I Need Vocal Microphone advice.?

Question

Alright heres what I need to do, Playing guitar and singing in a band. I run my guitar to an amp, however I have no experience in Micing any vocals.

I have ordered Peavey6 Mixer (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-PV6-Mixer?sku=631366) and Shure58 Mic (with stand). I know nothing about pre-amps or anything that I'll need. I obviously need to be heard over the drums (which will not be miced) and in the future, I'd like to be heard in small or medium sized gig area (no larger than 150 people). So what else do I need, just a pre-amp and some speakers? Do I even need a pre-amp? Do I have to run the Mic to the mixer than a pre-amp then a speaker, how does the process work? I'd like to spend less than $300.


Also my friend has some large (about 4 feet tall) speakers from his home entertainment system, would it be possible to use these to save cash?

Thank-you

Answer 1

Most mixers (including the Peavy PV6) have microphone preamps built into the channels that have XLR inputs. So you won't need to purchase a separate preamp for your SM58. Just run a microphone cord (XLR on both ends) and you'll be fine there.

However, you'll need to connect the mixer output to a power amp to amplify the signal to drive speakers, which you don't mention in your post. Ask a local music store or call Musician's Friend customer service for power amp recommendations, you don't need to spend a ton of money but you'll need something around or above the 100W per channel range to be heard over guitar and live drums.

Finally, you'll need speakers. Home entertainment speakers will produce sounds, but chances are you'll be very dissatisfied with the quality and volume. You'll probably want to invest in PA specific speakers as well.

BTW, signal chain will look like:

microphone, into
mixer, into
power amp, into
speakers.

Hope this helps.

Best to you.

Answer 2

My advice is to take back the mixer -- instead get a mixer/amp with at least 100w per channel. You don't need a separate mixer and an amp when one box will do. The mic doesn't need its own preamp, you just plug it in and plug the speakers in and blammo you're going. It's much easier to move around, and you don't have to worry about frying your speakers by turning off the mixer before the amp.
Musician's friend, music 123 or american musical supply has great packages, or simply mixer/amps for a few hundred dollars. They're usually under "PA Systems" -- some even have built in effects like reverb and chorus!

Answer 3

The Shure mic is a good one for the price. I would run the mic through it's own preamp and then to the mixer. Home stereo speakers are designed for mastered music like from CD's or radio, not for live PA.
You can get PA packages from places like Musician's Friend or other suppliers. I would go to a local instrument store like Gutar Center or something and talk the guys in Pro Audio. They will definitely try to sell you on some expensive things but they will be able to help you understand some of the important aspects of signal flow and what gear you might work best for you.

Answer 4

Well for your vocals : For reaching the high notes u want to sing, maybe u just need a little practice everyday that will improve ur voice by singing scales like la la la ... Everyday and sing karaoke to ur favorite song!! Doing this will improve your voice ALOT and trust me! To prevent that loud , squeaky sound, let ur voice sing the way it wants . If your an alto, it will be difficult to sing high notes , BUT practicing the scales everytime .. But everytime u practice it, trying going alittle higher , and it will improve but do this daily :) For your microphone : I hope your using your microphone properly, cuz if u aren't, it will make a HUGE difference in how u sound.. Make sure u hold the mic back when u sing high ( if u do ) and make sure u have a good 2 inches away from it.. Maybe u need to order / buy / get new equipment .... I'm not sure if it's ur fault.. Might be if other people use it and there fine I hope I helped! And please leave ur email for any questions on songwriting , music , the piano, etc... Been singing for 4 years :)