best stage vocal mic?

[Syzygy]

Hello,
I've been using Shure 58's and 57's for stage but I thought I give some others a try, perhaps even a condenser.

Does anyone have any experience with the Sennheiser E855 or the Audix OM-5 and 0M-7 and yes of course the Shure Beta87A?

Thanks,
Syzygy

[Lestrade]

I have a Beta 58A and I really like it over the my basic 58s, if you're just looking to step up a bit, and stay with dynamics. I've been really impressed with the tone and the gain before feedback, but it still retains the ruggedness and reliability of the 58s.

I ran sound for a gig for a friend a couple months ago using his Audix OM-2 mics and I wasn't so impressed. They're inexpensive, I'll give em that, but they were touchy and harsh to my ears. I heard some good things about the OM-7 though (haven't used one myself), so it was probably just the cheap mic. I'd like to try one myself.

-Lestrade

[Brad Gallagher]

The Beta is worlds better than the 58. The 87 is even better. The problem with the 87 is it has this presence peak around 10k. It’s great for giving some air to vocals, but the second you get off it, if picks up the cymbals in a *very* harsh, unpleasant way. The OM stuff is pretty good (and more durable than shure). If you are used to shure type mics, it will sound somewhat strange at first… almost as if the mic were compressed.

The OM-5 is incredible for feedback rejection and smooth off axis response. The 7 is similar but seems to be a bit more sibilant. If you use both, be careful. One seems to be much hotter than the other… almost like one is padded.

The AT with the capsule from the 4033 is one of the best stage mics I have ever used. I have not had a chance to compare it to the new Neumann, but I hope to be able to A/B them in the future. If you’re looking to spend that much cashola, it might be worth a look. If you try it and like it, let me know.

Brad Gallagher
http://www.just-for-musicians.com

[bcwdwks]

Some friends of mine use the Neumann stage mic. Sorry, I can't remember the model number but Neumann only makes one condenser mic of this style ( hand held )for stage use as far as I know. Anyway, it sounds fantastic. Very present and open. They've even used it for studio vocals with great results. I hope this helps.
Good luck,
BC

[Syzygy]

Thanks guys that give me some stuff to research. I need to stay around the price range of the Beta87.

Syzygy

[strunz0]

neuman ksm104

[Syzygy]

StrunzO,

Hey man did you mean the KMS140 cause I looked up the Neumann KSM 104...no such animal.

Syzygy

[Syzygy]

Hello,

I just wanted to update....I've purchased the Sennheiser E855 and used it for the first time last night on stage. Excellent! Crisp, clear...it cuts through effortlessly. There may be better mics out there but this is definately a step up from Shure 58's and 57's.

The next test will be recording.

Thanks for all the input.

Syzygy

[robin keen]

The Neumann Microphone is the KMS105 it is reviewd in SOS and retails in the UK for £400.