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Joined: Mar 2010
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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ROG, LOL! I guess it's just me and the Brit Infusion then. (Snickering up my sleeve)
We old flatulents!
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I keep one in my bag of spare parts for gigs. They are indestructible.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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.... 
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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.
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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
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Expert
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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
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Actually, chaps, it's a society.
Was that a yes, or a no, rharv?
ROG.
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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!
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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.
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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. 
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