Your Vocal Microphone Choice

[SierraTango]

For several years I have performed with a Sennheiser 850. It's a very good stage vocal mic I've been happy with.
However, for logistic needs I'm putting together a separate short rig grab and go outfit. Don't want to swap mics around. Considering using the Sennheiser for the short rig and upgrading for the bigger system. Looking at the Telefunken M80.
What are you guys using for live vocals? BTW I think SM 58's are a good product.

[tpandela]

I have the M80, though it is heavy, heaviest of all my mics, Sennheiser, Heil and EV. It is sensitive and even, volume wise, across my range.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

I only have SM58s and a pair of early Sony electret condenser mics. There's nothing that can touch the SMs for anywhere near the price. They're warm, accurate, solid as a rock, reliable, and all around excellent mics. I love the Sonys. But they're now very expensive, and I don't think they're anywhere near as tough as the Shures. Mine are about 50 years old, and I would not buy them today.

FWIW, the SM58 is identical to the SM57 except for the grille - so they're essentially interchangeable. The ball screen on the 58 is a "plosive trap", so vocals are smoothed out just a little bit - but a sponge ball cover will do the same thing on a 57. Some think it dulls the highs a little, but I don't notice any difference in live performance (vocal or on an amp). The narrower end of the 57 lets the element sit a little closer to the speaker or instrument, which is said to give a slight low end boost (the "proximity effect") - but I don't hear a significant difference. If you never plan to use it for anything but vocals, the 58 is great. But if you also might use it to mic an amp, a 57 might be a better choice if you can hear a difference that I don't. Just get a $10 pack of pop filters with it and you're golden -

[DawgBone]

I have tried out most of the sub $200 priced vocal mics on the market at one point or another, owned a few, and have always liked the Beta 58 the best followed by the standard SM58, which, in certain situations can sound better but more often than not the Beta 58 is my go-to. It's rich sounding and rejects noise well.

I've never tried out the telefunken, that's a newer mic and probably priced higher than something I would have pulling hard duty at gigs with.

I will say that mics are extremely user specific. What works for one person can sound like crap with another in front of it. You really have to try it for yourself in a setting with known audio qualities in order to make that determination.

[brewster]

the M80 gets good reviews by many, and is apparently versatile, but utility may depend on your voice character relative to the mic's "brightness" which many note. but that brightness can be tailored as needed if you have some good EQ options. also important to note is the 180 degree sound (backside) rejection is less than a cardiod mic. if you use it, you need to be aware of its angle/placement relative to the monitors, etc. maybe see if there is an option to test one out first and compare to a few others to hear what suits your voice best.

an aside:
tho' not all gig spots are compatible with it, i really prefer to sing into a condenser mic. but not a LDC mic in most cases. the condenser i use, an older audio technica 89R mic, really sounds better for my voice than say a sm58. i think its a bit fuller with the 89R (really hard to find anymore). as i'm a bit animated when i sing, the condenser also allows me to move around a bit more and not have to be so glued to the spot like a dynamic mic. however, i've used dynamic vocal mics when its a loud scene.

so just a few things to consider. i'm looking forward to see what others have to offer for advice.
b

[Chezdeluxe]

Beta 58

[58flame]

58

[ArcaJazz]

Fwiw I use a SM58 for my livestream. I've always found it to be very bass heavy and end up having to eq it quite a bit. That said, I still use it and once dialed in it is fine.

[Stringswinger]

Sm 58