[Harp-L] Re: audix fireball

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I said earlier in this thread:
>regarding the question raised on this thread about the Behringer mic--it might sound fine, and it might be less expensive than an SM58.  I'd rather have an SM58 than an SM58 clone, especially given the relatively slight difference in cost, because Shure customer service is absolutely the best on the planet, and if that mic ever needs service you're going to be glad you bought it from Shure.
>

I took a look at the Behringer XM8500 on musiciansfriend.com, and the price is $25.  That's a pretty substantial difference compared to the SM58 at about $100, i.e. you can get 4 of the Behringers for the price of one SM58.   If the sound is very similar, not a bad deal.  At that rate, total cost of ownership for the Behringer might be less than the Shure over time even if you have to replace the Behringer twice. 

Which you might have to do.  I've owned a few Behringer mixers, and I've had problems with things like channels cutting out on a couple of them.  it hasn't been a big issue for me because the behringer mixers are cheap enough that I can buy a few more channels than I really need for a very slight increase in price, which means that I still have plenty even if one cuts out.  That's not a viable strategy with a mic.  So if I was going with the behringer, I'd buy two.  FYI, Lee Oskar told me once to buy two of EVERY piece of equipment that's part of my essential kit, which is why I own two Fireballs.

Thanks, RH