Vocals with SM57
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Posted on Oct 13, 2004 02:02 pm
chasing8
Member Since: Oct 13, 2004
This isn't about whether or not it's a good one for vocals - it's the one I could afford, so I'm using it. I wondering more about how to get the most out of vocals with it.
I read on one website:
"The SM58 will diffuse, designed for vocals and the SM57 will not diffuse but channel the air making it optimum for instruments. So an SM57 can be used as a vocal mic if you know to sing off axis (not directly into it)."
I also read somewhere that it might be beneficial to hold the mic slightly above the mouth, about 2-3 inches away, and tilt the mic down towards the mouth while singing straight ahead (helps to reduce pops as well as cut down on some nasal qualities). Are these ideas valid, and does anyone else have any other tips? Thanks.
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Jason H.Jack of all trades master of ___Member
Since: May 28, 2004
Oct 13, 2004 02:24 pm Well...I would say that is a good technique for mic placement...but air exertion is not "pipelined" as if you are breathing out of a straw...so it tends to go where it wants. You can't be sure that while singing straight out a little air won't go upward into the mic diaphragm.
Unless I am missing something here...why not add a pop filter (screen)...and place it in front of the mic which you would position as you noted above...this should rid of all air intrusions.
tonyd1970The fat one always watches us.Member
Since: Nov 08, 2002
Oct 13, 2004 02:41 pm I am also poor, i use only an sm-57 for both vox and guitar, and harmonica- for guitar, im about 3-5 inches off with the mic pointed tword the top of the guitar, for vox, i sing right into it but i made a "shipping foam" guard for the top of it. works well
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Oct 13, 2004 02:50 pm definately use a pop shield...itll pick up loadsa unwanted tttt and ssss sounds otherwise...
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 13, 2004 10:25 pm Well if it is good enough for Leme of Motor Head to use it that way then why not. I also have used the 57 in that direction as well. Having it above the mouth and pointed down does two things.
1: It forces the off axes singing,
2: It allows you to tilt your head slightly which is said to give your throat a better opening for singing loudly.
Just rumors mind you , but yes they do work.
Oct 14, 2004 11:58 am Thanks everyone.
As I mentioned in my post, those suggestions I mentioned aren't just about getting rid of pops and clicks, but supposedly aid in other things.
I have some pantyhose stretched fairly tight over a clothes hanger. Is that a decent pop shield?
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Oct 14, 2004 12:04 pm thatll do the job, all a pop shield does is diffuse the air, so anything along those lines will work...
Jason H.Jack of all trades master of ___Member
Since: May 28, 2004
Oct 14, 2004 12:11 pm Well I once did the same...but I used an old tanktop (wifebeater). It worked well for me...I would tend to think old pantyhose would do the trick also.
Another option if you want different feels, is getting a 4 or 5 inch embroidery hoop at a fabric store and then wandering over to the fabrics and basically pick your screen...
It saves money from those $30 filters like mine (even tho mine does have a gooseneck) and you can always change out the screen material (unlike mine)...Plus the hoop gives you a formed circle which you can paint black or whatever to make it look nice...
Sounds to me like a cheap, interchangable project.
Oct 14, 2004 12:17 pm Quote:
HRC pimp
Niiice, we need one of those :)
Jason H.Jack of all trades master of ___Member
Since: May 28, 2004
Oct 14, 2004 12:58 pm Well it fits...I've plugged this site a number of times to a variety of people...and plan to even more...
Couldn't be an HRC pimp till I paid my dues.
It should be "Resident HRC Pimp" since my A.D.D. at work and at home causes me live on this site...Thank heaveans my studio isn't at my girlfriends house.
But we only got 32 characters
Oct 14, 2004 06:36 pm I think a pop shield would help and they cost next to nowt.
Also, it could be fun standing with yer hands behind yer back wi the mic pointed at a nutty angle snarlin vocals like Liam Gallagher does fi Oasis :-)
I often dae it for fun wi ma SM58.
Coco.
flame...bringing sexy backMember
Since: Jul 01, 2002
Oct 14, 2004 07:05 pm i like doing that too, or at kareokes...
Oct 14, 2004 08:24 pm Aye...for sure. I love kareokes...such fun.
Still, I usually end up a bit bevied at such things and any singing ability goes RIGHT OOT THE WINDAE!!
But, fun it is!
Coco.
