I've been using Shure SM57's on toms, many different kits, many different players, and no matter what I can't get a good tom sound.

I know my room and pres play a big part, but I recently stopped using the 57 on snare and now use the Sennheiser E609 and get the sound I want. I'm thinking that it's more so the mic and less of the other factors.

Now...

I realize this is an industry standard, but this has to be genre specific, right? I am not experienced with recording by any means, but the thought of using an md421 for metalcore double bass craziness drives me bonkers... am I just plain way off or what?

I'd like to get a large diameter dynamic to compliment my existing collection (small though it is),it looks as though the sm7 would be a good vocal mic for me,I have a voice that has been said to sound almost exactly like DAvid Byrn,I'd say bits of Springsteen and Elvis Costello as well.The thing is I'd like to get a 421 for guitar and I can't buy both. How would a 421 sound on my voice?

Im looking to pick up a 421 on ebay but was wondering if anyone has opinions on whether the older models are better than the newer ones.

Hey folks...I just bought another Sennheiser MD421 from a friend that is in need of some repair. It sounds horrible compared to my other one! Very thin, tinny, and just basically unusable!

I put it on a tom tonight along with my other 421 on the other mounted tom, and I could not believe how bad it sounded!

I ended up using a pair of Audix D2's that sound just fantastic!

Hey everybody. I want to improve my mic closet. Since my only dynamic mics are a 57 and a 602, one of the above three mics is probably a safe bet.