Help with Microphone

[Eric_G]

I've been thinking of purchasing a microphone to record an amp and use as an input in a DAW. I'm not looking for high end studio quality, just a little something that would allow a good recording and to have some fun. I'm assuming that this can be done in the 75$US range, but I may be dreaming...

Any recommendation for a mic at an affordable price as a starting tool ?

 

[TepidPilot]

Shure SM57.

TP

 

[StratUp]

Shure SM57.

TP

FTW. If there was ever a "tried and true".

 

[Stu78]

Shure SM57, first choice though SM58 will do.

 

[StratUp]

Shure SM57, first choice though SM58 will do.

https://www.samash.com/spotlight/shure-sm57-vs-sm58-buying-guide

 

[Stu78]

https://www.samash.com/spotlight/shure-sm57-vs-sm58-buying-guide

Interesting article, having owned both I know their design limitations but experimentation is the key IMO. Especially if your a budget recordist and can only afford one mic. The OP is only looking to record an amp so I'd plum for the 57 but If I was looking for a more all round mic to do several applications I's mabye go for the 58.

 

[Eric_G]

So if I understood the article, the SM57 is a better amp mic that can do voice and the SM58 is a better voice mic that can do amp...

One question tho, they are both unidirectional, so does this mean I would need a stand or can it just hang from above the amp ? In other words not directly pointing at the amp.

 

[Stu78]

So if I understood the article, the SM57 is a better amp mic that can do voice and the SM58 is a better voice mic that can do amp...

One question tho, they are both unidirectional, so does this mean I would need a stand or can it just hang from above the amp ? In other words not directly pointing at the amp.

Well, kind of yeah. The caveat with the SM58 is that it will only do for recording SMALL amps. I would never stick one in front of a large cab. Can't handle the pressure. You would need a stand for both IMO.

 

[dspellman]

So if I understood the article, the SM57 is a better amp mic that can do voice and the SM58 is a better voice mic that can do amp...

One question tho, they are both unidirectional, so does this mean I would need a stand or can it just hang from above the amp ? In other words not directly pointing at the amp.

They're cardioid microphones, so better pointing at the amp. I use a 57 for close miking, which means I select just one speaker and put it close in. Most folks listen to see where the best spot is on the cone, just outside of the center cap. You'll see some sound guys and/or guitarists put a small square of tape on the grill cloth to indicate the best location. Saves time and lets you know instantly if someone's kicked it out of place.

 

[Eric_G]

Well, kind of yeah. The caveat with the SM58 is that it will only do for recording SMALL amps. I would never stick one in front of a large cab. Can't handle the pressure. You would need a stand for both IMO.

Ok so as primarily I'm thinking amp, SM57 would work best. From what you said, I understand that a SM59 in front of my Hot Rod Deville cranked to breaking point will not be happy.

They're cardioid microphones, so better pointing at the amp. I use a 57 for close miking, which means I select just one speaker and put it close in. Most folks listen to see where the best spot is on the cone, just outside of the center cap. You'll see some sound guys and/or guitarists put a small square of tape on the grill cloth to indicate the best location. Saves time and lets you know instantly if someone's kicked it out of place.

OK so I will definitely need a stand, my tab is increasing slowly

 

[mapleglo]

Another vote for the SM-57.

 

[Deafsoundguy]

Wow, some real off the wall info here…..
Okay dudes a SM57 and a SM58 are the SAME mic! The only difference is that one has a ball screen to act like a pop filter (the screen forcing your mouth a certain distance from the cartridge). Shure had to make the change so guys didn’t wrap their lips around the flimsy-ass SM57 cap. Once you wrap your mouth around the cap it defeats the anti-feedback ports going down the side of the mic side. Plus, the proximity effect becomes massive and stupid when singing hard into a SM57. Therefore, the SM57 should always be an instrument general purpose mic, and never a vocal mic (unless you sing off of it by a few inches). The SM58 can be anything. SAME MIC (element).

For recording remember that those mics add about a 6db presence peak centered around 5 or 6K. So youre adding a lot of highs and those mics aren’t designed to amplify low stuff. Those mics are good “general purpose“ mics. There‘s way better but everyone has their opinions and what you’re miking depends on what you should be using.

If you’re NOT focused on recording vocals with said mic, you should think about a condenser mic. Like a used Audio Technica Pro37R for example. Excellent mic for the money, even sound great on pianos. Way better low frequency response and transients. I’ve turned a lot of bands and sound guys onto those mics. Also, a used Audio-Technica AE3300 or AE 5400 can be used as excellent vocal mics or for pretty much anything. Highly recommended

Oh BTW, I‘ve miked a million LOUD cabinets with SM57/58’s as well as a million other sound guys. They can take the pressure.

 

[Daddy Do Thang]

Lewitt 440 md
Same price as a 57 but a better eq = more versatile. Plus you won't sound like 10,000 other people.

 

[Jimbo99]

If affordability is the criteria, you won't be disappointed with one of these. I have the Pyle Pro, it was $ 13, came with a 16 foot mic cable and clip. Does exactly what any Shure SM57 does pretty much. I can buy 8 of them for what an SM57 MSRP is. Advantage(s) ? What if I need more than 1 microphone ? Backup microphones ? I'm not shut down, if the SM57 is flaky or outright fails. A spare tire has a purpose, spare microphone does as well. Kids ? We all know any child has friends, everyone gets a micrphone to sing along karaoke. Everyone is happy, except for perhaps anyone listening to the chatter ?

 

[Scott Baxendale]

I've been thinking of purchasing a microphone to record an amp and use as an input in a DAW. I'm not looking for high end studio quality, just a little something that would allow a good recording and to have some fun. I'm assuming that this can be done in the 75$US range, but I may be dreaming...

Any recommendation for a mic at an affordable price as a starting tool ?

Shure SM57 is the only choice at this price point.