Mic recommendations for Open Mic
I am taking over the hosting an open mic night two weeks today. I am setting up for two vocal mics as duos regularly turn up.
I gig with a Sennheiser e945 but don’t want to use that for the open mics. The second back up mic will be an AKG D5 which I have, I’m looking to buy a mic which will be the main mic. I was going to just get a Shure SM58 as they are pretty bomb proof and don’t sound too bad. Unless anyone can recommend a dynamic vocal mic: Costs the same or less than an SM58 Durable - will need to be wiped down after every person due to covid Good sound for vocals |
I have an Audix F50 that’s surprisingly nice for the price - it was a Stupid Deal. That’s what I set up for “guests,” but I’m not unhappy to sing into it myself. It takes about the same settings as my Beta 58, which is handy for setup.
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The AKG D5 is actually a very good mic and easily matches the SM58 for sound and build quality. With AKG’s travels around the conglomerates (Harmon, now Samsung) I have no idea where they are made these days but I have two that are around 11 years old and they are still solid and reliable.
Of course, any one turning up at an open mic is not going to surprised or disappointed if there are a couple of SM58s there. I agree by the way: the Sennheiser is an excellent mic. |
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Wash all with soapy water, rinse with mouthwash, leave to dry. |
The sennheiser e840 is the sleeper mic in the 800 range. It sounds almost identical to the 935, and can be found for $100 or less used.
I prefer it to the Shure sm58. |
Sennheiser e-835
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Less than $20 including shipping, I bought a couple of these and was shocked at how good they are. Don't take my word for it, read the user reviews. |
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One huge argument for a Shure Beta57 or Beta58 is the fact that you can go on eBay and get replacement metal domes for incredibly inexpensive prices. I personally prefer the Beta56 because of the way it fits on a mic stand. It has the same mic element and dome as a Beta57.
Also, I’ve started using these. They don’t change the sound at all as far as I can hear, and they are hardly noticeable. I joke about them being my “mic condoms”: https://www.amazon.com/Microphone-Di...85&sr=8-6&th=1 |
Heil PR20 UT, Blue Encore 100, EV ND76, EV Co9.
The Heil is best suited for female vocals in my experience. It is a great looking, fairly lightweight mic. The Blue Encore 100 is built beefier than the 58 and is heavy, but works great. Doesn't have the woofy mid of the 58. Works great for many applications. EV ND76 is a little over $100 at $129, but has a nice feel to it. Resists feedback very well, especially in loud environments. No handling noise. The Co9 is a good budget mic. GC used to sale price these under $40. Nice 58 copy with a pretty flat response. |
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Even cheaper (but uncertain as to how sanitary) would be to make covers out of paper napkins, plastic bags or the like. Or use one of those pop filters that stands a couple of inches away from the mic (not practical for a singer hand-holding the mic or for singers who like to kiss the mic). I know these latter ones are ad-hoc and probably would not get the approval from the CDC or WHO, but depending on how "formal" the venue is should do the job. It is not like air is being forced through the (paper or cloth) material or the sound quality (through plastic) is as critical as a commercial recording. One could slip a (non-lubricated) condom over the mic for each singer and I expect the sound quality would be virtually unaffected and resistance to disease transmission even better than a foam filter. (edit) or a box of food-handler's gloves or medical exam or surgical gloves would work as well as the condoms sans the "ick" factor. ... or thin plastic wrap (one brand name, "Saran Wrap") secured with a rubber band. Super cheap. Caveat/Disclaimer: Most of the above are my wild-*** thoughts with no medical training or support. But I figure a piece of paper towel or napkin would provide protection for the limited exposure time at an open mic. |
We used to run two SM 58s for vocals, with a 57 as backup if we ever needed a third mic. Worked fine. You need a mic like a Shure SM 58 because, unlike an Audix OM 5 I have, you don't need to get right up on it to sound OK. Keep in mind many folks don't know how to sing into a mic, so give them a break. We opened back up for a month or so last summer, and we had a devise that used UV light to detox the mic, and we added another 58 to swap out. Don't quote me on the UV thing. And be aware that singing is by nature spreading things around, so be as safe as you can.
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