Vocal Mic Suggestions? - General

I'm going to be singing in a band and I already have a mic but it sucks so I'm thinking of investing in a good one. It's a hardcore band so I'm going to be yelling/screaming if that makes a difference. Also, I'm not looking to spend more than $100.

The Shure SM58 is a great choice for under $100, it's widely used in studios and it's very versatile, it's best for vocals but it's also quite good for instruments such as guitars. But there are some new microphones that try to compete with that and it's worth checking them out.

Go with the above as that is the most used and praised mic of all time. It's pretty much the mic that you compare all other mics against. I have a Audiotechnica MB 1k and it is rather nice and only 40 dollars. If you get a condenser mic make sure you have something with phantom power.

I have an AudioTechnica AT2020, around 100$ and is awesome with a pop filter.

[QUOTE=Pepin;27606378]Go with the above as that is the most used and praised mic of all time. It's pretty much the mic that you compare all other mics against. I have a Audiotechnica MB 1k and it is rather nice and only 40 dollars. If you get a condenser mic make sure you have something with phantom power.[/QUOTE] I think you're talking about the Shure Sm57. That's what I use for my snare-drum. It's awesome!

If you don't like the sound of the '58 (Some just don't), The AKG D5 is a popular alternative.

[QUOTE=Thaard;27638544]I think you're talking about the Shure Sm57.[/QUOTE] I'd probably be recommending the SM58 as it is a vocal mic and the OP wants a mic for vocals.

[QUOTE=Pepin;27640636]I'd probably be recommending the SM58 as it is a vocal mic and the OP wants a mic for vocals.[/QUOTE] OOps, my bad.

Wow I'm surprised no one has bagged you for being in a hardcore band... Keep it up :D

[QUOTE=Pepin;27640636]I'd probably be recommending the SM58 as it is a vocal mic and the OP wants a mic for vocals.[/QUOTE] The SM58 kicks ass. It works for everything. Though if one merely intent to [I]record[/I] vocals (I know you don't) then you probably want a condenser mic. Like the sE X1, it's awesome.

Some would argue a dynamic is better for hardcore vocals and screaming, I've never had to work with such a vocalist so I can't offer my personal experience on this. (The lead vocals on "Blood sugar sex magik" (The album) by the red hot chili peppers were recorded with an SM7, a dynamic microphone - As were the vocals on Michael Jackson's "Thriller". List doesn't end there.) As I always say, there's no "Perfect" mic or mic type for every situation. In any case, it sounds like this will be used in a live/stage/rehearsal setting ("Singing in a band") - Taking an LDC to such situations with that sort of band is just asking for trouble.

[QUOTE=Tezzanator92;27659016]In any case, it sounds like this will be used in a live/stage/rehearsal setting ("Singing in a band") - Taking an LDC to such situations with that sort of band is just asking for trouble.[/QUOTE] That's a very good point and a very good reason not to get a condenser. They are far more fragile and being used as a general purpose mic will subject it to a lot of abuse.

For studio work go for a condenser mic. My band uses and akg [url]http://www.dagexpress.com/incEngine/sites/dagexpress/products/AKG/akg_perception_200_condenser.jpg[/url]

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the SM58. Probably not right this minute though because it seems like the other guys are starting to flake on me :\.