Summary: Microphones are simply a tool to help a sound engineer capture a specific type of sound they're looking for. Ask ten sound engineers what their favorite microphone is and you'll get at least forty-seven different opinions.
Well, as scary as that sounds, that's just what we did. I asked the members of our ChurchSoundcheck Discussion Group what were their favorite microphones for a variety of applications, and we had a phenomenal response. Naturally my preferences didn't agree with everything that they said, yet it's fascinating to hear what experience has taught other engineers. For example, I love the Shure SM81 for a variety of uses, but I'd never consider using it for a handheld vocal mic, yet some in the group listed it as one of their favorites for that application. You're going to enjoy reading this compelling thread!!
As you read, remember that the comments expressed here are merely opinions based on individual experiences; they are not recommendations nor endorsements. Your mileage may vary. It does go to show that everyone has their own favorite microphones (of course mine are the best ;->), and in turn illustrates why there are so many microphone companies to choose from.
From: Curt Taipale (Taipale Media Systems, Inc.)
Subject: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Hi Y'all!
Here's a perfect opportunity for each of us to violate the ChurchSoundcheck Opinion Act of 1998. I'm putting together some information for a new article about microphones, and I'd like to get your opinions about some things. To organize this, here are seven simple questions that will help make the article more effective and let us all learn in the process. This will work especially well if you would take a moment to explain why you prefer your choices (thereby nullifying any violation of the OA '98.)
______________________________________________________________________________
(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite
handheld vocal
mics?
(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?
(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic? (Not wireless
systems, just
the lapel mic itself.)
(4) What is your favorite podium mic?
(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?
(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?
(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?
______________________________________________________________________________
The mics don't need to be current offerings. What I'm looking for are mics that you would use on a regular basis for your church worship services.
Blessings in Christ!
Curt & Jeanna Taipale
Founders of the ChurchSoundcheck Discussion Group
curt@churchsoundcheck.com - http://www.churchsoundcheck.com
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From: Dan Bureman (Ames, IA)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Hi Curt;
I am not sure of the value of these answers to you as the budgets I have had to work with over the past 20 or so years have no allowed a lot of playing with different equipment, but for what it is worth here goes
(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?
I think that the Shure SM58 is still the favorite for me, but coming on strong is the Audix OM5's that we have recently got at church. I am not sure what number 3 would be, maby the OM3 Audix that we have used. The only reason the SM58 is on top is the experience I have had with it. I know what to expect better than with the Audix mics, but as I say the OM 5 is growing on me.
(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?
Again from what I have/had you'll find me reaching for the Shure MX202 with the R184B element on it.
(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic? (Not wireless systems, just the lapel mic itself.)
Oops, here we go again, the Shure MX184. We have that on a wireless and it just sounds great in our auditorum, verses (sp) what we had before. I don't even know what that mic element is, but it too is on a wireless system (Freedomic system this is the only place I have ever seen this) or anything that I had from Com-Tec at a previous church. But I still pull out the old SM-11 from time to time for something!
(4) What is your favorite podium mic?
Well, once again Shure holds the upper hand for what I have had available to me. The MX412 again with the 184 element is doing the job in fine shape. I have used the AKG 747 and even AKG 451 in recent times. Going back to the dark ages I have had EV RE10's and even some old Turner stuff (sorry don't remember model numbers) on podiums. I like this Shure.
(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?
Hands down the AKG 451. Haven't tried anything that I like better, even some new Shure stuff from our local dealer that he was trying to sell us
(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?
Again the nice flat respoce of the AKG 741 wins
(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?
AKG D1000E
Dan Bureman
one of the sound guys at
First Evangelical Free Church
Ames, Iowa
And He called the multitude, and said unto them
"Hear and understand . . ." Matt 15:10
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From: Bill Riches (Cape May CH, NJ)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
B58, SM58, SM87
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
DON'T HAVE TO MIKE OURS!
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
none!
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Mx412 SERIES
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
CROWN pcc160
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
SM81
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
ANY LAPEL MIKE!
Best Regards,
Bill Riches
db Electronics
Cape May, NJ
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From: John J. Russell (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Curt, et al:
Gee, I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer these questions
due to a limited
experience compared to a lot of folks on this list but here goes:
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three
most favorite handheld
vocal mics?">
A. Shure Beta 87, With a little EQ you can make anyone sound good, It has replaced the venerable SM58 in my book and is almost as rugged.
B. Milab LSR-1000, A very honest mic with an open back that really shines with breathy young voices.
C. Shure SM-81, This is my workhorse mic, it works so well in so many uses. Stand in for a choir mic, catch the brass with it, works as a floor mic in business meetings, and is a great male vocalist handheld.
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
Audio-Technicia Uni-point AT853A: Small unobtrusive with the neatest hanger I've found. It stays pointed where you want it.
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
I've already commited on this one, The Shure MX18x series. The one most often used is the MX182 (omni directional) but we have a 183 and 184 (cardioid and supercardioid) as well. Rugged, plenty of accessories and I don't cry when I see the price tag.
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
I really must defer I just don't have the experience.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
This one may garner hoots and howels, but I like it, Milab DC96B. Large plate condenser basically hung out in space in the very open mic head. When mounted on a boom over the strings about 10 - 12 inches behind the hammers it sounds very natural and catches the natural reverb of the piano. Very little low end rumble caught. Normally have the lid on the short stick with the mic located vertically just under the top edge of the box. Disadvantage, give up gain before feedback as compared to a C-ducer but I've found grand pianos with good players tend not to need a lot of reinforcement.
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
Again not a lot of experience, but I like my SM-81s. I 've found them to be capable of actually boom mounting and pointing over the shoulder of the player can work if needed. If you are refering to guitar mounted, out of my league again.
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
I like things that are rugged and reliable. The Bruel & Kjaer sub minis have been nothing but a headache to keep up and going. Actually, they are one of the reasons we have been successful in moving away from wireless. They just were not reliable in our setting and use. I'm sure that there are folks that love em but I will try to avoid using them if I can. That's not to say all sub-minis are bad or unreliable, the Sennheiser MKE-2 still sets the standard in this class and has served well for us.
John Russell MD
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From: Mark B. Jenkins (Union City, TN)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
1. Shure B87!Shure B87!
2. Shure B58 ( $/performance)
3. ? i would have to listen to more ....
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
Shure MX series (chosen after an A-B-C compare with Countryman and AKG C3000)
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic? (Not wireless systems, just the lapel mic itself.)">
1. MKE2
2. Shure WL93
(not always in that order)
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Shure MX4 (I would like to listen to the Countryman)
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
For now, Shure SM81 - possibly AKG C3000 - possibly AT-4031
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
1. AKG C3000
2. Shure SM81
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
Anything from Realistic Shack
Thats me
Mark B. Jenkins
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From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Curt -
"The mics don't need to be current offerings. What
I'm looking for are
mics that you would use on a regular basis for your church worship
services."
I am assuming therefore that this is reinforcement only as opposed to recording.
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
1) Pre-production EV BK-1's. Very smooth extended response that is almost dead flat (+/- 2 dB) out to 20 kHz. NO PRESENCE PEAK. A low end roll-off which balances nicely against the proximity effect leaving just a touch of warmth. Unfortunately the current production is a totally different mic.
2) Shure Beta 87. Most of their other vocal mics have a fairly steep roll-off above the presence peak, while the Beta 87 allows the extreme highs to come through.
3) If you can train the vocalist how to hold it, the EV RE-16. Very smooth flat extended response, almost no proximity effect, a roll-off switch for very close micing. The extreme high end is not as extended as a good condenser, but still very good.
4) (Just to see if you can count.) For shrill vocals, the Beyer M500. On certain voices this mic can work magic. It is not dull sounding, but can add warmth to the sound in a wonderful way.
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
In the sub-mini hanging category, I would go with the Countryman choir mic. Very small, a cable that does not twist, natural sound.
In larger mics, I would go with a Neumann KM-54. Very smooth condenser sound with tube warmth. In a more affordable closer to current mic I would say the AKG C451/CK1 combo. Smooth extended response, low noise, very good back side rejection.
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Sennheiser MKE-2. Great sound, flat, rugged, just keep it dry! For damp locations (in hair, or around water) the new little Countryman which is similar in size and shape.
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Hands down the Countryman with active vibration cancellation. Up to 20 dB better rejection of mechanical noise transmitted from the pulpit than other popular gooseneck mics sold for this application. It does not hurt that it is one of the best sounding either.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
Schoeps Collette series with the cardioid or hyper-cardioid capsule. If this were recording I would use the omni capsule. Runner-up, the AKG C451/CK1 combo.
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
Altec 21BR measuring mic capsule on the 195 preamp base. This is a flat random incidence microphone which means it has a rising high end on axis. This does wonderful things for acoustic guitar. This is a tube condenser mic.
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
Any Astatic crystal mic. These are horrid things that first made me realize how much difference a mic could make in the sound of a recording made on even the cheapest of tape recorders. When I got an EV 635A which in those days could be had for $50, I was just amazed at the HUGE improvement in sound.
Runner up the Shure SM-58 (running and ducking!)
Ray Rayburn
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kevin H. Dougherty (Saranac Lake, NY)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most
favorite handheld vocal mics?">
1. SM58 Sorry guys, but from a bang for the buck, IMHO, it can't be beat. I have still not found anything else that is as close to bullet proof. Workhorse is the word, it's no thorobred, but it'll get the job done, and do it when everything else is throwing in the towel. Had one dropped 20' to concrete, still worked... dented... but worked.
2. SM57 Another old workhorse, just call me old fashioned, or maybe cheap. The 57, and 58 are the energizer bunnys of the mike world... they just keep going and going and going.
3. AT? We have some older AT mikes, I'm not sure the model. They were silver, slender dynamics. They are crisper, and as I recall when we used them for vocals, less proximity effect. But,they were not nearly as rugged, so I have been using them as instrument mikes where they (now it) are less likely to be dropped.
That said, we hope to be getting new mikes this summer/fall, and I am looking foward to trying out some of the newer mikes on the market.
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
N/A we don't have a choir
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Just got an AT831 to replace an old Shure WL series mike
on our cordless
lav. Like it so far.
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
None of our pastors or preachers stand still enough to use one! I take that back, the tele conf equipment at work uses a pair of AT-871 mikes. Much better than the generic ones that came with it.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
Sorry guys... all midi, we used to mike the piano, but that was so long ago, I don't even remember what we used.
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
All our team members... including myself, have pickups on their accoustics, so don't mike many guitars, but when I do, I usually use a 57.
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
Anything from Radio [Shack]. Leave it in the store where it belongs.
In His Service, (is there anywhere else to be?)
Kevin
Makin' a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord!
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From: Jim Brown (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Ray A. Rayburn wrote:
<"...what is your least favorite microphone of all time?"
<"Runner up the Shure SM-58 (running and ducking!)">
I strongly agree. I hate the sound of the SM-57 and 58. Tinny and spitting on the high end, boxy on the low end.
Jim Brown
Audio Systems Group, Inc.
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From: Jim Brown (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Curt Taipale wrote:
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most
favorite handheld vocal mics?">
Not in order, but for different instruments/voices: Shure Beta 87, Beyer M160, EV RE-16, Shure SM-81 with a foamy, Brown 458 (a gutted SM58 which, when taken apart, reveals a C451 with a 10 dB pad). The last mic is for the artist who just has to have a 58!
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Sennheiser MKE-2 (if it won't get wet), Countryman Omni
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Countryman (for the same reasons cited by Ray)
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
From low cost to expensive - SM-81, C-451, C414 (any version),
Schoepps, AKG C-24
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
Beyer M160
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
SM57, SM58, AKG D130E are at the top of that list!
Jim Brown
Audio Systems Group, Inc.
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From: Ron Pietrantoni (Detroit, MI)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Jim Brown wrote:
<"... what is your least favorite microphone of
all time?">
<" SM57, SM58, AKG D130E are at the top of that list!">
Somehow, I just knew that you pros would detest my favourite
mics. <g> 'Sokay
- I know I'm a man of inexpensive tastes. But I *LOVE* your Tim
"Tool Man"
Taylor bit with the Brown 458!
Ron Pietrantoni
Grace Community Church
Creative Communications - Bands & Technical Services
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From: Ron Pietrantoni (Detroit, MI)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Oh, goodie! Opinion time! <g> I don't have a lot
of experience with different
models, but the ones below are the ones I use, either personally
or at the
church, and I'm happy enough with them to not be looking for replacements.
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three
most favorite handheld
vocal mics?">
1) ATM 41 - the bass player in my first working got me
one from the music
store he worked at. I was 17 then. I'll be 35 in December. I'm
still using it
as my #1 vocal mic.
2) SM58 - my apologies to the guys who know more about
this stuff than I - all
I know is my voice sounds good through one. <g>
3) EV N/D 757 (I think) - our old worship leader used one
of those before it
was stolen several years ago, and I remember liking it almost
as much as my 41. <g>
<" (2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
No experience here; when we *HAD* a choir, it ran 'acoustic'.
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Shure SM83A - we use it on at least seven different teaching pastors with widely differing voices, and it manages to sound great on all of them!
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Once again, lack of experience precludes me from answering.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
I actually use an SM57 when I'm not playing an electronic - I lay it on the foam packing from the ATM 41 inside a grand near the treble crossbar of the frame. Unless it's a gig where I'm singing a lot, in which case I put the mic as far back as I can get, but angled over to point at roughly C6 (with C4 being Middle C). At church, we have a Helpinstill pickup in a Baldwin grand, but I do the majority of my piano work from a Roland RD300.
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
Like someone else posted, pretty much everyone I know uses some sort of pickup. My two favorite acoustic guitarists both use something by R.L. Baggs (I think that's how it's spelled).
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
AKG D3800. Our worship leaders love it (and, in fairness, it sounds great on all of them), but I sang through it once - never again. It's just not suited to my voice. <g>
Ron Pietrantoni
Grace Community Church
Creative Communications - Bands & Technical Services
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From: Peter Reid (Ajax, ON, Canada)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Just wondering....several of you have mentioned disliking the sound of the SM58 mic....what is your opinion of its cousin, the Beta58?
Thanks,
Peter Reid
Pickering Pentecostal Church
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From: David Couch (Dallas, TX)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
I'm not an SM58 fan; my opinion goes along with a dislike of most mikes with a presence peak. If I want presence, I add it where I want it according the voice and the peak characteristics of the HF horns of the system I'm mixing. The Beta58 is more of the (presence boost) same to me.
BTW: I've been mixing church audio; large systems; years and years.....
David Couch
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From: Bob Puff (Rochester, NY)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
Shure Beta87, Audix OM(x), Samson S11
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
AKG C3000
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Beyer MCE5
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
Haven't fully determined this yet.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
AKG C3000
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
AKG C3000, Audix D4
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone
of all time?">
Radio Shacks, Peaveys (not sure of which models), some AudioTechnica stuff.
Bob Puff
New Life Electronics
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From: Mike A. Anderson (Wichita, KS)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Favorite vocals: 1> Beta 87 - Friendly to most voices,
especially nice on
females, NO handling noise, very durable. 2> N/D757 3> BK1
Favorite choir: Neumann KM184 or Gefell M300 - A toss-up
in my opinion, I
prefer larger thin diaphram mics over the mini's for choir, bigger
fuller
more open and airy sound. I have 8 of the Gefell's on our choir.
Awsome.
Favorite lav: Sennheiser MKE 104 - Nearly as small as the
MKE2, like the
cable assembly with replaceable capsules (104 is card., 102 is
omni), better
moisture resistance (fact) and better sound (opinion) than MKE2,
nice
looking/effective snap on pop screen.
Favorite podium: For small gooseneck type - Countryman
For more conspicuous/better sound - SM81 or Gefell M300 w/foamies
Favorite acoustic piano: SM81, C451, Neumann KM184, or Gefell M300.
Favorite acoustic guitar: Basically same as piano but tend to favor C451.
Worst mic ever: Any mic with a user-accessible on/off switch!
Mike Anderson
Immanuel Baptist, Wichita
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From: William L. Thrasher (Kennesaw, GA)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
OK, I gotta take offence at least favorite microphones line,
I don't care for the SM58, but if I had to standed on a desert island and could only take one microphone, it would be the Shure SM57.
Bill Thrasher
Thrasher & Company, Inc.
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From: Ron Hagelganz (Vancouver, WA)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Favorite vocals: Audix OM5
Favorite choir: AKG414
Favorite lav: Sennheiser MKE 2
Favorite acoustic piano: AKG414
Favorite acoustic guitar: AKG451
Ron
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From: Blake Engel (Chicago, IL)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
Has anyone ever gone to Radio Shack and picked up one of their omni mic elements (270-090) and wired it up with the 1K resistor and a 9V battery? We did this while I was at a studio; we would set the two side by side, have people sing into it, record both mics on separate tracks, and have them listen back; they ALWAYS chose the radio shack $1.99 element--even over big-name tube mics--I've since built quite a few myself and have them ready to use in a pinch where 'looks' don't matter (I build them into tomatoe paste cans)--never ceases to amaze me how everyone is amazed at the crisp, full sound that comes out!
Give it a try; it'll cost you less than $5....
-Blake
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From: John J. Russell (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998
Subject: Re: Mic Specs (RS in a soup can)
Blake:
I won't put it on my favorite list, but yeah it works. It does sound amazingly good. I used it (built in a campbell soup can) to illustrate a point with a music minister who looked at price as the indicator of quality, not sound. I don't think I ever convinced him that one model of a very expensive microphone would do everything. 'Course last I heard he was selling mutual funds, and out of the ministry entirely. I recorded a piano, not vocals. (Yes, I was a bit devious becasue I knew his favorite sounded awful under a grand piano, his choice of placement.)
I may have to hook another up just for the conversation it generates with the sound guys.
John Russell MD
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From: Darrell Tackett (Edmond, OK)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three
most favorite handheld
vocal mics?">
1. Shure SM87
2. Audix OM8 [should read Audix OM7 - ed.]
3. Beyer TG-X80
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
1. Shure SM-81
2. AKG C-3000
3. Crown CM30
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
1. Sony ECM-55B
2. Sennheiser MKE2
3. Shure WL183
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
1. Audio Technica AT857QMLa
2. Shure MX412x
3. Beyer SHM20
(Use of an Astatic GM1 shock mount is my preference)
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
1. Beyer C3000
2. Shure SM81
3. Shure SM91 (gaff taped to lid)
Darrell Tackett
Henderson Hills Baptist Church
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From: Kevin Potts (Las Vegas, NV)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Favorite Handheld
1. Shure SM 87 (We don't use these, we only use dynamic
mics, durability is my concern)
2. Shure SM 81
3. EV N/D 267 on a budget, or N/D 767 for a pricier mic.
Favorite Choir Mic
1. Shure SM-81
2. Crown CM30
3. Sorry none here. although I hear good things about the AKG
3000
Favorite Lapel
1. Shure WL183
2. Countryman.
Favorite Podium Mic
1. We use an AKG Gooseneck, I forget the model
2. Crown LM 300
3. Shure Microflex
Acoustic Piano
1. Shure SM81
2. No other opinions
Kevin Potts
Sunrise Baptist
Las Vegas, NV
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From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
Peter -
"Just wondering....several of you have mentioned disliking the sound of the SM58 mic....what is your opinion of its cousin, the Beta58?"
The Beta sounds better to my ears and measures better too. The change is not extreme, but is in the right direction. I would still take many mics over the Beta58.
Ray Rayburn
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David Pless (Clearwater, FL)
Subject: Re: Mic Specs - Wisdom, Experience & Opinions
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three
most favorite handheld
vocal mics?">
In the order of preference: Beta87, OM-6,
<"(2) What is your favorite choir microphone?">
Equitek E-100, This mic may not be the most pleasing to
the eye but, for the
money it is an incredible choir mic.
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Shure SM-184 for live applications and the Sennheiser MKE-2
for broadcast
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
I can't stand podium mics but if they are required the
Shure series is
probably the best
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
Equitek E-100.....Audio Technica 40 series
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
[no response]
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone
of all time?">
Shure UNIDYNE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: David Couch (Dallas, TX)
Subject: microphone survey
<"(1) In order of preference, what are your three most favorite handheld vocal mics?">
AKG C535, EV 757, uhhhh....SM57 with windscreen despite the presence boost.
<"(3) What is your favorite lapel / lavalier mic?">
Omni: Countryman
"Pattern"; cardioid, hypercardioid, etc.: AT 831(avoid
the battery-only version since phantom power renders it useless)
<"(4) What is your favorite podium mic?">
The AT857s have worked well for me for the money. I enjoy the gain-before-feedback I'm getting with the AKG "mini-gooseneck" on our podium, don't know the model number for certain, may be C747.
<"(5) What is your favorite acoustic piano mic?">
SM-81, C-451. Currently using an AT853 (!) taped by the cable strain relief (not the mike body) to the closed lid of the grand near high hammers. I do this because the piano is always played with the lid closed and frequently moved during the week. It prevents mike damage when I'm not around and provides consistent sound from week to week. Also it doesn't get stolen because its hard to see.
<"(6) What is your favorite acoustic guitar mic?">
C-451. If a C414 was around, I'd use it when I could access some kind of direct device on the instrument for the monitors.
<"(7) Hands down, what is your least favorite microphone of all time?">
The old 'wand' Sonys; fragile and sound bad. Of course, they aren't made for reinforcement anyway, but back then, we used what we had. Or...having to use 58s on instruments. They tend to make instruments sound the same by 'enhancing' the same frequencies on all the instruments.
David Couch
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From: Kevin Potts (Las Vegas, NV)
Subject: Re: microphone survey
David Couch writes:
<"...having to use 58s on instruments.">
That would be my least favorite mic of all time. Using an SM 58 on an instrument AAGGGHHH!!!!
I went to a church in central Texas one time and they had SM 58 mics for everything. Podium, Solo, Hanging Choir, Piano, what a disaster.
Kevin Potts
Las Vegas, NV
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From: Mark Alphin (Worthington, OH)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
Subject: Re: microphone survey
We use (for all corded mics) SM58's. I'm sure that there are better (budget) mics on the market BUT they are reliable, & I've never had a "disaster" while using them. I plan to purchase some specialized mics in the future but you rarely can go wrong with a '58 if your budget requires that you stay in that price range.
Your brother in Christ,
Mark Alphin
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From: Brian Dailey (Southington, CT)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
Subject: Re: microphone survey
I have seen all the messages about sm 58's. But I must disagree. I love that mike, maybe primarily because our budget does not provide for a high end mike. I also agree with you Mark, I have not had any problems with the 58. But for instruments I prefer the sm57. It is even a little lower cost, and I think it does a better job in that application. By the way, I will not apologize for "loving" the SM58 and SM57.
In Christ's Love,
Brian
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From: Kevin Potts (Las Vegas, NV)
Subject: Re: microphone survey
Brian Dailey wrote:
<"I have seen all the messages about sm 58's. But I must
disagree. I love that mike, maybe primarily because our budget
does not provide for a high end mike.">
I just wanted to clarify my position on the SM58. I mentioned that I dislike them for instruments (Shure does not advertise that they are instrument mics) and that I visited a church that had them for everything which is awful.
I do like the SM58 for anyone on a budget. We can purchase SM58 mics locally for $99.95. I really like them for a price like that. They are not the best mics out, but they are pretty darn good for the price. Plus you can play hockey with them and they will still work.
Kevin Potts
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From: David R. Spoelhof (Grand Blanc, MI)
Subject: Re: microphone survey
<"Re: SM58...Plus you can play hockey with them and they will still work."
If it were just a question of durability, we all would
be using E/V 635A's.
:>)
For those of you who may not know what a 635A is, it's an omni-directional, handheld microphone that was/is used by just about every TV and Radio news reporter. You can hammer nails with it (well, maybe brads not spikes) and it would keep working. If it can survive news people, it can handle anything!
Shure may have the music industry (and the Oval Office with SM57's) as a heritage but E/V has the News and Broadcasting industry (and the State Department and the Pentagon with RE18's)!
This just proves everyone has their favorites!
Dave <><
David R. Spoelhof
Accurate Audio Consultants
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From: Ray A. Rayburn (Boulder, CO)
Subject: BK-1's-old and new
Patrick -
"One of which is older than the others. The older
one has a little
different shape to the head of the mic. Did they change the response
the
same time they changed the look?"
I don't know when the change was made. However if you unscrew
the
windscreen and look at the capsule you can tell them apart. The
preproduction version I love has a black plastic collar around
the tip of
the capsule, and then the rest of the sides of the capsule are
made of a
wire screen material. When I had a couple of mics repaired, they
replaced
the capsules with production capsules which are almost totally
black
plastic on the sides. The sides are also not shaped like a cylinder,
but
molded in towards some ports.
A couple of times EVI folk have assured me they could get
my mics put back
to original, but have never gotten back to me on how to get this
done :>(.
Ray Rayburn
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From: Patrick Tisdale
Subject: Re: BK-1's-old and new
We obviously have the preproduction mic's then. I have
had a problem with
the capsules on a couple of them coming unglued and the connections
becoming
loose. I was going to send them back to EVI, but if they're gonna
replace
them with new capsules, I will think twice.
thanks,
patrick tisdale
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From: Darren Morton (Grove City, PA)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998
Subject: Shure 58, age?
Hey all,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but from limited SR history I've
picked up, Shure
released the 57 and 58 mics in 1967 and 1968, respectively. IMHO,
those
two mics are still untouchable in their price ranges. Although,
move up
$20-$30, and there are some killer Dynamics available.
God Bless,
Darren
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From: Bob Puff (Rochester, NY)
Subject: Re: Shure 58, age?
Darren Morton wrote:
<"IMHO, those two mics are still untouchable in their
price ranges. Although, move up $20-$30, and there are some killer
Dynamics available.">
Hi Darren,
That may have been the case a while ago, but not today.
I think each
major microphone manufacturer makes at least one product that
"smokes"
the SM58 that sells at or below the street price of the SM58.
Peavey has one that supposedly is good (I can't believe
I said that!),
Audix makes the OM2, Audio Technica makes a couple whos models
escape me
at the moment, EV has some new ones out, etc...
When judging a mike, you need consider not only its sound
quality, but
also Pattern, Handling Noise, Residual Noise, SPL Limitations,
Size,
Shape, Weight, etc...
For example, I think the Samson S11 mike is sonically -very-
similar to
the SM58. It has a teeny more handling noise, but is half the
cost. So
in stepping up to the $100 mikes, I look for something that is
significantly better. And there are units at that price point
that are
better. But it might take a lot of trial and error before finding
them. That's where the SM58s excel - they are a known quantity.
Well
somewhat known - each of my SM57s sound a little different.
Bob
New Life Electronics
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From: Mark Alphin (Worthington, OH)
Subject: Re: Shure 58, age?
According to the Shure web page they were both developed in 1965.
Your brother in Christ,
Mark Alphin, CVE, CSE