SM or Beta 58

eoin5

I was going to buy an SM58 but after reading the louditty thread I donno wether to get it or the Beta. Itll be used as a general tool but I've got live vocals mostly in mind for it. So whats the more useful tool overall or are they just too different to compare?

madtheory

eoin5 wrote: »

I was going to buy an SM58 but after reading the louditty thread I donno wether to get it or the Beta. Itll be used as a general tool but I've got live vocals mostly in mind for it. So whats the more useful tool overall or are they just too different to compare?

The problem in that thread is that the Boss isn't capable of providing enough gain for a quiet singer using an SM58. If you're using it for live work, in all likelyhood the mixing desk will have a superior mic pre, so gain will not be an issue.

Savman

For live work, Beta 58A = feedback city tbh.
So SM58 gets my vote every time.

eoin5

Hmm, SM58 it is so. Thanks Lads.

PaulBrewer

Savman wrote: »

For live work, Beta 58A = feedback city tbh.

Why is that Sav?

Savman

PaulBrewer wrote: »

Why is that Sav?

They don't play well with wedges in small rooms, you have to keep your monitors at a 45 degree angle or them babies will squeal all night. I believe they have a presence boost in the upper mids that makes them sound brighter than the SM58 but it's fools' gold.

If you have the time, willpower and a good ear with a graphic EQ, knock yourself out but I found them to be more trouble than they are worth tbh.

I used to use them exclusively, now I use them rarely.

tubedude

Savman wrote: »

For live work, Beta 58A = feedback city tbh.
So SM58 gets my vote every time.

If you take into account that it's a hypercardiod, you shouldn't be getting feedback.
The betas have a much tighter sound, if that makes sense...
I think they're great for live, just plug them in and they sound great...

Savman

tubedude wrote: »

If you take into account that it's a hypercardiod, you shouldn't be getting feedback.
The betas have a much tighter sound, if that makes sense...
I think they're great for live, just plug them in and they sound great...

I'm well aware of it's pickup pattern. Anyway mics are a personal preference, so whatever floats your boat. They are certainly brighter than a 58.

Hey, if you use 'em and don't hate 'em, more power to ya.

PaulBrewer

tubedude wrote: »

If you take into account that it's a hypercardiod, you shouldn't be getting feedback.
The betas have a much tighter sound, if that makes sense...
I think they're great for live, just plug them in and they sound great...

As I understand it the beta having a hyper cardiod pattern will be much more inclined to feedback in a regular 1 monitor behind mic situation as the nature of hypercardioid is that the is a back pickup 'lobe' directly behind the mic - it's two 'nulls' are off centre around that lobe.
2 monitors sitting at each null point shouldn't give any more issues than normal.

Soundman

Don't forget though Paul, that the microphone, in a live environment, will never stay rock solid in the one place, so the monitor position will change and ultimately the rear pick-up area will pick up the monitor.

PaulBrewer

Soundman wrote: »

Don't forget though Paul, that the microphone, in a live environment, will never stay rock solid in the one place, so the monitor position will change and ultimately the rear pick-up area will pick up the monitor.

Aye

madtheory

A slight cut at 250Hz and a hi shelving boost will normally get the SM58 to give you the modern style bright sound. In my experience the Beta exagerates sibilance on most singers. I never had feedback issues with it.

Why would anyone NOT put a graphic on the monitors, if at all possible? Or even better, a feedback destroyer.

Savman

madtheory wrote: »

Or even better, a feedback destroyer.

:eek:

New thread needed for that 'un methinks...

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

our vocalist uses a 58beta, me and our drummer use a 58 for backing vocal, i've never used the beta myself, but our singer thinks its great, he much prefers it to the standard 58, saying that, the standard 58 is still a great mic. if you can try both out in a gig environment,.......if that is possible.

PaulBrewer

Good point Frank - that's the ultimate test.