Which SM58 to get?

[Music Wolf]

There are obviously some valid applications when a switched mic is helpful or even essential -- such as when there is no one available to control/mix the mic signal.

However, for general stage use a switched mic tends to be a liability as its too easily knocked off accidentally by the user.

I've overcome this by having a non-switched mic but by using a mic mute footswitch from our friend at Orchid Electronics which I now accidentally leave muted from time to time, despite the big red LED to warn me.

[The Elf]

I've spent a happy few minutes solder-bypassing the switch on a microphone that I'd been gifted as it was 'broken'. As if by magic, one perfectly working mic.

In addition to the above those switches can also cause a horrendous thump to a PA.

My preferred alternative to the SM58 is the AKG D5 - like an SM, but somehow more 'hi-fi'.

I open/close our stage mic's from my performance software. It opens the mic between songs and mutes it as the click/backing starts up. All it takes is a simple MIDI command to the XR18.

[ef37a]

There are obviously some valid applications when a switched mic is helpful or even essential -- such as when there is no one available to control/mix the mic signal.

However, for general stage use a switched mic tends to be a liability as its too easily knocked off accidentally by the user.

I've overcome this by having a non-switched mic but by using a mic mute footswitch from our friend at Orchid Electronics which I now accidentally leave muted from time to time, despite the big red LED to warn me.

What you need is a Push To Talk switch. The other problem with switched mics is when the singer switches it off and someone cranks the amp gain then you are deafened by feedback when singist finds the switch.

Dave.

[shufflebeat]

If you have ever done AGM sound reinforcement you generally have to keep out of the way and you can bet your wedding tackle one of the assembled worthies will fiddle and switch off their mic!

Dave.

Very wise. However the OP is talking about a very different situation which won't involve nervous best men or fathers of brides and wedding tackle only in a limited and specific sense.

Ah, had that been a '58 it would likely have survived. Bent but working.

Dave.

I suspect you may be right. It would never have sounded like the Beyer though, although to be fair, after the event neither did the Beyer.

[Dave Rowles]

I'd buy an sE Electronics V7 instead. My current favourite. Clearer sound, much better feedback rejection, and higher output.

But it does take a little bit of cajoling to get some artists to try it, so a 58 is more rider friendly.

[djangodeadman]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

[MOF]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

They don’t want to have to do any lifting and carrying.
Reminds me of the joke ‘why do sound engineers say one, two, one, two, during sound checks?’ Answer: because if they count to three they’ll have to lift something.

[djangodeadman]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

They don’t want to have to do any lifting and carrying.
Reminds me of the joke ‘why do sound engineers say one, two, one, two, during sound checks?’ Answer: because if they count to three they’ll have to lift something.

It’s always me (the engineer) and the drummer on the stage at the end of the night clearing up. The singers and guitarists are off doing rockstar things. Who knows where the bass player is?

[Drew Stephenson]

Who knows where the bass player is?

Packed up and halfway down the motorway!

[Dave Rowles]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

There was a massive thread about this very subject on a Facebook group about sanitising mics inbetween acts. I’ve invested in a load more vocal mics so there doesn’t have to be any sharing.

[ef37a]

Most people just don't help, they assume 'someone' will sort it all out.

I am reminded of a monthly competition we ran at our outdooor air rifle club. The idea was a group of members set up the field the evening before and then we rocked up on Sunday morning to shoot it. One evening the club captain turned up and NOBODY ELSE! He said **** it and went home and then phoned around to spread the word that there would be no competition next day.

Sunday morn came an all **** was breaking out and the loudest moaners were those that did least! Cap'n said "there was no ****er but me and I am NOT setting out 20 'king targets on my own!"

Some intense scrabbling around did get a shoot going and henceforth we got a little bit of a better turnout on 'work days!'

Dave.

[Mike Monte]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

There was a massive thread about this very subject on a Facebook group about sanitising mics inbetween acts. I’ve invested in a load more vocal mics so there doesn’t have to be any sharing.

When the pandemic settled-in around here I purchased a dozen foam windscreens. I asked the nurse (at a local school) what I should use to clean them. She advised me to use very warm water and anti-bacterial soap, rinse well, and air dry.
I carry my windscreens in fold-to-close plastic sandwich bags (one foam per bag) and when providing sound I let users pick-their-own. When done, I clean them (as per above).
No issues thus far...