I've been thinking about getting a good vocal microphone, but don't know how good some of them are. There sure are a lot of different ones available. I would like a very directional mic with good sound qualities. Any suggestions? What kind of mic does everyone use? Thanks, any information will be greatly appreciated.
Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
Peter.... My first suggestion is to try different ones, with YOUR equipment if you can ... You may have to go to a couple of shops, because not all dealers carry all brands .... I recently purchased a Sennheiser e-845 off e-bay (at considerably less than a dealer) and am very satisfied with it .... good luck... t.
Registered: 01/02/02
Posts: 193
Loc: Chicago, IL, USA
I use Rode NT1 (condenser) and Sennhieser E845 (Dynamic). Both are perfect for vocals. I used to have Shure SM58 and AKG C3000, they are not bad but the NT1 and E845 are much much better on vocals IMHO.
Registered: 12/01/99
Posts: 10427
Loc: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, US...
Been using and enjoying an EV767 for over ten years. It's really smooth with unusually high output. I'm looking to explore other mic options now though. Another brand worth considering (in addition to those mentioned) is Audix: http://www.audixusa.com
I've heard a lot of great reviews on the Audix line as they don't color or hype your voice, but just reproduce what's there. Curious to hear from anyone here who's had experience with the Audix mic line.
Scott, I've used both the OM-5 and newer OM-6 vocal mics live and in studio settings and they are some n-i-c-e ... mics.
The OM-5 has a wonderful bright, high output before feedback level. You can cup your hands over the grille at those levels and not get feedback like you would with an SM57/58. The OM-6 is very similar, tho I haven't used them as much.
If you don't need these features in a smaller gig setting, the best mic I've come across for vocal warmth and tone is the AKG C1000-S (that Terry mentioned above). It's a condenser mic and works very well live for lower volume events - i.e. not the mega-watt stage columns and 350w monitors....
One other mic I've used over the years is EV's N/D 257 A and B series. Again, nice warm and a hot mic series.