If you’ve worked with audio for any amount of time, you’ve probably come in contact with the go-to microphone for just about any situation, the Shure SM58. It’s basically indestructible, and can be used in a variety of situations, from its primary use in vocals, to drums, and just about every other type of instrument you could think of.
For its price and quality, it’s a great microphone, and will get the job done easily.
If you’re willing to experiment, and spend a little more money, however, I’ve found you can get a much better bang for your buck.
Heil
One of my favorite microphone brands is Heil. They advertise, rightly so, that they build dynamic microphones with condenser characteristics. Their vocal microphones add a richness and clarity to the human voice that is noticeably absent with the SM58 if you compare them side by side.
The PR22, which is very similar in shape and size to the SM58, outdoes it by leaps and bounds in my opinion. It’s also an extremely versatile mic, and can be used for many other things besides vocals.
Sennheiser
Another great company for all purpose microphones is Sennheiser. They have several microphones that are comparable to the SM58, but still offer better clarity and less “muddiness” in their tone.
If you’re looking for something in particular from Sennheiser for a similar price to the SM58, I’d check out their evolution 800 series.
Shure
Shure also offers some great higher end microphones, such as the Beta 87.
Many professionals replace the SM58 with the Beta 87 to gain some quality from a vocalist’s voice.
What’s your favorite microphone?
Mark says
Do you have any recommendations on wireless lapel mics?
Thanks
Bevan Kay says
I use a RØDE M1 dynamic microphone. I found that it has a better bottom end than the SM58, I guess 58’s are known for their brightness in the top end though. But I just find the M1 a bit warmer and richer. Plus when I purchased it I paid $50 less than what I could find a 58 for.
http://www.rodemic.com/mics/m1
Bevan Kay says
I use a RØDE M1 dynamic microphone for live performance. I find it to be a lot clearer, warmer and richer than an SM58, but I guess 58’s are known for their bright top end. Great microphone!
http://www.rodemic.com/mics/m1
Eric J says
I always have loved the sound of the heil pr40’s that twit.tv uses.
Chase Livingston says
Yeah, those are definitely some great mics, you just don’t seem them used much in live sound.
Tim Smith says
I’ve used the Behringer UltraVoice XM8500 dynamic mic for a variety of jobs from podcasts to recording the ambient mix for a carol service and it’s performed well above what I’d expected for a mic that costs £18 in the UK http://www.gak.co.uk/en/behringer-xm-8500/1062
For our voice stuff in the office we’re using the Samson G-Track. It’s a condensor that connects via USB. That restricts live use a little but it works really well and has an instrument input as well
Tim
Bevan Kay says
Also, in church we’ve used a range of Audio Technica ATM Series microphones. Blew the SM58’s to shreds when we tested them against each other. A lot more depth and warmth and also a great deal more clarity than the SM58.