Live Vocal Mic

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 12:37 am

I am a singer who would like to record myself performing in master-classes in a fairly small rooms and recital halls. I am usually singing either by myself or accompanied by piano. I will either plug the mic either into a recording adapter I got for my iPod or directly into my computer (macbook). Any ideas of a microphone which would accomplish these tasks fairly well at a reasonable price (this is by no means professional, just a way to get a reasonable recording of myself)?

Would a Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone work? How bout a Samson C01U Digital Studio Condenser Microphone? Any suggestions?

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:06 am

For $100 you can get a real "pro" mic for vocals-the Shure SM58. For another $15-20 you can add the appropriate matching transformer to plug it into the iPod recording adapter. Or if you're on a tighter budget, look at the Shure PG58, its' cheaper little brother.
The 2 mics you listed are total crap, from manufacturers who have enjoyed that reputation for too many years. At least with the Shure, you have the option of selling it off for more than $20 if you decide to give it up. Which is highly unlikely if you stick with your singing. The 58 will also be handy if you ever do performing in a LIVE SOUND scenario. That's what we're about here on the LIVE SOUND FORUM.

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:36 am

The SM57/58 series of microphones are the swiss army knife of sound reproduction and recording for as long as I can remember.

The 57 was introduced in 1966 and the 58 a year later. It has been used for most live rock venues and even recorded a lot of famous rock vocalists of the past.

They can stand up to a lot of abuse and still sound great. Plus they have resale value.

I feel the 58 over the 57, is best for voice, it's usually sold for $99 at the big outlets.

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 11:49 am

Would the SM58 be good for recording both vocals and piano in a small live "performance"-type setting where I couldn't be singing directly into a mic?

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 1:29 pm

I recomend using a cheap preamp for better results not quality. The mike it self going directly into the Ipod or your computer will not do the job. Just a friendly thought.

Zoro.

www.produccionestecate.com

Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 12:38 pm

Touche, Zoro !
I thought that there was an iPod docking unit that permitted an iPod to be used as a standalone recorder, but none is to be found on the iPod site.
So much for that....Just another reason not to trust the live sound guys!!
Cheap solution: Use a USB mic into your laptop. Screw the quality.

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