What type of microphone should I get for live rock performances?

Question

I got a free mic with my PA system, but I have a feeling it's not good enough... it seems to pick up from all directions and give lots of feedback.

So what should I look for in a microphone? Brand and model examples welcome, please.

For vocals.

Answer 1

You should look for a microphone that picks up a good frequency range, can handle the intensity that you'll be singing at, and has a tone that you enjoy. Most decent vocal mics can pick up a wide range of frequencies (usually 40 Hz to 18000Hz, the maximum human hearing range is about 20 Hz to 20000Hz) and can handle loud volumes. So, most of it is a matter of sound quality and tone. Once you get up around $120 +, you can be assured of good sound quality. So I'd reccomend finding some individual microphone reviews on the internet, to find out about tone. For example, if a microphone accentuates frequencies from 5000-10000Hz, you're going to get some high pitched overtones in your singing, which can give it a little more definition and articulation. It's a matter of personal choice, but most decent microphones give off a decent sound - it's as simple as that.
I personally use a sennheiser e-935, which is a very ncie quality, all around good microphone. It's around $200, but the sennheiser e-835, a step down, isn't too different, and is about $50 or so dollars less. Either one is very nice.
I'd also reccomend a shure SM-58. This is the most popular vocal mic on the planet, so you can't go wrong. I dont' have a price on that though.
A hint though - if you have a switch on your mic, it means that the signal has to go through another circuit before it can leave the microphone and go to your mixer or preamp. this can cause a very, VERY small time latency, which is hardly noticeable, but if you're a perfectionist, you might wanna look at a switchless mic.
And feedback usually comes through on one frequency, or double that frequency (for example, you might have feedback on a frequency of 110Hz, which would give you feedback at 110Hz, 220Hz, 440Hz, 880Hz, 1760Hz, etc.), so if you're using an equalizer, try turning down certain frequencies to minimize feedback.

Good luck with buying a microphone! I'd reccomend looking at some microphone reviews before you buy, though.

-adam jay :)

Answer 2

Shure SM58 for vocal, and Shure SM57 for instruments. They're the industry standard.

Answer 3

I was told a stereo Sony mic would be the best, called the Sony Stereo Cuplet