For vocals: SM58 vs SM58+PopFilter vs SM57+PopFilter

[whitedamp]

When using a Shure SM58 is it better to use a pop filter too or that windscreen ball of it is enough?

Also, what would be your choice for tracking vocals:
a) SM58
b) SM58 + pop filter
c) SM57 + pop filter

 

[JeffTD]

The newest BTBAM was done with 58 and a pop filter for the screams.
LoG's Sacrament and Unearth's III were both done with a raw 58.

I think the BTBAM sounds the best, but he could just have a voice more suited for a 58 than the other two.

 

[whitedamp]

Well, it seens that both choices are "pro options" them, thanks for the reply. I will check the albums that you´ve said. : )

 

[JeffTD]

Basically every Pantera album was done with a 58, as well.

 

[chadsxe]

The newest BTBAM was done with 58 and a pop filter for the screams.
LoG's Sacrament and Unearth's III were both done with a raw 58.

I think the BTBAM sounds the best, but he could just have a voice more suited for a 58 than the other two.

There was also a SM7b used on Sacrament.

 

[chadsxe]

Well, it seens that both choices are "pro options" them, thanks for the reply. I will check the albums that you´ve said. : )

Pay no attention to the word "Pro". Its just a subjective word. Best bet is to try the mics out for yourself. Every voice is going to act diffrent in every situation.

 

[metalkingdom]

Pay no attention to the word "Pro". Its just a subjective word.

No it's not. Either it's pro, semi-pro or amateur.

 

[chadsxe]

No it's not. Either it's pro, semi-pro or amateur.

Hmmm...are you serious? In regards to a field of work yes but in regards to equipment it is holds a lot less water.

 

[whitedamp]

Yeah, the term "pro" is cheesy but I wanted to use in a way that meant "have been done in the past and worked very well" or something : P

 

[chadsxe]

Yeah, the term "pro" is cheesy but I wanted to use in a way that meant "have been done in the past and worked very well" or something : P

Yeah I know what ya mean....but rest assure that both mics have been used on tons of records.

 

[Student]

58 has definitely been used plenty o' times. The 57 is a tiny bit more directional though, and a screen on that wouldn't hurt it a bunch, 58 has a bit more high end.

If it were up to me, I'd go with the 57, that way...you have an extra 57 lying around and it's a bit better in a small room with a lot of relections due to it's directionality.

 

[Jaymz]

Its funny because I recorded some vocals a while back with a proper studio shockmouted vocal mic and it was an average recording, then recently I did a vocal recording with a 58 hand held and it sounds miles better! Ill try my 57 next time, since I have a problem with my room reflections.

 

[whitedamp]

I do have both mics (two 57 and one 58) and a pop filter. I´ve been told that many people preffer a 57 with the pop filter rather than the 58, and I was very curious to know if people do use 58 with a pop filter, as it already have that windscreen ball. I guess I will track vocals with 58 + pop filter.

 

[chadsxe]

If you have them both then try them both. There is no way for us tell because we can't hear the voice that is being recorded.

 

[jesus69lol]

The people at my local music store say you "have" to have a condensor mic to record vocals? I never even thought to record vocals with a 57...

 

[chadsxe]

Tell the people at the local music store to Shut The Fuck Up.

 

[Metaltastic]

Condensers, by nature, have a faster and more detailed response, so they're good for subtleties in singing vox, but they can also be rather bright, and the slightly dulled sound of a dynamic can actually sound better for aggresive vox (and even cleans)

 

[Student]

+1 to Metaltastic because a lot of people use the 57/58 to cover up mistakes and that's not saying a bad thing. We have reasons in this world for industry standards. If I'm not mistaken, SexPistols used a 58...goodbye EMI.