< $100 vocal mic
 

Any recommendations or advice on vocal microphones in this price range? I've been considering the Shure 58A and Sennheiser E835. I'm not sure which others I should consider, or which would suit my all-purpose (live, recording, durable, etc.) needs.

there really isn't an all purpose microphone. The SM58 will fit your bill. They are perhaps the best microphone under 100 dollars. They will do magic live but their recording capabilities are not that great.

Thanks, Camelback. Okay, so maybe I should rephrase my question. I'm looking for a general purpose microphone. I don't think I'll be cutting any CDs any time soon (ha, ha), and will use the mic mostly for live performances and personal recording.
Is durability the reason why some people prefer the Shure 58A? Is the Sennheiser less durable? What about sound reproduction? Is one "better" than the other? I know they must be different, but how?

It's hard to go wrong for $20 and shipping...
 

Larry, thanks for the tip. For $20, I don't think I can go wrong. I'll give the Behringer a try. :D

For me, 'all purpose' would mean recording / amping vocals, instruments and/or amps. I'd recommend the Shure Beta 57. It's a little bit over a hundred beans, but has the crispest, most 'true' sound I've ever heard in a 'drag around to the bars' mic. Strong, clean, sturdy.

Good luck!
-Tim from Jersey

Depends on what your looking for. I like the E835 because of it's lack of proximity effect. It doesn't get all boomy when you get real close to it and makes it easier to work the mic. If you like the proximity effect than I'd look at the AKG emotion D880. I, personally think the SM58 sounds a bit more nasally than the otheres I mentioned. The E835 seems to have more intelligibility with the EQ set flat and more accurate, but less bassy than the AKG. My singing partner likes the AKG but to me it's not as clear. To each his own I guess.
You won't go wrong with any of the 3. The Sennheiser looks cooler IMHO. :)

Try these folks:
http://www.ggvideo.com/
they'll meet that price.

58 a classical for voice
57 its a fireman, even in the great studios have one
it was 3 oclock in the morning, i was producing an earlymusic record, we are in a old church, and we have all kinds of fancy ones(neumann, shuepps, senhaiser, akg
etc) in one song the soprano voice, did not works with the natural reverb of the place. yes we use a 57!!!
58 and 57 are high recomendable please get a set
kabalan

I've heard some not so pleasant opinions about Senheiser's E-series microphones...
On the other hand, a friend and I were really surprised at how well Samson's R-11 mics sounded...3 mics for way less than a "C note".

Does this hold for recording the acoustic guitar, or is this mic primarily for vocal? If not, what would be a low cost equivalent for recording the acoustic guitar?