|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,497
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,497 |
In another thread earlier today, I mentioned that Santa brought me a Shure SM58. In reading over the enclosed literature, I noticed that there was an SM58S....with an on - off switch? Once its connected, I would like to leave it connected...hate doing a reconfig everytime I use something. Is this switch needed?
Without it, do I understand correctly that the mic would always be on? Couldn't I just mute it on my mixer? Would it hurt to leave it on for hours...days....with it being on and just muted? Would there be any concerns about power surges when the system is started up each day with the mic active?
Would it be better to have the one that I can turn off or is the switch just something else to break later down the road?
Thanks guys,
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Skip the switch, and just turn it down or mute when not needed. Even live a switch can create pops that are annoying in the least, and damaging at the worst.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
It isn't "active" or "inactive". You are just shutting off the throughput so it doesn't re-record what is in the room when you are recording vocals. You shut the room monitors off and use headphones when you do your singing so the mic does't record the room sound behind the vocals onto the vocal tracks, right?
As far as the unplugging part, seriously, is the .7 seconds it takes to plug or unplug a mic cable going to set your productivity back a whole lot? I do unplug mine but that's because I switch between different mics for different things.
All personal preference here like so many things are. Things like this are often determined by other conditions, like how you interface to your computer. I have a mic preamp that has 2 inputs and 2 outputs, so I can leave 2 mics plugged in if I choose to. I also use a patch bay and just use a patch cord to configure what goes to the M-Audio that way. But that's just what I have and not everybody has the same stuff. Some of the guys have mic preamps with 8 inputs, thus can have up to 8 mics connected at all times.
The beauty of creativity!!! Many ways to the destination.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
The switch is capacitor-filtered to virtually eliminate switch "pops" but they can drive the board op totally out of his/her mind during a stage performance. Switches are known to get "switched" by curious performers either intentionally or accidentally. If you have a choice, it may be wise to apply a bead of Lok-tite(R) or hot glue to the switch in the "on" position to keep your board op reasonably sane.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 74
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 74 |
Jeff -
The SM58 is first and foremost a performance mic - always has been. When onstage, it's essential to be able to turn off the mic so that the audience can't hear the dialogue among the musicians between songs. I wouldn't want to be without it.
For home recording, it's a matter of preference.
Jon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The switch on a mic is not necessary for recording purposes.
The S model was designed for those live PA situations when it is a necessary thing for the user to be able to control if the mic is hot or not. For example, I use a switched dynamic mic at the keyboards when in a backing band situation. That way, onstage conversations do not get amplified. heh.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Jon,
FWIW, the audience SHOULD NEVER HEAR BANTER BETWEEN MUSICIANS! Ideally, the entire set or show should be well enough rehearsed so as not to require stage banter. It separates the professionals from the amateurs. Obviously, there are exceptions but the pros seldom chat between songs. It is an unwritten taboo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Quote:
Side note: Check out the microphones that Chet, who obviously could afford anything he wanted, choose for this performance. Sure look like Shure SM58s to this tired ole Irishman.
(Copied from another topic).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
The switch on a mic is not necessary for recording purposes.
The S model was designed for those live PA situations when it is a necessary thing for the user to be able to control if the mic is hot or not. For example, I use a switched dynamic mic at the keyboards when in a backing band situation. That way, onstage conversations do not get amplified. heh.
--Mac
I personally don't like switches BUT you haven't lived until you've been wearing a head set mic and bend down to fix an issue and yell out Mother F..... over the PA for all to hear.From experience. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Standard USAF band response was always: "That's what he said, lady..."
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I had to switch from a headset for that kind of thing, John. Mine was more often like "Good lord, she is so fat... " or "Wow, look at the &^%* on THAT one!!"
The one that got me was when a rather large girl, standing right at the front of the stage, had her pager go off, and I said "Watch out. She's backing up." Soon after that I went away from the headset. Soon, like the next set....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Quote:
The one that got me was when a rather large girl, standing right at the front of the stage, had her pager go off, and I said "Watch out. She's backing up." Soon after that I went away from the headset. Soon, like the next set....
Eddie, that's hilarious! Irish-ize it and post it on the "Humo(u)r thread, please?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Even funnier Don is that we dubbed that girl "Buffalo Butt". Now the girlfriend I had then was the artiste type, and could sew. One day I came home from a gig and there was a note telling me to look at the dining room chair. She had gone out and bought a pair of HUGE jeans and using orange thread she sewed the outline of a buffalo's head on the right rear pocket. The guys had to (figuratively) sit on me to keep me from giving those jeans to that girl.
You guys pretty much know from my posts here what a smart @ss I am. There are so many stories like that I'd need my own forum.
Playing in Erie PA one Friday night. There was a couple sitting at the first table by the speaker stack on my side. The guy was wearing the worst Hawaiian shirt I had ever seen. Part way through the night after he had some beers he started getting a little snarky with is. I looked over and said "Hey everybody. We have a heckler. Right here in front. The guy with the short. Hey pal, did you lose a bet or wasn't your mother home to dress you?" After the laughter died down he yelled up "Yeah. Funny. What do you do for your real job? I know you aren't a musician." And without missing a beat I said "You're right. Normally I'm downtown lining up guys to ^%&# your wife." The guy jumped up and started toward the stage and 2 of our people grabbed him and yelled "Oh sit down. You started it! Get these 2 a beer."
Saturday night, they were right back at that front table. In MATCHING ugly Hawaiian shirts!!! They actually went shopping to find them!! I came in, we started with "Back In The Chicken Shack" as we often did. After that sing I looked over and smiled at them and just said "Wow. Touche!" And went on to the next song.
And that's the kind of crowd rapport I LOVED!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
I have similar memories of crowd rapport. Great memories, Amico! My memory loss mutes me, unfortunately. Hang on to your memories for dear life, once gone, they are forever gone. My solution is...keep building more memories every day. You and my many forum friends are deeply etched in my consciousness. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,497
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,497 |
Thanks guys...appreciate all of your comments and the sense of humor too!
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Those who wish to use a headset mic live onstage should investigate a device called the, "Cough Drop" -- connects between mic and input, small enough to hang on your clothing with the supplied clip, and has one rather largish and easy to grab button on it.
The mic silently mutes as long as you are holding that button down...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Where were you in 1991, Mac? Before the "Buffalo Butt" incident?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,091
Posts800,078
Members40,033
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean