RE: [Harp-L] sm57 and 545

[Tom Ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

Christopher wrote:
Briefly, the 545 is a bit grittier than the 57..... <snip>
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This is correct when cupping the mics, but when played "acoustically" 
(yes I realize that's a misnomer when using ANY amplification, but 
you know what I mean,) both are actually very clean.

For pin-drop-quiet concerts I prefer a AKG C535EB, but for noisier 
(ie club) dates, I've been gigging with a 545 for years, setting it 
on a boomstand and playing from about three inches away, feeding it 
through a PA. Excellent, clean results for both harp and vocals. 
Acoustic players often overlook the 545 because it's widely known 
that Butterfield used one -- but he used one with a pistol-grip, 
cupped it and ran it through a guitar amp (with effects,) so his 
electric tone is no real indication of how the mic sounds 
acoustically.

The fact that the 545 is capable of both a gritty electric tone and a 
very clean acoustic tone is illustrative of just what a versatile mic 
it is....  I'm a big fan of this mic, but then I'm basically an 
acoustic player.  For Chicago style stuff I break out the biscuits 
and JT-30s.

cheers and best to all,
Tom Ball
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http://www.tomball.us

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