Mic's for singers? What would you recommend for those just starting out

[BobbiR]

Hello family,

I have to state that I am all new to the technical side of praise and worship but that is not going to stop me from moving into that area. If you were starting out with a team of 6-8 singers in a praise and worship setting what mics would you recommend starting out? I have read somewhere that every voice is different so different mics are required. Is this true? I also really do not want to stand and hold a mic or have it on a stand so I am looking at alternatives to that as well. I guess what I am asking is for some expertise in this area of setting up things appropriately when it comes to sound. Thank you in advance.

[Moosicman]

One question: what is your budget ?

Though it is true that some ppls voice response differently with particular mics, it isn't usually something you want to be too picky about. My voice, for instance, sounds better with a Shure 57 rather than the usualy 58. However, this is just something I try to make happen and nothing I mandate for my techs. Don't order different mics for each member of your team. That will not be efficient. My meeting is starting. I'll get back to more of this later...

[BobbiR]

Since this is all new to me, I am not sure what the average cost of mics are. I was thinking about somewhere in the range of $ 300 -400.00 per mic (not sure if that is on the inexpensive side). Are there mics within this price range that are effective?

[chipshot0701]

We picked up the Shure SM86, and I like its responsiveness. Its a great mic for many different vocals.
We use Shure sm 58 as well as some generics. The generics tend to be harsher and more hiss noise and didnt hold up to the weekly useage. http://www.americanmusical.com/Shure-Microphones
Many bands and live events use the wireless SM58. Works well.
The SM58 can be bought for 99 bucks everywhere everyday. (not the wireless version) Buy em up!

[efrisch]

$300-400 would actually be quite a bit to spend for a general purpose vocal mic, in my opinion. I'll echo much of what others have said...

It is true that some voices sound better on some mics, but I don't think it makes sense to purchase different mics for each singer. I prefer a Shure Beta57 on my voice over the standard SM58, so I own one and bring it to church and other gigs (I also do this because I'm a little weird about sharing mics with other people... germs and such). We have a couple of other vocalists on our teams who have found mics they really like and also bring their own. As long as they're at least the quality of what we provide, I don't have a problem with it at all. I've also never thought that a particular voice sounded bad because they were using our stock mics.

There's a reason why you see the SM58 EVERYWHERE, from karaoke bars to arena tours. They're inexpensive, indestructible, and versatile. Are there mics that cost more and sound better for some applications? Yes, of course, but for use in most churches, something in that range is just fine. We use the Sennheiser e835 for our vocalists and they sound great as well for the same price.

[Steffie]

Hi Bobbi,

I'm a singer and my husband is a sound guy, so he'd probably be able to answer a lot better than me, but I'll tell you what I know :-)

The guys are right about SM58s, these are standards at our church. The other mic we use a lot is the ol' Beta58 (it has a blue ring around the mesh), it can be great for certain types of singers. My husband uses a Beta on me coz I have a clear voice with a bit of a rock twist, and he says the mic picks me up great. He also uses it on one of our male singers who has a very muddy quality to his voice, and my husband says the Beta58 helps give a clearer sound. It's less directional though - I think that's the right term - meaning you have to hold it close for it to pick you up.

Hope this helps,
Steffie.

[Moosicman]

If you are buying wireless, you may want to look at going with the Sennheiser (I can't remember the model because I don't care to remember it basically) version of the Shure 58 wireless. It is somewhat pricey: about $600-700 if I remember correctly. I dislike the Shure wireless mics because they housing seems fragile to me; almost like plastic vs. the Senn. is a more rugged metallic.

I like the Shure 57 because when not used for vocals, you can loan it out to the local chaper of Habitat for Humanity for driving nails.

[Moosicman]

If you are buying wireless, you may want to look at going with the Sennheiser (I can't remember the model because I don't care to remember it basically) version of the Shure 58 wireless. It is somewhat pricey: about $600-700 if I remember correctly. I dislike the Shure wireless mics because they housing seems fragile to me; almost like plastic vs. the Senn. is a more rugged metallic.

I like the Shure 57 because when not used for vocals, you can loan it out to the local chaper of Habitat for Humanity for driving nails. VERY durable!

[chrisburke]

Stick with the industry standard... Sm58... Great ll purpose mic.. And they are built tough.. I've had mine for 12 years, gigged in pubs every weekend from grade 9 through to graduating college, use it weekly now at church, still going strong..


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[BobbiR]

Thanks everyone for the Feedback! I appreciate it. I am excited to test some of these out. SM58's to start... :-)