I have to confess that I always looked down my nose a band that use these sort of mics. Obviously you are paying more for the look than the sound (sometimes a lot.) But...my roots band has a new female lead vocalist who has a lot of talent, is good looking, and likes a lot of vintage music. She's probably only with us for a couple of years (price of business in a college town.) So it's time to make hay while the sun shines. To be blunt, those of us singing back up and playing instruments aren't good enough to be snobby about the look of the band. So if we can get more gigs with a vintage vibe I'm all for it.
So anyway, my questions:
1. Is the Shure 55 and/or the 55sh just a 58 capsule in a fancy housing? Does it sound at least as good as a 58?
2. Are there other "vintage" looking microphones that sound better that you would take on the road?
I've thought of buying one of those RCA 44 style housings and putting a roadworthy capsule in one, but that's not any cheaper than a Shure 55 and I think that 99% of any crowd would find the 55 housing no different.
Interested in your thoughts on this.
Comments
The Super55 uses a "modified version of the Beta58A" capsule, ac
The Super55 uses a "modified version of the Beta58A" capsule, according to the [="http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/876/kw/55SH/session/L3RpbWUvMTM0NzY4ODAwMS9zaWQvYy1saG5oNmw%3D"]Shure FAQ[/]="http://shure.custhe…"]Shure FAQ[/].
And another cool site with some [[url=http://="http://www.mutantmi…"]Mutant Mics[/]="http://www.mutantmi…"]Mutant Mics[/], and more in-depth comparison of how that capsule behaves in the 55 enclosures.
The Mutant Mics site is very interesting. His bottom line answe
The Mutant Mics site is very interesting. His bottom line answer seems to be that he has done a lot of work to get the retro mic to sound as good as the Beta 58 - and that the Shure Super 55 doesn't sound as good as the Beta 58.
the basic difference is the resonance chamber is a little smaller and the dynamics are worse and the polar pattern is not even close to a 58 beta. In Simple terms.. They have the same diaphragm and same magnet, But different shape and different magnetic field than a stock 58 beta and although they are close they are not as good with the dynamics (wind noise or puff sounds) and feedback repel.
Not encouraging. ...Puts money back in pocket.
I own a Shure Super 55,and its awesome for live performances, wa
I own a Shure Super 55,and its awesome for live performances, warm and very dynamic,I found different sounds depending on the angle of my position while singing!
At first, just liked the "look" on the mic, but after I used it (about 4 months now) Im totally in love with it, plus it looks amazing!