Instrument Mics

[jswingchun]

I know the Behringer XM8500 is thought of as a solid low budget replacement for an SM58. Anybody have any thoughts on a similar bargain on a decent instrument mic? I'm thinking mostly for guitar cabs. I had an SM57 fail and I would like to pick up a couple of replacement mics.

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

The Carvin 57 knockoff works well.

[byacey]

I'm surprised you had an SM57 fail. Aside from the plastic windscreen shell, these mics will withstand a lot of abuse. In fact, I've heard stories that the sister mic, the SM58 could be used as a shingle hammer to do a roof, and then later used on stage with no ill effects.

[rotebass]

The Audix i5 is a popular replacement for, or supplement to, the SM57. I've used one live but don't own any, the sound as good as the 57 but I can't comment on the durability.

You could always just buy more 57s, most companies I've worked with/for have dozens of them in the mic cabinet.

[Grant Bunter]

If the housing of your 57 is still ok, get a trashed body one cheap of da bay and swap out the capsule/head. Much cheaper than buying a replacement unit.

I've heard it said that drummers can pop a 57 capsule with one perfectly placed tap. That would be the drummers who thrash IMO, I can't recall hitting a mike in my lifetime of playing.

ISK (if you can find them where you are) make a 57 rip off, model number DM-57. According to reviews it out57's a 57, about 1/3 of the RRP.

[Gregory East]

I'm quite happy with XM8500 for guitar cab. Guitar player is welcome to bring his own, yeah right!

[byacey]

JTS also makes a 57 and 58 knock off; essentially a carbon copy, visually and sonically.

[Benj Ross]

I use the gls audio es57. There have bee several occasions where I had a sm57 on something and switched it out because the es57 sounds a good deal better. A little more open pickup pattern from my experience, but not in a bad way. I love it for acoustic instruments.
$85 for a three pack and their mic cables are a good deal too. Good ends. Not neutrik, but still very good.

Benj

[Grant Bunter]

jswingchun,
sorry to sidetrack, but Benj you have some serious spelling errors on your page(s)

[jswingchun]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, didn't get back earlier cuz it was a gig weekend. I will check into them!!

[jswingchun]

I'm surprised you had an SM57 fail. Aside from the plastic windscreen shell, these mics will withstand a lot of abuse. In fact, I've heard stories that the sister mic, the SM58 could be used as a shingle hammer to do a roof, and then later used on stage with no ill effects.

The little plastic circle on the top of the capsule detached, breaking the tiny little copper wire that attaches from it to the capsule.

[jswingchun]

I use the gls audio es57. There have bee several occasions where I had a sm57 on something and switched it out because the es57 sounds a good deal better. A little more open pickup pattern from my experience, but not in a bad way. I love it for acoustic instruments.
$85 for a three pack and their mic cables are a good deal too. Good ends. Not neutrik, but still very good.

Benj

Wow! The reviews on the GLS Audio ES-57 are great! I read a sh*t ton of reviews and only saw one bad one. I think I'm going to order one (or the three pack) to try.

[Benj Ross]

I was hesitant to buy cheap mics, but these perform well. I think you'll be happy with them.

@ grant: If you are referring to my posts, fast typing on an iphone. My apologies. It seems, though, that you are referring maybe to my website? It needs a lot of work still and yes I am aware that it has not been proofed very well. Thanks for reminding me. It got shunted to the back burner while working 7 days a week all summer.

Benj

[Grant Bunter]

Hey Benj,
No biggy if the spelling errors are here, I was only worried about the odd one or two on your website...

[Benj Ross]

^
Thanks Grant!