Gimme a reason

[solarbird]

So Shure themselves say that the ONLY differnce between the SM57 and the SM58 is the windscreen, and that the tests on the mics aren't even affected below 13kHz by that, and that the difference people hear is mostly due to people not being able to get as close to the diaphram on the 58 as on the 57.

Taking all that is read: is there any reason I shouldn't just stick a foam windscreen of the same size on an SM57 for live outdoor vocals and call it good? Also, is there a better alternative at a reasonable price that I might find used?

Comments

[maellenkleth]

The only issue I could see would be (maybe?) the proximity effect, whereby getting closer to the diaphragm might do unpleasant things to your voice. Try it and see how you like it.

[solarbird]

Well, hence the part where the foam windscreen is the same size. I've never been one to mash into those, so the fact that they are mashable isn't really a factor.

I was thinking it'd save me probably $70ish.

[maellenkleth]

Ayuh, that it would probably do. ^_^

And yes, proximity would probably not be the effect you'd be going after, ever. I sure don't.

Good luck with your experiments!

[mdlbear]

Should work. One can often find used SM-5{7,8}'s for just under $100.

Marshall has a lot of very decent mics at very decent prices. I have a pair of their C2 matched small-diaphragm condensers, and have never had any trouble with them.

[solarbird]

I've got a pair of 57s already. I use them for recording drums sometimes. I can get 58s for $65-$80, so far, trolling pawn shops and craigslist and the like, but if there's no reason not to use the 57, I'm gonna use it.

I'm not having huge luck with "marshall C2" (and permutations) in Google. It keeps showing me Behringer or other Marshalls that aren't called C2.

Also I forgot to say this is for outdoor live performance in non-guaranteed weather conditions so whatever it is needs to be durable and ready for that kind of abuse. ^_^

[mdlbear]

oops -- they ARE Behringer. They have some decent ones, too.

[mdlbear]

Yeah, if you already have the 57's. go for it. They probably won't be too happy if they get rained on or dropped in the mud, but other than that...

[solarbird]

Funny you should say that...

[mdlbear]

OK, I'm impressed.

I'm told that one reason performers like them is that they're good for bashing drunks over the head.

[tfabris.livejournal.com]

Plenty of people use 57s for vocals, there's nothing wrong with that.

I don't hear an audible difference between the two, but the shape and design of the 57 makes it better for mic'ing instruments, since it tends to have a bit lower off-axis response. Meaning it'll feed back just a hair less when you're trying to mic an instrument.

Being able to get closer to the 57's diaphragm means you'll have more problems with plosives, windscreen or not.

Other than that, go for it.

[solarbird]

Thanks!