Re: The SM58...
I am not a fan of the SM58, I said that before, but I think much of this thread has lost sight of the forest looking at the bark on the trees. Often a band, once they are ready to buy mics, are likely to buy a SM58 because that is what the venue on that one higher profile gig they got had, and the venue had it because that is what everyone asks for. It is just a self perpetuating circle.
With that said, I think techs chase after the "perfect" mic is a result of the mic choice being one of the few things we can actually have input into or control.
If seeking that control takes away from the ARTIST's creation, then it is not for the better.
Critical listening doesn't mean being critical of everything you hear, or thinking that just because you would have done something different, that the music that was made is as valid as any other expression.
When it comes down to it, we are the frame on the painting. Yes the frame can enhance the painting, but a great painting looks great even with no frame. On the other hand no one hangs empty frames to look at.
