Mic question

[vinestreet98]

Hey all... I've been using a SM58 for a while now on stage and have come to the conclusion that I can do much, much better sound-wise. I recently played a show where I didn't bring my mic and used their Sennheiser e935... I was blown away by how much better the vox sounded (I record all of my shows and this was simply the best).

So... does anyone have any insight into the following mics which are all around the same price range?

Sennheiser e935
Audix OM5
Electro-Voice ND767A

I'm thinking of going with the Senn. but I also tested out the OM5 and the Electro-Voice and at least in the store today they sounded good too...

I seriously can't believe all the hype surrounding the SM58... what a POS! Sure, it can hammer nails, but don't compromise your vocals!

[Pickles]

I'd go with the Sennheiser, but also check out the Shure Beta series. Those are a bit higher end.

[SimsUK]

Out of those, the Sennheiser is your best choice. I would not touch the other two. I strongly dislike just about every mic I've heard that's more directional than a cardioid on vocals.

And the SM58 is far from a POS. The Senn may work better for you, but the "hype" exists, has existed for decades, and will continue to exist for many reasons.

Mics are inherently victims of their users, their signal chains, typical use, etc., etc.

Just for my entertainment, what exactly is it you dislike about the Shure?

[vinestreet98]

I just think that at the same volume, with the EQ flat, the Shure makes my voice sound muddy, not clear at all, lower in volume, doesn't cut through past my guitar as well, etc. I also feel that my voice sounds "digitized" or processed with the Shure. I always had to really bump up the trebble and mids to sound the way I wanted to.

With the Senn. I recall being able to be more effortless and my voice sounded a lot more clear and "larger than life"... I've only used the Senn. once and the sound guy could have EQ'd it... but I was really quite impressed. The recording is on my MySpace if you're interested.

http://www.myspace.com/maxlsongs

[RunsWithBuffalo]

I will defend the 58 to death. I think the difference you are hearing has to do with the fact that you had a sound man who knew what he was doing.

The 58 is great properly powered, at the right levels and with the right EQ. Something like this would help:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=482845

Getting the Sensenheiser alone is not going to solve your problems.

[SimsUK]

*Chest bump*

Keep it real (other) Ryan.

[vinestreet98]

I totally get the allegiance to the mic, but I will tell you this-

Yesterday I got to A/B the SM58 with the Audix and the 767, without changing volume, or messing with the EQ. Just plug and play. And the Shure sounded least impressive than the other two... I like the idea of minimal EQing... leaves less to chance (a less experienced sound guy perhaps)...

Do you really think the SM58's sound is just as good as the other mics? I'm not challenging you guys but sooo curious as to why everyone loves it so much... I'm open to the discussion

[RunsWithBuffalo]

*Chest bump*

Keep it real (other) Ryan.

*Chest Bump*

[RunsWithBuffalo]

I totally get the allegiance to the mic, but I will tell you this-

Yesterday I got to A/B the SM58 with the Audix and the 767, without changing volume, or messing with the EQ. Just plug and play. And the Shure sounded least impressive than the other two... I like the idea of minimal EQing... leaves less to chance (a less experienced sound guy perhaps)...

Do you really think the SM58's sound is just as good as the other mics? I'm not challenging you guys but sooo curious as to why everyone loves it so much... I'm open to the discussion

The allegiance is due in large part to its durability. House and studio mics take a beating. The 58 will last 20+ years and still sound great. Shit, Bono used it to record vocals in the studio for a lot of songs.

If you are playing live, in front of people...I think you need a little more sophistication than "Plug and Play." It will really set you apart from other performers if you take a little time to understand signal chains and learn how to squeeze the best sound out of what you have.

Trying to "buy a good sound" is a trap that many people fall into (myself included). The truth is, it takes a little know how as well as good equipment to get a decent live sound.

What kind of signal chain did you use to A/B test the mics?

[vinestreet98]

Basically I had an XLR cable going into a mixer and then into a powered speaker cab right in front of me... no reverb, EQ, or anything, and I'd just "one, two" the mics. For me, durability isn't nearly as important as great sound. I'm not embarking on a world tour (any time soon anyway ;p ), so when I actually do play out I wanna make sure I get the best possible sound, and the truth is for a lot of my gigs, I can only do a quick 5 min sound check before I get to play so I'd like to be sure that from my end, I'm giving the sound guy the best raw material.

[dmb66]

I think you might be hearing a bit of high EQ boost which I think is the way the Senn's are voiced and it will result in a certain crispness with some people's voices. If I'm right, and if that's what you like, give Beta versions of Shure's 58 and 57 a try. I use a Beta 57 A for vocals and I love it. Tighter pickup pattern too if you are playing noisy stages with stuff like drums right on top of you.
-Nick