Handheld Vocal Mics--what else do you use them for?

[Jungle Jazz]

I recently bought a bunch of different mics that are all pretty much designed to be used as handheld vocal mics. I was tired of guessing what they might sound like, so I just got several different ones to try. Now that I've heard them, I'm debating if I need to hang on to them all. But before I sell several of them, I was wondering if any of you have suggestions for alternate uses for them. I don't record vocals that often, and when I do, it's usually a single singer with jazz instrumental backup.

Here's what I got:

Audio Technica:
AE5400
AE6100
ATM710

Audix:
VX-5
OM6

Shure:
SM58
Beta 87A
KSM9

[bishopthomas]

That's a nice collection. Try the condensors where you would usually use a condensor and the dynamics where that might be the best option. A 58 can easily replace a 57 for guitar amps, horns, etc. When you get ready to sell some of those let me know.

[bishopthomas]

Also, it might be a good idea to have several of the same model. So when you decide on one you like buy a couple more (even if you have to sell something you have). Variety is good, but what happens when you need to mic 4 BG vocalists and want consistency?

[Jungle Jazz]

I can see the wisdom in having multiples of the ones I like. I have a couple SM58s, which could be good for BG vox.

Of the mics on the list, the ones I like the least on vocals are the OM6 and the Beta 87A. The OM6 is peaky, and the pattern is really tight, hard for some vocalists to work with in a live situation. For a hypercard dynamic, I prefer the AE6100 to the OM6.

The Beta 87A just doesn't do it for me. The sound is a kind of raspy, and it overloads too easily. Something about that wide flat top just doesn't seem to work well with singers, especially when worked close.

I like the KSM9, but I wasn't blown away by it, as I was hoping to have been. The top end is just a bit bright, even in the hypercard setting, which is supposed to be flatter. It's a good sounding mic, and I like it better than most, but it isn't a magic bullet.

The mic that really surprised me is the ATM710, which has a pretty even response, has a pad and a roll off, has a workable pattern, and rejects handling noise better than most mics on the list. When pointed slightly below the singer's mouth, say at the chin, it picks up a nice combination of head and chest voice, which would be particularly good for a baritone voice. I bought it on a lark, not being able to find many reviews about it. I can see using it on tenor sax as well, or maybe even upright bass.

I like the AE5400, but I found that both it and the AE6100 have swishy sounding handling noise, due to the slightly rough paint texture on the mic shaft. This is problematic in that the handling noise appears in the middle of the vocal range, instead of lower thumps that can be EQed out. These mics might be better in stand mounting situations or for singers that have a light touch.

If I were to get multiples of the ones I've tested so far, I might actually get more of the ATM710, as it has a pretty neutral character, and its workable pattern, pad, and roll off, make it versatile enough for a variety of voices.

I'd still like to try the Neumann KMS105 and the Audix VX-10.

[bishopthomas]

I have OM5's and 7's and would like to try out the 6, so if you ever want to sell it let me know. I used the AE5400 as a piano vocal exclusively so never noticed the handling noise. I find that the VX5 and 10 sound very similar, but the 5 has a very exaggerated top end. I own two and need that tight pattern, but I actually like the sound of the VX10 better.

[mrsteaks]

I have a KSM9 and have found it to work well on male vocals, very well, in fact. It does not work so well on female vocal, for the reason you mentioned - a rising top end. As far as handling noise, it is very quiet. It has a fairly low output, too - you might notice that - on a par with a dynamic. I haven't tried it on any instruments, yet, but I'm thinking it might be happy on say, oboe, cello, bari sax - tenor "sounding" instruments.

I tried the KMS105, and found I liked the KSM9 just a little better. To my ear it had a smoothness the KMS105 didn't quite have, and it was immune to proximity effect. That said, the KMS105 is very good microphone. If you can try one, do.

As far as the KSM9 goes, hang on to it - it's a very good microphone.