Young Angus
Kometose Tonologist
Just wondering what better (not cheaper) mics there are out there for vocals and instruments than the good old sm58 and sm57 respectively.
What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
- Thread starter Young Angus
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75lespaul
New member
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Hi YA. Well, the mics I use now in place of those two are definitely not cheaper. For the guitar I mike with a Sennheiser MD-421 (dynamic) and for vocals I use either that for quickie tracks or an MXL V69 Mogami edition (tube condensor). I still do however use my 57 and 58 if I'm not getting the "sound" I want from the others.
I've never used the Sennheiser e609 (guitar), but the reviews on that mike are fantastic, and I think it's only around $100 while the MD-421 you can pick up used for about $220-$280. I paid $300 for the Mogami new. My MXL V63M condensor is also a surprisingly great sounding mike for acoustic guitars and vocals. I record acoustics with the V69 on the neck and the V63M on the bridge. That one goes for around $80. The MXL mics need phantom power.
Hope I helped you out a little brotha. :smokin:
Hi YA. Well, the mics I use now in place of those two are definitely not cheaper. For the guitar I mike with a Sennheiser MD-421 (dynamic) and for vocals I use either that for quickie tracks or an MXL V69 Mogami edition (tube condensor). I still do however use my 57 and 58 if I'm not getting the "sound" I want from the others.
I've never used the Sennheiser e609 (guitar), but the reviews on that mike are fantastic, and I think it's only around $100 while the MD-421 you can pick up used for about $220-$280. I paid $300 for the Mogami new. My MXL V63M condensor is also a surprisingly great sounding mike for acoustic guitars and vocals. I record acoustics with the V69 on the neck and the V63M on the bridge. That one goes for around $80. The MXL mics need phantom power.
Hope I helped you out a little brotha. :smokin:
frankfalbo
In Fluence Y'all
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
For recording, or live? That makes a big difference in what I'd recommend.
For recording, or live? That makes a big difference in what I'd recommend.
J
Jeff Dunne
Guest
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Depends on what you're trying to do. You're basically asking the equivalent of: what's a better guitar than Gibson or Fender?
Depends on what you're trying to do. You're basically asking the equivalent of: what's a better guitar than Gibson or Fender?
innerdreamrecords.co
TrippyVinylologist
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Totally. Different mics for different applications.
Totally. Different mics for different applications.
Vasshu the humanoid typhoon
Unseen
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
I use Sennheiser's 535 and an old 414b.
I use Sennheiser's 535 and an old 414b.
Young Angus
Kometose Tonologist
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Thanks for moving it admin...i wasn't sure where i should put the question :smack:
Thanks for moving it admin...i wasn't sure where i should put the question :smack:
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
I'd say start with an Audio Technica AT-2020. An incredibly versatile and well-built large diaphragm condenser mic for around 100 bucks. It's good on almost any instrument you can put in front of it ... not great, mind you, but better than most mics worth five times as much.
I'd say start with an Audio Technica AT-2020. An incredibly versatile and well-built large diaphragm condenser mic for around 100 bucks. It's good on almost any instrument you can put in front of it ... not great, mind you, but better than most mics worth five times as much.
Vasshu the humanoid typhoon
Unseen
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Hmm they have a rather flat sound to them, boxy and 2d, but they work for some, just like different guitars and cabs
There is alot of good mics out there for guitars, the next thing is how to place them.
Hmm they have a rather flat sound to them, boxy and 2d, but they work for some, just like different guitars and cabs
There is alot of good mics out there for guitars, the next thing is how to place them.
J
Jeff Dunne
Guest
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Definitely... but different applications call for different things.
I find that 1 or 2 SM57's sounds best in a dense metal mix with 4 tracks of downtuned, high-gain guitars. Anything else just starts pushing the mud spectrum, to me.
But then, on something like a country album, you may want to have a couple condensors as room mic's around and mix to taste.
Rid said:Hmm they have a rather flat sound to them, boxy and 2d, but they work for some, just like different guitars and cabs
There is alot of good mics out there for guitars, the next thing is how to place them.
Definitely... but different applications call for different things.
I find that 1 or 2 SM57's sounds best in a dense metal mix with 4 tracks of downtuned, high-gain guitars. Anything else just starts pushing the mud spectrum, to me.
But then, on something like a country album, you may want to have a couple condensors as room mic's around and mix to taste.
Young Angus
Kometose Tonologist
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Okay lets talk about placement then too...currently im placing my mic just on the outside of the speaker centre...
Okay lets talk about placement then too...currently im placing my mic just on the outside of the speaker centre...
J
Jeff Dunne
Guest
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Well what's the rest of your gear, the speaker, the amp, cabinet, mic, etc?
Well what's the rest of your gear, the speaker, the amp, cabinet, mic, etc?
frankfalbo
In Fluence Y'all
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Did you ever answer the live or recording question? Again, placement is entirely relative to your need to reduce bleeding in a live situation. Live an up close 57 style mic rejects a lot of other noise, while in the studio it can sound boxy and "phasey" when mixed in with other instruments, so then placement is key. But then I might not recommend a 57 style mic anyway. So it's near impossible yet for me to tell you what I think is better.Young Angus said:
GoMano
Pie Masterologist
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
A truer statement has never been made. Vocals on the other hand, well that's a whole other can of worms. For recording, you'll have to experiment to find a mic that is suited to what you want and what you sound like. Most of the time that means a large-diaphragm condenser. Used to be to get a mic that was worth it's salt would cost a small fortune, but there are many, many LD Condensers that rival those expensive German mics these days - like SE, the Audio Technica 4047, The original Rode NT2 (easily close to a U87 - sometimes sound better), current Rode tube mics, even a couple of the very inexpensive MXL mics sound excellent through good mic pres.
Live vocals - same thing. But probably like quite a few people, I tend to hold onto the tried & true mics like the SM58 - it's just a great live vocal mic, as are the newer beta series. Again - Rode makes a killer live mic - I think it may even be a SD condenser similar to the Neumann live handheld.
Anyway - it's sorta like finding the right strings, the right pickups - that sort of thing. And there is ton of stuff & experience to utilize these days.
And a little tip for a very "cheap" mic pre /channel strip that sounds absolutely killer for vocals & guitar: That little JoeMeek VQ3 box - it's great if you can't swing a Neve or similar pre. It's really cool - I even use it INSTEAD of a my Neve 1031 pres and the UA 610 sometimes. Add's a lot of punch & character for about $200. That, and say a AT4047SE, would sound amazing.
xerxes said:
A truer statement has never been made. Vocals on the other hand, well that's a whole other can of worms. For recording, you'll have to experiment to find a mic that is suited to what you want and what you sound like. Most of the time that means a large-diaphragm condenser. Used to be to get a mic that was worth it's salt would cost a small fortune, but there are many, many LD Condensers that rival those expensive German mics these days - like SE, the Audio Technica 4047, The original Rode NT2 (easily close to a U87 - sometimes sound better), current Rode tube mics, even a couple of the very inexpensive MXL mics sound excellent through good mic pres.
Live vocals - same thing. But probably like quite a few people, I tend to hold onto the tried & true mics like the SM58 - it's just a great live vocal mic, as are the newer beta series. Again - Rode makes a killer live mic - I think it may even be a SD condenser similar to the Neumann live handheld.
Anyway - it's sorta like finding the right strings, the right pickups - that sort of thing. And there is ton of stuff & experience to utilize these days.
And a little tip for a very "cheap" mic pre /channel strip that sounds absolutely killer for vocals & guitar: That little JoeMeek VQ3 box - it's great if you can't swing a Neve or similar pre. It's really cool - I even use it INSTEAD of a my Neve 1031 pres and the UA 610 sometimes. Add's a lot of punch & character for about $200. That, and say a AT4047SE, would sound amazing.
J Moose
New member
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
A large can 'o worms...
There's no good answer.
Stick ANY mic somewhere near something & it'll be recorded.
How "good" it sounds is strictly a matter of opinion...and we ALL got one.
Placement & applicition of your chosen microphone rule all.
Doesn't matter if it's a $8000 mic or an $80 mic.
Jeff Dunne said:
A large can 'o worms...
There's no good answer.
Stick ANY mic somewhere near something & it'll be recorded.
How "good" it sounds is strictly a matter of opinion...and we ALL got one.
Placement & applicition of your chosen microphone rule all.
Doesn't matter if it's a $8000 mic or an $80 mic.
J
Jeff Dunne
Guest
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Yes, but the placement really depends on what music style your going for, and what speaker, no? The right spot on a V30 will usually sound like ass on a G12T75.
J Moose said:
Yes, but the placement really depends on what music style your going for, and what speaker, no? The right spot on a V30 will usually sound like ass on a G12T75.
Vasshu the humanoid typhoon
Unseen
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
hehe
I think it depends on what you will hear it on after mixing....most records are quite lo-fi...but never mind...if you have a serious hefty amp and good hi-fi speakers it should be just fine.
That must be because it is mud then
heheI think it depends on what you will hear it on after mixing....most records are quite lo-fi...but never mind...if you have a serious hefty amp and good hi-fi speakers it should be just fine.
ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
I think SM57's are the standard for guitar amps mainly because in the past there was nothing else that could handle the SPL's a guitar amp throws out. Same with a snare. There were pretty much no good condenser mics that could handle that kind of level without breaking up. Things have changed since then. A lot of large diaphragm condensers can handle pretty high SPL's, and do just fine in front of a raging 4x12. You can now get the SPL handling of the 57 without the lo-fi sound inherent in dynamic mics. You can also back it off and get a good chunk of the room sound without losing your level, if that's what you want.
I think pro studios still stick with the SM57 because it's what they know. Its EQ curve is also quite predictable, and sounds pretty good for most rock guitar. Personally I believe in starting with a hi fi mic and EQing on the board to get the sound you want, but both methods work fine. It's just that starting with an SM57 limits your range right off the bat.
Ah well ... in the end it's the result that matters. To be honest, it's been years since I've mic'd a guitar amp. The POD XT does an equally good job IMO.
I think SM57's are the standard for guitar amps mainly because in the past there was nothing else that could handle the SPL's a guitar amp throws out. Same with a snare. There were pretty much no good condenser mics that could handle that kind of level without breaking up. Things have changed since then. A lot of large diaphragm condensers can handle pretty high SPL's, and do just fine in front of a raging 4x12. You can now get the SPL handling of the 57 without the lo-fi sound inherent in dynamic mics. You can also back it off and get a good chunk of the room sound without losing your level, if that's what you want.
I think pro studios still stick with the SM57 because it's what they know. Its EQ curve is also quite predictable, and sounds pretty good for most rock guitar. Personally I believe in starting with a hi fi mic and EQing on the board to get the sound you want, but both methods work fine. It's just that starting with an SM57 limits your range right off the bat.
Ah well ... in the end it's the result that matters. To be honest, it's been years since I've mic'd a guitar amp. The POD XT does an equally good job IMO.
Young Angus
Kometose Tonologist
Re: What are some better mics than the typical sm57 and 58?
Ahh well I'm going to ressurrect this thread and see if I can expand a bit on it because I'm about to buy mics and have quite a specific application.
I'm buying mics for studio recording purposes, so it doesn't really matter if I can use them live or not, although if I can that would be a nice bonus. The mics need to be able to handle high volumes too without dying because I'm planning on putting them in front of a cranked Komet.
I will be using the Komet with an old marshall 412 loaded with old greenbacks and one g12h30, and I'd like to have two mics so I can mic up one of each speaker in the cab. Either that, or I'll be recording in stereo and using both my ENGL Savage 120 with its vintage 30 quad alongside the komet/marshall rig, so will have one mic on each cab.
I don't mind spending a bit of cash but not too much, just maybe a bit more than what the cheap sm57's would cost. Someone suggested rhode nt5's but I've done a bit of posting/asking around and apparently you just wouldn't use them for micing guitar amps!
So lets let the suggestions fly
Ahh well I'm going to ressurrect this thread and see if I can expand a bit on it because I'm about to buy mics and have quite a specific application.
I'm buying mics for studio recording purposes, so it doesn't really matter if I can use them live or not, although if I can that would be a nice bonus. The mics need to be able to handle high volumes too without dying because I'm planning on putting them in front of a cranked Komet.
I will be using the Komet with an old marshall 412 loaded with old greenbacks and one g12h30, and I'd like to have two mics so I can mic up one of each speaker in the cab. Either that, or I'll be recording in stereo and using both my ENGL Savage 120 with its vintage 30 quad alongside the komet/marshall rig, so will have one mic on each cab.
I don't mind spending a bit of cash but not too much, just maybe a bit more than what the cheap sm57's would cost. Someone suggested rhode nt5's but I've done a bit of posting/asking around and apparently you just wouldn't use them for micing guitar amps!
So lets let the suggestions fly
