Re: The SM58...
@Ivan
I agree there is more, but other mics have "more" too. They sound better in addition to being easier to use in a stage environment.
@John,
Those are a bit more expensive than the rest of the crop we have been talking about, but I have heard nothing but good things said about them from people that have used many good microphones (including my favorite ND767a).
@Craig,
Yea, they are a decent microphone (certainly better than the SM58 with regards to detail). They don't sound as warm as other microphones I tested against, but they are a good microphone that is easier to sell people on (especially SM58 lovers).
@Eric,
price check ....
SM58 - $99.00
Beta 58a - $159.00
EV ND767a - $129.00
ND 967 $149.00
Heil PR35 $274.00
Sennheiser e945 - $220.00
Sennheiser e845 - $140.00
Audix OM5 - $159.00
Audix OM7 - $229.00
I haven't heard it myself, but I don't find it unusual that the Heil PR35 would be the best in class in this group. All the others I have used and tested. For $129.00 (I have gotten them for $100.00 by just looking around), the ND767 is worth every penny of the extra $30.00 over the SM58 and I prefer it to any of the other microphones in the group .... with the e845 and e945 being close enough that no one would notice the difference without a very close A/B comparison.
I would like to say that IF I was providing sound for bands and needed to handle riders, only a fool would not have a stash of SM58's around (I have one, but it is only for old times sake).
If you are providing your own PA or your own microphones for doing your own gigs, I think the absolute worst place to try to save money is on your microphones (closely followed by speakers).
