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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Vocal Mic: Alternatives to SM58?
Vocal Mic: Alternatives to SM58?
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A440
15 posts
Jul 14, 2012
4:05 AM
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I am looking for an inexpensive vocal mic for both acoustic harp and singing.... primarily for gigging, but also for home recording.
Like most people, I have been using SM58s. They work well... but I have never tried anything else on the acoustic perch. What are some of the better alternatives out there? Potentially less expensive? The only two weaknesses I find with the SM58 are: slightly muffled sound, and requirement to get really close to the ball. Otherwise (as everyone knows) they work well.
The Sennheiser E835s, Rode M1, and Audix OM2, all appear to be interesting alternatives for 15-20% less money. Does anyone have experience using these mics for vocals and acoustic harp?
Does the SM58 really have no viable competition? Or do people just automatically buy them because of reputation, without exploring the other options?
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FreeWilly
271 posts
Jul 14, 2012
4:43 AM
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xarC5RDdBjQ
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dougharps
228 posts
Jul 14, 2012
10:24 AM
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My opinion from my experience.
I like the Ultimate 58 for vocal and harp. When playing harp hand held and cupped, I cut back on volume. In the stand the volume isn't really needed, just manage your volume by moving toward or away from the mic, or use your hands to shape tone and volume.
Before I had the Ultimate 58 I used the Sennheiser E835 for vocals with one of Greg's volume controls. The E835 has more presence and crisper highs than a 58 or 57. It has little or no proximity effect that might muddy your vocals. I like the mic for singing, however, harp can sometimes sound a bit shrill if you aren't careful.
My 55SH II sometimes becomes muddy from proximity effect if I am singing close to it, and if the stage gets loud it feeds back easier than a any of my other mics. But it sure looks cool, and for quieter gigs is great.
The 57 sounds great with harp, and will do for vocals, but again you have to watch out for proximity effect on vocals and stay closely on axis. It is also good through a transformer to a guitar/harp amp. It is also good for mic'ing speakers or instruments.
I love playing through the Fireball V mentioned by 1847, but I found that I had to sing over the top of it to avoid plosive noises while singing into the mic. I think it is a better harp mic than vocal mic, but it is OK for singing just a few songs. I have mic'ed my amp with one, too.
I have never used the Rode M1 or Audix OM2
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Doug S.
Last Edited by on Jul 14, 2012 10:28 AM
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A440
16 posts
Jul 14, 2012
11:54 AM
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Thanks Doug. It's good to hear from someone who has actually used the E835 for vocals & harp.
Also I appreciate your comments on the 55SH II. It sure looks cool, and I guess has a nice tone when hit the right part of the birdcage. But the issue of feedback is an important one.
It sounds like, as a singer and harp player, you rely on SM58 (albeit in Ultimate trimmings) or the veritable SM57 - both of which I have been using.
The Fireball seems like a great product, but I guess it's geared more for harp than vocals, and more for cupping that stand mount. It's probably great for someone who needs 1 multi-purpose mic, but maybe not the best vocal mic. It's also a bit more expensive than the 57/58.
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dougharps
229 posts
Jul 14, 2012
12:11 PM
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I find the 58 to be the best for handheld vocals and harp being played to the PA. For mostly vocals (with my voice), and playing harp mainly through an amp with a different mic, I would choose the Sennheiser E835 on the stand for vocals for its greater presence and clarity. For mainly harp to PA, I would prefer the 57 over the E835... or maybe use the Fireball V. The 57 has the most versatility of all of them in my opinion. Always good to have one around.
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Doug S.
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MN
161 posts
Jul 15, 2012
5:52 AM
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On the lower end of the price range, I've read good reviews of the GLS Audio ES-58 mic. Amazon sells 'em, and you'll find them on that big auction site.
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A440
20 posts
Jul 16, 2012
8:38 AM
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Here's an interesting test comparing the Sennheiser 935, Rode M1 and Shure SM58. The introduction is in Dutch, so be patient if you don't understand it. Once the singing starts you will be able to hear a sonic comparison of the 3 mics, followed by a test of the cardioid pattern sensitivity and shape...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ztOq3y5E8
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