentioned; many recordings and artists like the sound of their voice thru an sm57 or 58 (or any other brand in any price range). It's like asking 'what's the best gun?' It depends quite a bit on what you need it for. Close range protection is a bit different than spying for antelope. I have $30 mics that don't sound good on a lot of stuff, but pointed at a ride cymbal makes it a surprise bargain.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Quote:
I keep one in my bag of spare parts for gigs. They are indestructible.
QFT (quoted for truth)
If you have one of these in your bag you can put it in front of a horn (from tenor sax to trumpet), point it at a drum head, or hand it to the lead vocalist and it will get the job done.
As far as the list;
I wouldn't want to be in any club that would have me as a member.
-Groucho credit
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Good point, Rharv! I was assuming he was talking about a good vocal microphone, not club an antelope or Yeti with. I had completely overlooked the antelope and Sasquatch factor. Their third order harmonics are way out of the SM57s range.You nut!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
The third order harmonics of of an SM57 depend on the scope being used. And if you're aiming that high I commend you, assuming you can pull it off.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
Actually, chaps, it's a society.
Was that a yes, or a no, rharv?
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Well if it's a secret society I'm in. I love telling secrets
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,348 |
Have you ever noticed that, with microphones, price is inversely proportional to robustness?
You can bounce an SM57 and carry on using it, but if you drop a Neuman U47 it's not worth bending down to pick it up, 'cos it ain't gonna work. At least, it didn't when I did it.
Talking of dropping things, a friend once dropped a Winchester disk back in the 70s. Now that's spectacular! (Any of you guys remember Winchesters?)
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
Quote:
I was originally going with my Peavey PVM580TN but did a test of my Shure PL91A and I like it a little better. Less sensitive.
Oops, just noticed the mistake. Actually it is NOT a Shure PL91A, but rather an Electro-Voice PL91A. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,407
Posts778,802
Members39,649
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean