Dynamic vocal mic : Better than sm57, cheaper than sm7b?

[enroper]

Hey there. For some reason, the sm-57 and I just don't jive on vocals. Can't quite put my finger on it, but I just aint "feeling it".

Now, I love my studio projcts C1, however, being a condenser, I can't use it at certain times due to environmental situations.

What I'm looking for is a dynamic mic a step up above the sm57, but not as pricey as an sm7b

Something in the 100-200 range, and with similar characteristics as the C1. Is this a pipe dream?

[John Suitcase]

Don't know about the C1, but the SM7b is pretty dark, not bright like a condenser.

I used some of the Sennheiser dynamics that are for stage use (don't know the number, they weren't mine) but they sounded really good through my PM1000 channels. They are about $100 I believe, seem like a good deal.

What kind of environmental conditions are you talking about?

[enroper]

Well, I just threw the sm7b in there as a price comparison. I probably should of just said <$200

Anyway, as far as environmental conditions, I work out of my apartment. So just the usual stuff, cars driving by, neighbors slamming doors, the usual stuff that a condenser will pick up like dust on a swiffer, that a dynamic may not necessarily grab.

Would using some sort of noise gate benefit me you think?

...this is why I'm hanging in the 'low end theory' board

[John Suitcase]

I wouldn't use a gate, but you might try treating an area of the room so that you have minimal external noise, if possible. Barring that, I really like the RE20, I think the PL20 is basically the same thing, for a bit cheaper. Has a sort of condenserish sound, very directional, no real proximity effect, etc. The SM58, etc all have the same capsule, so I'd stay away from those, if you don't like the 57.

You might try to borrow a few Sennheiser mics, they're some of the best dynamics out there, I think. And they're relatively affordable, too.

[heyheymymy]

If you keep an eye out on eBay, you should be able to score something like an Electro-voice RE15 or RE18. Maybe even a used RE20 (I got mine for around $220).

[Guitarzan]

Never tried one but the Heil PR-20 sounds like it might work for ya.

[Pohaku]

Originally Posted by heyheymymy

If you keep an eye out on eBay, you should be able to score something like an Electro-voice RE15 or RE18. Maybe even a used RE20 (I got mine for around $220).

What he said. Even the RE-10 (which is an RE-15 that wasn't meeting standard) would be an improvement.

Shop used. I bought both my SM7s for $200 each and my RE-20 for $200. It's doable if you are patient.

[bangbang]

shure beta, or heil pr series?

[minus-sounds.com]

At home I use a Senn MD441 in exactly the same situation. Got it on eBay and I just got a second one.
The MD421 is cool sometimes for different sound too, I got three.

You just grab the MD441, lower a little the monitors, no headphones, and sing. Minimal spill (hyper cardiod), almost condenser sound.

[Blast9]

You should try and find a decent hyper or super-cardioid I reckon

Hand held condensers?

Dunno bout the second hand prices of the following, but how bout:

Sennheiser E865 - super cardioid

Audix VX 10

Shure Beta 87 - very nice super cardioid hand-held

Dynamic:

Heil Pro PR-20

Audix i5?

Audix OM7?

Sennheiser E845 - bit brighter than SM58 - super cardioid

How bout the Beta 57 or 58? I think those are super/hyper cardioid

[camerondye]

The Heil Sound PR20 is excellent, definitely a better vocal mic than a 58. I don't think it is better than a SM7B though. The PR20 is what we use for live vocals, it seems to mix a good dynamic mic with a little bit of a condensor.
Cam

[Acoustic Cloud]

Try the CAD M-179. Its highs are nowhere near as exaggerated as a C-1, and the tight cardioid pattern has killer rejection.

[lowfreq33]

How about a Blue Ball? $100, dynamic, but a more "open" sound than a 57 or 58. It has an active balancing circuit that's phantom powered, but it is indeed a dynamic.

[A LaMere]

Have you thought about the sm57 with "Tab" transformer that is sold at www.mercenary.com ??

.... I have.

[LoudChris]

I use a Beta 58 live, and in the studio for screamy vocals.

A LaMere, thanks for the link! I'm going to have to get one of those!

[3rd&4thT]

Check out the SE Reflexion Filter. You may not need a new mic at all.

3rd&4thT

[jaguarsg]

or maybe one of these:

TAB-Funkenwerk Transformer Modfor SM57 and SM58 Microphones

[Speeddemon]

Originally Posted by minus-sounds.com

ower a little the monitors, no headphones, and sing. Minimal spill (hyper cardiod), almost condenser sound.

I had this experience today with an AKG D330BT (dynamic vocal mic). They can go for $50 or so in the USA, but in Europe they usually fetch higher prices (70 euro's ($100) and above).

I still want a pair of MD441's though.

[kidvybes]

...OK...the quick answer?...the closest I've heard to an SM7 for under $200 is the Beyer Soundstar M400 MKII (made in Germany)...great handheld dynamic with a very smooth response...I've tracked with mine and blended the vocal tracks with those recorded with one of my SM7s...very close...they show up on eBay for anywhere from $50 (well worn) to $199 (minto!)...

...nice example here:
beyerdynamic Microphone m-400 M400 Soundstar Mk-ll Mkll - eBay (item 170416475682 end time Dec-12-09 15:40:25 PST)

[RCM - Ronan]

Its worth trying an SM58. Its the same electronics as the 57 but the different enclosure changes the tone a fair amount. I have had singer that did not sound right on a 57 sound quite good on the 58

[BOWIE]

Samson makes a version of the beta 58 that is super cheap and very useable on vox. I keep one around for when I want a 57 style sound on vocals but don't want quite that much grit and harshness.

[S.Filpansick]

Originally Posted by BOWIE

Samson makes a version of the beta 58 that is super cheap and very useable on vox. I keep one around for when I want a 57 style sound on vocals but don't want quite that much grit and harshness.

ANy idea what the model is?

I have a Samson that I got in a batch of used mics, and I've never even plugged it in! Maybe it's worth a shot!

[omtayslick]

Originally Posted by 3rd&4thT

Check out the SE Reflexion Filter. You may not need a new mic at all.

3rd&4thT

I'll second that.

[joec]

The Electro-Voice N/D767a Dynamic Supercardioid Vocal Microphone is a nice sounding vocal mic. I like it on my voice anyway. It's got a full frequency response and a nice proximity effect. It is my goto mic when I'm doing scratch tracks when I'm also recording a mic'd guitar cabinet.

It can be generally had for $129, but I just saw it at B&H for $99.95:
Electro Voice | N/D767A - Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal | 16033313

Hope that helps...

[Obitheincredible]

Transformer modded 57.

[Harvey Gerst]

Originally Posted by kidvybes

...OK...the quick answer?...the closest I've heard to an SM7 for under $200 is the Beyer Soundstar M400 MKII (made in Germany)...great handheld dynamic with a very smooth response...I've tracked with mine and blended the vocal tracks with those recorded with one of my SM7s...very close...they show up on eBay for anywhere from $50 (well worn) to $199 (minto!)...

...nice example here:
beyerdynamic Microphone m-400 M400 Soundstar Mk-ll Mkll - eBay (item 170416475682 end time Dec-12-09 15:40:25 PST)

What he just said. Find an old Beyer Soundstar MKII or a Beyer M400 (the newer version of the Soundstar) and you'll never look back.

[kidvybes]

Originally Posted by Harvey Gerst

What he just said. Find an old Beyer Soundstar MKII or a Beyer M400 (the newer version of the Soundstar) and you'll never look back.

...Thanks HG!...validation from the man...I like that...Raspect!

[KeithMoonwannabe]

The Beyers mentioned are great, Shure Betas are great, TAB mod 57 or 58 would be great, Heil PR20UT or PR30/35 are great, the EV mics mentioned are great.


Haven't used one myself but I've heard good things about the telefunken M80 dynamic.

[mobius.media]

sm58 or pr30

[mikethedrummer]

+1 for getting treatment and a condenser