The MD421 is a great mic for vocals! Especially when it gets a bit rough. Actually, many rock and metal albums are recorded with the likes of even SM58 on vocals.

SM57's can give ok results too no doubt, but they aren't very well fit for the job without a good popscreen. So I'd say if you have a 57 already, you can definately make some killer vocaltracks with it, provided you come up with a solution for the plosives-issue (which means that it cannot be used as a handheld, which a lot of hardcore singers like). Also, remember that just because it's a regular 57 it doesn't mean that a good micpre is not important!

But if you're going to buy something from scratch an MD421 would be a better choice of the two, when talking vocals. Don't really know how well they work as handheld mics, come to think of it.... In the past it's been used a lot as a stage vocal mic (f.inst. look at the legendary Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show tv-moment), so I guess it can be used as such....

But MD421 is not limiting to making great rock vocals - try it out also for all other kinds of vocals - it might just do the trick!

You might also try experimenting with different kick drums mics, as they're good about handling high SPLs; I've had good luck using an Audix D4 for screamy stuff.

patrick_like_static wrote: I've had good luck using an Audix D4 for screamy stuff.

That is a cool idea. I will have to try that one.
To reply to nandoph8, I have had the best results on hardcore vocals with tube pre-amps (using various mics). I drive the hell out of them! And run the gain up as much as you like.
Try to record the vocals with little or no reverb until you start the long screams. Then slowly start to raise the reverb to wash the vocals, they will sound really HUGH and will stand out better, and make the singer sound more impressive.
Also man, try to record at least 2 tracks for vocals (if using stereo this would be doubled) or even 3 different tracks with vocals. Then as you do each track change the settings on your pre-amp. More gain or less whatever the situation calls for. That way you will get some very interesting results.
Good luck! :twisted:

Well I used the 421's on these guys (2 singers)
listen and tell me what you think http://www.og7recording.com/Track2.mp3

nandoph8 wrote: I read somewhere in here that 421's are great for recording harcore vocals. Is that correct? What about 57's?

That is correct. The MD421 is a great workhorse general purpose mic. The SM57 while different, has more of an edge is also a very much used and popular choice.

a few people here (or another board?) had mentioned that they loved the SM7 for hardcore vocals... haven't tried it myself, but..
"-)