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is SM57 really made for recording vocals????


JohnF30

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i was wondering, cos whenever i see the specs of of sm57 it always says it's good for recording instruments,but nothing mentions vocals?can someone help me out, or name me some good mics for recording vocals(singin,mostly rapping).thx in advance
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i was wondering, cos whenever i see the specs of of sm57 it always says it's good for recording instruments,but nothing mentions vocals?can someone help me out, or name me some good mics for recording vocals(singin,mostly rapping).thx in advance
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The SM57 is a decent mic for broadcasting, pretty good for snares, but I'm not sure I would use it for music vocals. There are lots of condenser mics out there that would be better suited to your needs. A good condenser mic will give you a breathier sound, more air, than the SM57. Spend a little more money and get a Rode NT1 or an Audio-Technica AT-3035. If you can afford more, get a Groove Tube MD1B. Whatever you do, I'm sure if you spend a bit more, you'll be happy you did.
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The SM57 is a decent mic for broadcasting, pretty good for snares, but I'm not sure I would use it for music vocals. There are lots of condenser mics out there that would be better suited to your needs. A good condenser mic will give you a breathier sound, more air, than the SM57. Spend a little more money and get a Rode NT1 or an Audio-Technica AT-3035. If you can afford more, get a Groove Tube MD1B. Whatever you do, I'm sure if you spend a bit more, you'll be happy you did.
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Have a look here.

 

Tells you a bit about the SM57's

 

 

Vocals & Speech...

...Rich, warm sound.

 

but it isnt directional so i wouldn't like to use it round other instruments as your going to get bleeding...

 

James you might remember one of the school concerts. SM57's for the singers, lots of feedback with the foldback

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Have a look here.

 

Tells you a bit about the SM57's

 

 

Vocals & Speech...

...Rich, warm sound.

 

but it isnt directional so i wouldn't like to use it round other instruments as your going to get bleeding...

 

James you might remember one of the school concerts. SM57's for the singers, lots of feedback with the foldback

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Having worked in both studios and live venues as a musician, I can tell you that most Singers i've known try to find a mic that works best with their particular voice. There are different types of mic's and it may take some experimentation. Dynamic, Ribbon or Condensor mic's are the 3 basic types. I'll try to explain the differences...

 

Dynamic mics operate on an electromagnetic principle (ie: a magnet wrapped with wire along with a diaphragm to translate the sound when it detects air pressure induced by propagation of a sound on its diaphragm ­ it induces voltage to a mixing board or an amplifier's preamp). Dynamic mics are the most rugged, and are most suitable for live performing as they can stand more abuse than the other types. This one can be used for both vocals and instruments.

 

Condenser mics operate by means of a charge stored by a capacitor. When the diaphragm and backplate are activated by sound it induces voltage, as is the case with the dynamic, but its voltage is higher and its performance generally more accurate than that or its competitors. The only problem is that it requires an extra (internal or external) phantom power supply and is a much more delicate and sensitive mic. It can be easily broken by a good fall (mine lasted 8 years so now i'm using a dual cardioid dynamic) so it's not considered a good candidate for traveling or live usage except in the hands of a professional sound or recording engineer. This one is better for studio recording.

 

Ribbon mics (or dynamic-ribbon mics) operate on the principle of sound striking an internal ribbon, inducing voltage. The dynamic ribbon operates on both ribbon and dynamic principles. Why? The ribbon is generally higher quality than a dynamic, and when combined with a diaphragm, as in a dynamic, it increases its durability and won't pop as easily during speech or singing as a ribbon alone will.

 

Some music stores in the US (ie: Guitar Center) have a Mic Booth where you can test out mic's before purchasing one. Pick several from each catagory and try them out. See which one gives you the richest sound with your voice. Remember...the cheaper the mic, the cheaper the sound. Dont fall for the "A good singer can make any mic sound good!" theory. It's just not true...

 

Hope this helps!

 

MADcHATTER

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Having worked in both studios and live venues as a musician, I can tell you that most Singers i've known try to find a mic that works best with their particular voice. There are different types of mic's and it may take some experimentation. Dynamic, Ribbon or Condensor mic's are the 3 basic types. I'll try to explain the differences...

 

Dynamic mics operate on an electromagnetic principle (ie: a magnet wrapped with wire along with a diaphragm to translate the sound when it detects air pressure induced by propagation of a sound on its diaphragm ­ it induces voltage to a mixing board or an amplifier's preamp). Dynamic mics are the most rugged, and are most suitable for live performing as they can stand more abuse than the other types. This one can be used for both vocals and instruments.

 

Condenser mics operate by means of a charge stored by a capacitor. When the diaphragm and backplate are activated by sound it induces voltage, as is the case with the dynamic, but its voltage is higher and its performance generally more accurate than that or its competitors. The only problem is that it requires an extra (internal or external) phantom power supply and is a much more delicate and sensitive mic. It can be easily broken by a good fall (mine lasted 8 years so now i'm using a dual cardioid dynamic) so it's not considered a good candidate for traveling or live usage except in the hands of a professional sound or recording engineer. This one is better for studio recording.

 

Ribbon mics (or dynamic-ribbon mics) operate on the principle of sound striking an internal ribbon, inducing voltage. The dynamic ribbon operates on both ribbon and dynamic principles. Why? The ribbon is generally higher quality than a dynamic, and when combined with a diaphragm, as in a dynamic, it increases its durability and won't pop as easily during speech or singing as a ribbon alone will.

 

Some music stores in the US (ie: Guitar Center) have a Mic Booth where you can test out mic's before purchasing one. Pick several from each catagory and try them out. See which one gives you the richest sound with your voice. Remember...the cheaper the mic, the cheaper the sound. Dont fall for the "A good singer can make any mic sound good!" theory. It's just not true...

 

Hope this helps!

 

MADcHATTER

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