Re: [Harp-L] Shure mics, SM57 or 58?

[Tom Ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

> akc asks:
> Anyone have a view on which of these is better/easier for playing through?
> Does the 57 require you to play more directly into the mike.. rather than
> over and around it? Is there a benefit in the differnce in sound?
>
> Also on the subject of Shure mics.... they are available on Ebay at
> ridiculously low starting bids, emanating from China and Hong Kong... the
> suspicion being that these are fakes. The problem is that it undermines
> confidence in buying a Shure from any source. Any thoughts/experiences on
> this?
-------------

There's really no set answer to this question... depends on your 
intended application and what kind of sound you prefer.  How will you 
be using the mic?  i.e. do you intend to hand-hold it (cup it) and 
blow through an amp?  Do you want to use it as both a vocal mic AND a 
harp mic?  Will it be played "acoustically" into a PA rather than 
into an amp (i.e. set on a boom stand and played through/sung through 
from, say, 6 inches away?)

My recommendation would be to try several mics (Shures & others) at 
your local music shop.  Speaking for myself I've tried 'em all over 
the years, and have found that when I need a Shure sound (i.e. clean, 
as opposed to a crystal or ceramic element bullet mic,) the new 545SD 
kicks ass compared to either the 57 or the 58.  If you go to Shure's 
web site and have a look, the 545SD looks very much like the SM-57 
(omni-directional, blunt end) except that it has an on/off switch. I 
think they sound better.

In my own usage, I've got the mic on a stand and am playing from 
about 6 inches away, singing and playing harp through the same mic -- 
so it's always a bit of a trade-off in that I want a mic that can 
cleanly handle vocals -- but not so clean as to make the harp 
strident.  With a bit of added bottom, reduced top, and reverb added, 
the 545SD enables me to do this, plus they're sturdy as hell and loud.

Having said all this, I actually prefer an AKG C535EB condenser mic 
to any Shure, for quieter gigs, concert halls, etc... but the AKG is 
so damned efficient it picks up everything, from grunts and belches 
to the Harleys driving by outside, so I only use mine for pin-drop 
concert settings.  It's quite a bit more expensive than the Shures, 
but a beaut of a mic either for vocals, acoustic guitar or acoustic 
harp.  It lists at about $399.

The Shure 545SD, OTOH, is my regular day-to-day mic for clubs and 
somewhat noisy settings. And the off/on switch is handy for when you 
need to discuss important matters off-mic (Like certain audience 
members <g>.) It handles vocals beautifully, despite it's 
omni-directional nature... provided you don't wander WAY off center.

The three Shures list at about the same price, but can be found much 
cheaper if you shop around.
Shure SM58 - list 188.
Shure SM57 - list 158.
Shure 545SD - list 162.

I'm not sure I'd mess with the Asian sources -- a bit dodgy methinks, 
esp since these can all be had for under $100 at reliable places like 
Musician's Friend.  (usual disclaimer: NO affiliation.)

All the above just my humble opinion -- as always, your mileage may vary.

cheers and good luck,

Tom Ball
Santa Babs

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