Substitute for SM-57?

[s00p3rm4n]

To quote the master Jon Brion: "There is nothing an SM-57 does that plenty of other mics don't do much better."

I'm looking for something instead of an SM-57. Something that'll work on just about everything, but won't sound just mediocre - I know mic placement and I'm well aware of how my preamps behave around instruments and mics. I record voice (something between Rufus Wainwright and Fiona Apple is a wishful comparison), electric guitar (clean and distorted and weirded), acoustic, bass, ukulele, electric organ (and the gloriously old drum machine therein), acoustic piano, handclaps, tambourine, and anything else I feel like. Also would be nice to have something to throw on a drumkit somewhere should the opportunity arise.

Price limit would be around $100-150. Would be nice to have something older - maybe not the newish "Look how cheap this is!" dynamic, something with character potentially but NOT single-use. I don't want something that'll start revealing its price on everything I record (like the crap-ass Studio Projects C1 I'm seriously considering chucking from a roof).

Thanks in advance, peeps! That man is wearing a silly hat. Silly man.

[Almost Human]

Well, there's always the Audix i5. It's basically the Audix rendition of a SM-57. It seems to have a little more open sound and isn't as boxy compared to the 57. I've heard them used on heavy guitars and snares to great effect. To me, they're like a more modern sounding 57. They sell new for about $79 - $89.

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by Almost Human

Well, there's always the Audix i5. It's basically the Audix rendition of a SM-57. It seems to have a little more open sound and isn't as boxy compared to the 57. I've heard them used on heavy guitars and snares to great effect. To me, they're like a more modern sounding 57. They sell new for about $79 - $89.

I've had this recommendation elsewhere.

Also, Beyer m201 (too expensive) and EV RE15 (which definitely piques my interest, since EV mics seem to be the new "classic" dynamics).

[tINY]

I thought your budget was up to $150. If you can bag an RE15 for that, do it!

You might look at the newer Neodymnium EV mics on the used market too.



-tINY

[transfiguration]

Sennheiser E609. .. .Black OR Silver

Electro Voice 468

Studio Projects B1

[audioalchemy]

I'd go for the Audix i5. I've gotten great results with it on snare and guitar cabs and just about anything else i've put it on. It has a much flatter response than the 57 and is just as durable. I've heard good things about the EV's with the neodymium mags in them. If you try those you might want to look at the sure beta series as well, they use the same neodymium mags.

peace,
AudioAlchemy

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by tINY

I thought your budget was up to $150. If you can bag an RE15 for that, do it!

You might look at the newer Neodymnium EV mics on the used market too.



-tINY

Groovy grooves... RE15 is definitely on the list. Along with the Audix i5. I'm only looking for a dynamic mic in this situation (my only mics are LDCs, and I'm expecting a nice matched pair of MC012s for Christmas as well). The Electro-Voice 468 is out of my price range... and it seems a bit frequency-tailored for instruments as opposed to vocals. The RE15 looks really realy good, and the i5 too to a slightly lesser extent. I'll try to make things simple(ish) for my parents, so I think a list of two or three should be it.

Thanks for help everyone! If there's one I've missed that kills either of these for the price, please please advise.

[warhead]

Audix i5 is indeed a 57 killer and costs about the same. But if it doesn't have to be a dynamic and you want one mic to kill on lots of stuff in a low price range I'd go for the CAD M179. You can put that mic anywhere you'd put a 414 in most cases.

War

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by warhead

Audix i5 is indeed a 57 killer and costs about the same. But if it doesn't have to be a dynamic and you want one mic to kill on lots of stuff in a low price range I'd go for the CAD M179. You can put that mic anywhere you'd put a 414 in most cases.

War

Really I'm just trying to broaden my mic cabinet right now. My mic "cabinet" which now consists of two large condensors and nothing else. lol Way to go, me. I feel like Wayne - "I don't own A gun, much less multiple guns that would necessitate a gun 'rack.'"

You do really seem to love the CAD, though... is it a dark mic? Bright? I've decided that I hate bright mics, but that's probably only because I own a Studio Projects C-1. And if I haven't mentioned how much I hate it, oh dear god... I hate it. My primary (sadly) mic is the MXL V67g, which has worked surprisingly great on everything I've used it on (um, so pretty on acoustic, so pretty on piano!), but I've realized quickly how much a brick wall that will soon become. I'm learnding!

Thanks for the rec, though, Warren, and I will definitely pick one up next time I have a bit of dough lying around. (The other things on my christmas list? KRK V-6s, Oktava MC012s, and either a Groove Tubes Brick or E-H 12AY7. Hopefully my parents will understand how vital all of these things are to my life on a personal level and buy them for me. If not, there's always substance abuse, right? )

[r0ck1r0ck2]

Originally Posted by s00p3rm4n

If not, there's always substance abuse, right? )

that'll show em...

anyway....
for this long list of instruments...(UkuLELE!! YAAAAAYYYY)....i would suggest a sm57!
they work and sound good...what the fuk? find one used for $45

the i5 is interesting no doubt...but you're in L.A.....there must be a ton of used/flea market type places to troll.....let alone the pawn shops....

what about finding 2 or 3 or More mics for the $100-$150 range....gotDamn man get some used dynamics....just test em and make sure they are working....
Dynamics can really vary over the tonal landscape...and if it sounds good on guitar cab it might sound shit on an organ...and i might be just the thing for overhead...

you'll have your hands full of "nice" mic sound with the mc 012s and the v67...
get something different..trade that studio projects for a beyer m160..

and as far as bright goes....placement usually clears up a big part of that problem for me...
xcept for that NT-1...that fugger was like hell...

[Anderson]

Beyerdynamics M201 TG is the way to go then. Under 150$ and way better than a cheap-o-57. You can throw this mic anywhere, but it's at it's best on snare drums. Much brighter and detailed than a shure as well..

Cheers

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by r0ck1r0ck2

that'll show em...

anyway....
for this long list of instruments...(UkuLELE!! YAAAAAYYYY)....i would suggest a sm57!
they work and sound good...what the fuk? find one used for $45

the i5 is interesting no doubt...but you're in L.A.....there must be a ton of used/flea market type places to troll.....let alone the pawn shops....

what about finding 2 or 3 or More mics for the $100-$150 range....gotDamn man get some used dynamics....just test em and make sure they are working....
Dynamics can really vary over the tonal landscape...and if it sounds good on guitar cab it might sound shit on an organ...and i might be just the thing for overhead...

you'll have your hands full of "nice" mic sound with the mc 012s and the v67...
get something different..trade that studio projects for a beyer m160..

and as far as bright goes....placement usually clears up a big part of that problem for me...
xcept for that NT-1...that fugger was like hell...

Well, I'm trying to give my parents as easy a list as possible. lol
Oh, and make no bones about it - m160 is probably the next mic on my list, and has been for a looooooong time. We'll see how long it'll be before I can afford it. I don't know how much C1s are going for on Ebay. We'll see...

Anyway, thanks for the advice all around, guys!

Oh, and r0ck1rock2... the pawnshop market in L.A. is awful now because EVERYONE goes on Ebay, so everyone who gets stuff knows generally what it's worth (or what they think it should be worth). So I'm more anticipating going down to New Orleans (home)... the pawnshops are generally less aware of what they've got going on. So yeah. I just hope the places are open.

[Nu-tra]

beyer 201!

[aussie_techie]

Substitute for SM-57? Beta57
the other mics suggested all have alot of merit but if you dont have any else or the money to get a wider selection stick with Shure. an sm57 may not be the best mic on most sources but it works on absolutly anything you stick in front if it which makes it a must have mic.

[r0ck1r0ck2]

take your parents to a flea market....let them look at the paintings or whatever silly shit they're into
You find a nice russian guy who has a pile of mics...run screaming to your mom
"Mom you gotta get me this!" repeat
if she dosen't cave....say "but IT"s CHRISTMAS!!!"

anyway that's what i would do...
that's the Spirit of christmas you know?

[Pohaku]

Another vote for Beyer m201. I have picked up several of them from E-bay at @$125 each. They show up as BIN items there for @$179 as well. There is also a mic that appears identical only badged as a Revox.

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by r0ck1r0ck2

the i5 is interesting no doubt...but you're in L.A.....there must be a ton of used/flea market type places to troll.....let alone the pawn shops....

It's a nice idea, and sometimes a nice way to spend a Sunday, but not much to be found that way in my experience.

The pawnshops are so overpriced as to be comedy.

Hey, s00p, don't forget to check out the Radio Shack PZM's, which are $40. I just got two of 'em a few months back. I don't know what use you have for 'em, but they're cool for all kinds of stuff.

[George Necola]

I dont like the audix, prefer this one:

Sennheiser E609

[pan60]

a big vote for the re-15 or re-16.
i also use a audix om2 on some clean stuff.

[feyshay]

Some good recommendations here. I would add the SM57, since it is useful, and I know you do amp/guitar recording. It just won't do the job that at a good condenser would do. If you want a dynamic that is pretty decent for voice, you might want to check out the Shure Beta 58a. It also does OK in front of the amp. It seems to be multipurpose, although it is geared as a live vocal mic. SM57 is more multipurpose, but this would do better on vocals.
Fiona Apple--what mics does she use. Her vocals sound incredible.
You posted in the past, asking about a preamp. What did you end up getting? Did you end up getting the Brick?

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by feyshay

Some good recommendations here. I would add the SM57, since it is useful, and I know you do amp/guitar recording. It just won't do the job that at a good condenser would do. If you want a dynamic that is pretty decent for voice, you might want to check out the Shure Beta 58a. It also does OK in front of the amp. It seems to be multipurpose, although it is geared as a live vocal mic. SM57 is more multipurpose, but this would do better on vocals.
Fiona Apple--what mics does she use. Her vocals sound incredible.
You posted in the past, asking about a preamp. What did you end up getting? Did you end up getting the Brick?

Honestly, 99% of Fiona's vocal sound is inside her. I've heard her sing magic even through a beta58 at Largo (club on Fairfax here in LA). I know she sang mostly through an ELAM 251 or a Telefunken U47 on the album When the Pawn... which I think is her best sound. I'm not sure what she used on Extraordinary Machine, since she didn't use ANY of her vocal tracks from the original Jon Brion productions. I know the song "parting gift" was recorded live to two-track with a Blue microphone on vocals - I'm thinking the Dragonfly? (Either way, I don't think the vocal sound on her newest album is as good. I also hate the production and mixing on it, so there. Ha! Dangly parts.)

I'm asking for either the Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 preamp or the Brick. Inasfar as mics go, I'm trying to steer away from the bright mics. For some reason, I tend to gravitate toward darker or more neutral mics - maybe it's what I'm trained to hear as an occasional listener of modern music. Damnable, I say! And also I have two amps that sound wonky and/or honky with mics that have bristling highs (like the Studio Projects C1). For those who are interested, my amps are the delicious Gibson GA20RVT (Minuteman) and the pimptastic GA5T (Skylark). I'm a Gibson amp fan, and you should be too.

And to answer your other question up there, I haven't gotten a new preamp yet at all, nor any of that gear I asked for for my birthday - my parents decided to get me a whole lotta nothing for my 21st birthday. Forgive my bitterness. It's your 21st - they're supposed to spoil you and buy you everything you want so they NEVER have to buy you anything for your birthday again! Right? I thought this was the way of things. I guess not.

Then again, I'm from New Orleans so maybe all things being even expecting $850 of studio gear wasn't the smartest thing? And then my MOTU 828mk1 completely crapped out on me (Dear Department of Homeland Security and TSA, if you're reading this, you can flight list my poohole). So when I get to New Orleans, I'll have my shiny new Yamaha i88x waiting for me. And hopefully at Christmas a few new mics and pres in my Christmas thong. Oops, stocking. Definitely stocking.

[Blast9]

Hey s00p3rm4an... You're very eloquent... With a sense for the refined things in life perhaps... Do you drink G & T... and do you wear a cravat, or just christmas stockings?

Methinks you're actually from the English nobility

Uhh... another vote for a used 57 and something else less boxy/middly just for mic cabinet diversity.

Personally I'm NOT a fan of the 57 on gnarly amps especially with Celestion Vintage 30s, and I really don't dig the "wooliness" I consistently hear on vocals, even through good mic pres. But at the same time that's a lot to do with proximity effect probably.

PS (loosely) what genre of music are you creating?

[Bob Ross]

Since everyone else has already mentioned the E-V RE15 (which would have been my first suggestion), the Sennheiser E609 Silver, and the Beyer M201, I'll add this:

an Audio-Technica ATM41a


But I still think you oughtta have an SM57.

[octatonic]

More votes for Sennheiser E609 or Beyer 201.

JR

[petsematary]

What about a used MD421...if you can get one for that price. They're awesome, I use one every day for broadcasting. Versatile motherhumper.

[s00p3rm4n]

Originally Posted by Blast9

Hey s00p3rm4an... You're very eloquent... With a sense for the refined things in life perhaps... Do you drink G & T... and do you wear a cravat, or just christmas stockings?

Methinks you're actually from the English nobility

Uhh... another vote for a used 57 and something else less boxy/middly just for mic cabinet diversity.

Personally I'm NOT a fan of the 57 on gnarly amps especially with Celestion Vintage 30s, and I really don't dig the "wooliness" I consistently hear on vocals, even through good mic pres. But at the same time that's a lot to do with proximity effect probably.

PS (loosely) what genre of music are you creating?

No, not British. Just gay.

I think I'll try to snag a used 57 when I go back home (New Orleans). I'm also going to call radio and TV stations to see if they've got any equipment they're tossing away after the Hurricane. Unethical? No... just smart.

Loosely... I coined a term for my own songs thus far: gay folk-cock-pop-rock. I should really just call it "poppycock" and be done with. Anyway, I'm a sucker for a complex rhyme and a baby grand piano, but I also can't resist ludicrously distorted guitar solos. thumbsup All that said, I have no clue if the songs are at all good.

[Blast9]

LOL!

POPPYCOCK! That's a great genre... Hope you can share some toons with us some time!

[ticohans]

Poppycock, or poppycock rock?

[Empty Planet]

[jbuntz]

Beyer M201 - Sounds nothing like a 57 but works in a lot of the same places. Especially snare - way fatter and more top detail

E609 - Lower presence peak than the 57, a bit more extreme top and more bottom as well, agail cool on snare but espeically guitars

Audix I5 Slightly scoopy - hence, less boxy than a 57 but haven't messed with it that much