SM57 for vocals ?

Stoner-Riff · 2009-08-04T23:02:05+00:00

Guys, who here is using an SM57 for vocals - live ? Anyone at all ? Let us know ! Cheers

SM57 for vocals ?

Bob-Dubery

Stoner Riff wrote:
Alan Ratcliffe wrote: I don't, but lots of guys use them in preference to the 58. I think Bono is one notable example.
NOOOooooooo . . .

. . . the guy i dislike the most in pop music, and now you tell me he is using one - BUGGER !

Well if Bono, or somebody else you really can't stand, played a Strat AND a Tele AND a Les Paul AND an SG AND the entire Ibanez catalog would you swear off all those guitars?

Of course you wouldn't.

Stoner-Riff

Bob Dubery wrote:
Stoner Riff wrote:
Alan Ratcliffe wrote: I don't, but lots of guys use them in preference to the 58. I think Bono is one notable example.
NOOOooooooo . . .

. . . the guy i dislike the most in pop music, and now you tell me he is using one - BUGGER !
Well if Bono, or somebody else you really can't stand, played a Strat AND a Tele AND a Les Paul AND an SG AND the entire Ibanez catalog would you swear off all those guitars?

Of course you wouldn't.

No deff not - just want to say i REAAAAALLLY do not liKE that 'person' - PERIOD !

Bob-Dubery

Stoner Riff wrote:
Bob Dubery wrote: Well if Bono, or somebody else you really can't stand, played a Strat AND a Tele AND a Les Paul AND an SG AND the entire Ibanez catalog would you swear off all those guitars?

Of course you wouldn't.
No deff not - just want to say i REAAAAALLLY do not liKE that 'person' - PERIOD !

Well I don't invest a lot in the "person" (whichever person that is). Rock stars are just people after all. Some of them seem fairly well detached from reality but that's because they live a weird life and are surrounded by lots of flunkies and hangers on and everything they do gets on the front page of National Enquirer. I try to invest in the art, the output, what they do on stage and on record. If they turn out to be a fascist or a virulent racist then I might decide I don't like them as a person, but I might still like their music. Or I might not - because the music is too obviously informed by the racism. Or I might decide that I do like it but I'm not going to buy it just to take whatever pathetic little stand I can take.

I'm not sure that anybody pays much attention anyway. I didn't notice Clapton's infamous speech about how he agrees with Enoch Powell and how all the immigrants should go back where they come making much of a dent in his fan base. I don't recall Bowie's Hitler salutes doing much to diminish his audience (though Bowie is so much about artifice that it's kind of hard to take anything he does that seriously).

AlanRatcliffe

I should also note that a 57 used through a high quality mic preamp is a completely different animal. I'm trying to find the link to an article I read recently that compares various popular mics through a couple of different pres, with clips. Surprisingly good results on the 57.

Stoner-Riff

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: I should also note that a 57 used through a high quality mic preamp is a completely different animal. I'm trying to find the link to an article I read recently that compares various popular mics through a couple of different pres, with clips. Surprisingly good results on the 57.

It would be great if you can find that article . . . would love to read it !

nicovlogg

Would a SM58 not be a better choice right off the bat, thanks to the pop filter? Or isn't the filter as necessary as I think it is?

TomCat

If the main use for the mic is vocals then go for the 58. The price difference between a 58 and 57 is relatively small.

Neps

nicovlogg wrote: Would a SM58 not be a better choice right off the bat, thanks to the pop filter? Or isn't the filter as necessary as I think it is?

A pop filter is important for vocals, but that also comes down to delivery of the vocal. Some guys/girls don't pronounce their P's and B's as much as others do, so they tend to like a 57 because it looks cool.

I like 57's because they can be used on stage and in studio with better results than 58's. Not because of sound but because you don't have that pop filter to move into position. On drumkits this is VERY important IMHO.

There is a slight tonal difference between 58's and 57's but that's more to do with the popfilter than capsule design.

nicovlogg

Neps wrote:
nicovlogg wrote: Would a SM58 not be a better choice right off the bat, thanks to the pop filter? Or isn't the filter as necessary as I think it is?
A pop filter is important for vocals, but that also comes down to delivery of the vocal. Some guys/girls don't pronounce their P's and B's as much as others do, so they tend to like a 57 because it looks cool.

OK, guess it's down to personal singing style then. The little bit of singing I've tried to record with a 57 left me in no doubt that I needed a pop filter.. but then I'm not a good singer, by a long shot.

TomCat

If you're battling with vocal or mic technique then the 58 will be more forgiving than the 57.

Is it possible for you to get one to try out first before you buy?

Neps

nicovlogg wrote:
OK, guess it's down to personal singing style then. The little bit of singing I've tried to record with a 57 left me in no doubt that I needed a pop filter.. but then I'm not a good singer, by a long shot.

It's not so much about being a good singer as vocal style. Japanese artists singing in English could sound BAD,but they wont be poppin because of vocal delivery.

BTW, I think that Bono uses a Beta57 if he is using a 57 on stage. It does have a bit of a pop filter. But I'd say he is more prone to use either a 58 or Neumann.