spec me a mic

mattyfez · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:33

Random question for anyone who might know..

I've recently taken up guitar after about 5 years of neglect, and I want a Mic to attempt some vocals, what's cheap and decent (will be put through a mini marshal practice amp and/or stereo system) so nothing to expensive, but not rubbish either. Preferably advice on a stand also that cab be adjusted for sitting or standing.

Cheers

[FnG]magnolia · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:36

Shure used to be very good. If you're running it through a small amp I'd imagine there won't be a great deal of difference. I know that when we used to practice it was hard to distinguish the good from the bad microphone.

benneh · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:44

If a mod would move it to -

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Would help you get some decent replies.

For my money, SM58 and whatever you need to get that into your amp (D.I box?).

kaffe · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:45

You can get a Shure sm58 with a stand and lead for around £100. Ain't too shabby neither.

hellarda · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:47

if you're going to be putting it through and amp then tbh any old mic will do :L

but i will +1 the sm58... i assume your amp has an XLR input?

kaffe · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:53

hellarda said:
if you're going to be putting it through and amp then tbh any old mic will do :L

but i will +1 the sm58... i assume your amp has an XLR input?

If not you'll have to fork out a little extra for an xlr-jack lead. For the love of god make sure the xlr end is male...

mattyfez · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:55

Cool thanks for the replies, I will investigate!

Mods: if this is in the wrong forum feel free to move it.

I have a pre amp with a tube and balanced input, for my guitar which I've plugged into my hi fi but I was planning to Mic up my practice amp to experiment with.

hellarda · 10 Sep 2011 at 22:59

mattyfez said:
Cool thanks for the replies, I will investigate!

Mods: if this is in the wrong forum feel free to move it.

I have a pre amp with a tube and balanced input, for my guitar which I've plugged into my hi fi but I was planning to Mic up my practice amp to experiment with.

if you want to mic up your guitar... (which i got from: 'but I was planning to Mic up my practice amp to experiment with', tho i could be completely wrong) then go for the sm57... if you just want to do vocals then get a 58

SexyGreyFox · 10 Sep 2011 at 23:09

I have about 5 SM58's (vocal) and 7 SM57s (instrument/speaker/snare) but to be honest if you are going through a little practise amp then buy a cheap £10 job.

mattyfez · 10 Sep 2011 at 23:11

hellarda said:
if you want to mic up your guitar... (which i got from: 'but I was planning to Mic up my practice amp to experiment with', tho i could be completely wrong) then go for the sm57... if you just want to do vocals then get a 58

Sorry, I wasn't very clear, I'm quite drunk ,I've got an electro acoustic, which is plugged into a pre amp effects unit, which in turn is plumed into my hi-fi system.

I have a separate guitar practice amp, which I thought I could plug in a microphone for practicing vocal stuff.

Or something lol.

hellarda · 10 Sep 2011 at 23:15

mattyfez said:
Sorry, I wasn't very clear, I'm quite drunk ,I've got an electro acoustic, which is plugged into a pre amp effects unit, which in turn is plumed into my hi-fi system.

I have a separate guitar practice amp, which I thought I could plug in a microphone for practicing vocal stuff.

Or something lol.

as dmpoole said, if you're going through a crappy practice amp then pick up a rubbishy thing from argos or somewhere

mattyfez · 11 Sep 2011 at 00:01

hellarda said:
as dmpoole said, if you're going through a crappy practice amp then pick up a rubbishy thing from argos or somewhere

I would rather get something semi decent, otherwise I would just use my pc mic.

When I said "plumed in" I've basically sliced a stereo pair of guitar jacks out of the pre-amp, into RCA jacks for the hi-fi system.

Brian8bit · 11 Sep 2011 at 00:22

I got my brother a Behringer C1U for his birthday last year. Does the job for what he needs. I'm sure there's a standard version instead of USB.

timbob · 11 Sep 2011 at 09:38

SM58. At least you've then got the industry standard mic if and/or when you come to performing in public. It will, however sound awful through a guitar amp (even a good one!)

ElvisFan · 11 Sep 2011 at 21:42

Bear in mind you really need to add a touch of reverb. Amplified "dry" vocals sound appalling when sung.

m3csl2004 · 12 Sep 2011 at 12:36

SM58 is great. A bit cheaper is a rode m3 at around £65.

timbob · 12 Sep 2011 at 16:24

ElvisFan said:
Bear in mind you really need to add a touch of reverb. Amplified "dry" vocals sound appalling when sung.

Only if the vocalist isn't very good

SexyGreyFox · 12 Sep 2011 at 16:34

timbob said:
Only if the vocalist isn't very good

One of my biggest hates (bit strong) is watching bands with dry vocals

ElvisFan · 12 Sep 2011 at 18:16

timbob said:
Only if the vocalist isn't very good

You obviously know shaft all about the subject.

I'm with Dave on this. If I hear a band with dry vocals it absolutely ruins my enjoyment. I can't get past it.

Think about this: "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey has a big stadium feel to it, yet it was recorded in a small studio. If they hadn't used reverb it would have sounded like it was recorded in the airing cupboard.

SexyGreyFox · 12 Sep 2011 at 18:39

dmpoole said:
One of my biggest hates (bit strong) is watching bands with dry vocals

My other hate (bit strong again) is watching bands who leave the reverb on when talking between songs.

Talking of effects just bought this for my Behringer SX2442FX mixer - http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/AB200.aspx