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Looper's Delight
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Really, a good microphone is one that works with a sound that you like. That being said, here's more than anyone cares to know about the subject with no clear conclusions drawn:- SM57 In the seventies, when it was a 545, this was a pretty good mic to get. Just about good enough to use as an overhead to capture a whole drum kit ( a good test of a mic, I always thought), an application, where other cheap mics that were around at the time would fail. It's not a flat response, by intention it has a presence peak for "additional clarity", this being in the lower end of the treble range. This peak is no doubt good for forcing a sound through a bad pa, but when recording percussion you get a definite colouration to the attack. Of course, you might like that ( I don't), but if looping different percussion instruments the problem is that it gives a similar color to all the different instruments. SM58 I've never heard 2 the same, so don't think they can reasonably be considered a standard. Nevertheless an SM58 is often used to set up the main graphic equalizers of a pa in an attempt to reduce feedback ( to the detriment of other mics used, and of course spoiling the sound of anything DI'ed). The new SM58s, since the latest upgrade sound better than the old ones, and the Beta version also sounds better. The SM58 (and similar) is plagued by muddiness in the region around 200Hz, the only way to get a usable vocal sound with a live desk is to cut quite heavily at this frequency. Once you've done that you've most likely used up the one and only parametric mid on the desk, so no chance to do any fine tuning of the sound. These days it's possible to buy cheap stage condenser mics, they have to be a better option. Don't let Deaf Jeff the sound guy tell you that condensers feedback more because they are more "sensitive". Sensitivity is totally irrelevant to feedback. Condensers generally have a much more even off axis frequency response than dynamics,and it's unevenness in the off axis response that is the main cause of feedback if you set up the mic correctly. So while individual mics vary there's no reason to think that condensers are inherently more prone to feedback. I haven't been able to try any of the new stage condensors, but the price is good and the idea is sound. Oh, and Neuman do one, wouldn't mind checking that out. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb01/articles/neumannkms105.htm?print=yes Oh, and just read Rick's informative post. At least he actually ends up recommending something (which I don't). Actually condenser mics are capable of having a much better defined polar pattern than a dynamic, but only if they use 2 capsules (which is more expensive). That's more likely to be found in a studio Multi-pattern mic though. Rick's C1000's do have 2 capsules, but they aren't the same size, so some of that advantage is lost as the capsules aren't matched. There's no reason that dymamics should have the edge in feedback rejection, except that they're more likely to have been designed for that. If you're looking for an industry standard dynamic the Sennheiser 421 is contender. Far superior to the SM57 in detail and flatness of response, and doesn't have the 200Hz muddiness on vocals of the SM58 ( yes, it easily beat my 545 on the whole drum kit). Down side are 1) a bit pricey ( but it still sells despite this) 2) the clip for attaching to a stand isn't so good (needs gaffer for live work) 3) It's still got to be better to find a suitable condenser. Summary.. ...get a stage condenser, if you can try one out to find what suits you. I seen a number about at reasonable price (less than the Shures). (unless of course your setup means you can't give it phantom power). andy butler Krispen Hartung wrote: > That's what I thought, but when I introduced the topic to a music store > owner and sound engineer I know, he said the good ol' SM57s still sell > better and are more popular. He didn't particular like the newer Beta > models. The old Sures are just work horses. For me it's either an > SM57/58, or jump to a $400+ microphone. > > Kris