Microphone recommendations?

[fuman]

I have a real nice acoustic rig and am thinking about playing out again. I have a cheap microphone as the holdover from my old setup. I want to get something good for performing in a bar/restaurant type setting. A big plus would be a good recording mic that is also good live.

My amp has phantom power. What would you recommed:

For $125 or less
For $300 or less
Money is no object.

Thanks.

[ricdoug]

Starting with the lower priced options. For noisy situations, a Shure SM57. For quieter situations an MXL 993. The MXL 993 is a condensor that requires phantom power. Condensor microphones are generally more prone to feedback, but have a wider frequency range.

When you state money is no object:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sony-C80...40-i3921219.gc

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by fuman

I want to get something good for performing in a bar/restaurant type setting.

Bar/restaurant settings is why pick-ups were invented.

Steve

[akafloyd]

There's lots of variety out there and everyone seems to like something different. It's hard to go wrong with the SM58 by Shure, but it doesn't work for everyone. The best thing is to try to audition as many as you can in one place at the same time. For the <$125 I'd try SM58, Heil PR20 or PR22, Sennheiser e835, Audix OM3, EV ND 767 and anything else you can get your hands on. For the <$300 range you can start looking at some condensers and higher quality dynamics. Try the AKG C535EB, Heil PR35, Sennheiser e945, Shure Beta58, Audix OM5 or OM7, and there are some handheld condensers by Shure and Sennheiser. Check out the selection at Sweetwater and Front End Audio. See if you can find a pro audio shop nearby, a rental company, or a studio that has a great selection that they would rent out for auditions.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by fuman

I have a real nice acoustic rig and am thinking about playing out again. I have a cheap microphone as the holdover from my old setup. I want to get something good for performing in a bar/restaurant type setting. A big plus would be a good recording mic that is also good live.

My amp has phantom power. What would you recommed:

For $125 or less
For $300 or less
Money is no object.

Thanks.

If you're thinking of using both a mic for your voice and one for your acoustic guitar (when venue conditions are favorable) I recommend:

Voice: Shure Beta 58A @ $159

Acoustic Guitar: Shure Beta 57A @ $139

Total everyday cost of both, about $300, or less when sales can be found.

These are excellent, all-around, professional dynamic mics that will suit most live vocal- and acoustic-guitar performance needs without getting into the whys, esoterica, and expenses of costlier mics.

Regards!

SpruceTop

[fuman]

Originally Posted by El Conquistador

Bar/restaurant settings is why pick-ups were invented.

Steve

Sorry. I meant for singing.

[woodenstrings]

Can't go wrong with an EV nd767a for vocals.
It can be had in your lower price range if you shop around.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Originally Posted by akafloyd

...snip... For the <$125 I'd try ...snip... Heil PR20 or PR22 ...snip...

Huge +1 for Heil PR22! Outstanding vocal mic, and also works well for micing a stationary acoustic guitar. I frankly can't imagine needing anything else, so I have no "higher tier" recommendations.

[ricdoug]

For a vocal microphone in that range I like the Senheiser e838. It is more forgiving than a Shure SM58 and has clearer tone. You don't have to "eat" it and can be a few inches off axis and it will still work. The e838 has great feedback rejection, too. For a vocal condensor, the MXL990 has very transparent response, but you need an understandanding of microphone placement and "ringing a room" to dial it in for feedback rejection. The MXL990 does not work well with monitors. Ric

[buzzardwhiskey]

For $125 or less

Blue enCORE 100
EV ND 767a

For $300 or less

Miktek PM9
AKG EB 535 C

Money is no object

Miktek PM5
Neumann KMS 105

[MikeBmusic]

Different mics for different voices! Maybe you can buy from a store that will let you return it after a few days of trying it out.

I like the Shure SM58 as its a little less bright in the uppermids, which is good for my nasally voice. But I also have a Sennheiser e835, which has lots of gain and is more neutral for voices overall.

[Tomm Williams]

I can't think of any live mic I would be just as happy with recording. For live where ambient noise is unavoidable, I would look towards a super cardioid like the Sennheiser e945 or an Ev967 or a beta58 or even a beta57.

If noise isn't a big issue then I would prefer a cardioid like a Senn 935 or perhaps a Beyer M400. Mics really should be matched to a voice so take all of this with a grain of salt.

[fuman]

Thank you all for the education. I appreciate the advice!

[Mr Fixit eh]

I use an AKG D-5 for vocals, and I find it nearly as 'warm' as my MXL 770 condenser mic. The dynamic mic is less sensitive to possible abuse.

Steve

[RockerDuck]

I own and carry the beta 57, 58, and the Senn 835 with me at band gigs. For solo acoustic gigs, I use the Heil Pr35. Nothing is better for my voice than this mic. I only got compliments on my vocals after using the Heil.