Now that we know a bit more about how microphones work, below are some microphones that I, my colleagues, and people all over the world have used. Most of these microphones have been used successfully in live and studio situations for many years, while others are newer microphones that are quickly proving themselves to be desired in both environments.
Shure SM58
The SM58 is the most popular microphone in the world. In many ways it is very similar to the SM57, and with a similar intelligibility-enhancing presence peak, it has become one of the (if not the) most popular vocal microphone you will ever encounter.
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Cost: $99
Capsule: Dynamic
Polar Response Pattern: Cardioid
Uses: Primarily for vocals but has been proven very versatile and can be used in other applications (guitar amp, keynote speaker, etc.)
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Pros:
Very durable. High gain before feedback. Consistent, reliable sound. Relatively cheap.
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Cons:
None. The worst thing I've ever experienced with this microphone is that the mesh basket can get beaten up and dented. If this happens you can order a replacement for $8 from Shure here.
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Suggestions:
There are many variations of this microphone that, as you’re searching for pieces of gear for your venue, you may be tempted to purchase. They’re almost always cheaper, and almost always worse. For example, Shure manufactures a microphone called the “SM48” for $40. This is not going to provide as clear of a sound for your vocals, will not be able to handle as loud of an input source, and isn’t built as well to reject outside interference, whether electrical or acoustical interference.
I tried using these in one of our youth group rooms at Cherry Hills, and even though no phantom power was being sent to the microphones, every time I would talk into it, it wouldn’t pass any signal until it shocked me. Only then did it turn on and pass signal. I tried 3-4 different microphones of this model with the same result. With a price point of $99, the SM58 is a much better choice for reliability and durability. Shure even released a video of them dropping an SM57 and an SM58 from 7-8 stories onto a wooden platform, and they still worked great.
Shure © 2009-2021
Shure © 2009-2021
Shure SM57
The SM57 is the second most popular microphone in the world, just behind its relative the SM58. This microphone has a long history and has not undergone any major changes since its creation in 1965. It is able to capture a wide range of frequencies and has “an intelligibility-enhancing presence peak, ” which allows for more clarity in the higher frequencies.
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Cost: $99
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Capsule: Dynamic
Polar Response Pattern: Cardioid
Uses: Although this microphone has been used on almost every instrument in a modern band, the best and most common places to use a SM57 are on the snare drum and guitar amps.
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Pros:
Very durable. High gain before feedback. Consistent, reliable sound. Relatively cheap. Versatile.
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Cons:
None. There are other microphones that will sound better on certain instruments, but the SM57 is a very reliable and versatile microphone.
Suggestions:
These two microphones (SM57 and SM58) are an all around fantastic choice for a church to utilize, no matter their size. With the $99 price point, the quality and durability (amazingly helpful in a mobile church setting), make these microphones a no brainer for any setup.
While you could get away with only using SM57’s and SM58’s, I would not suggest it. There are other microphones that are specifically designed for certain applications which could help you get an overall better sound.
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