Reddit reviews Shure Microphone Mount (A2WS-BLK)

SM57 is an all purpose mic for both vocals and instruments. It's very popular for electric guitar cabs especially, as well as drums (snare, toms, hi-hat—not kick or overhead).

SM58 has an EQ curve more suited to vocals, but you can use a 57 on vocals too.

There are two main differences between the two mics in terms of frequency response. First is that the SM57 gives you a slightly hotter output above 5 kHz compared the 58. Second, the SM57's mic element is physically closer to the screen inside the capsule versus the 58's. What this means it that when you are close-mic'ing, you will get slightly more proximity effect (increased bass response) from a 57 versus a 58. This is especially apparent on an electric guitar cab if you put the mic right up against the grill cloth.

The main difference aside from the EQ curve is that the 58 comes with a better windscreen/pop filter that is more suited to singing or talking into outdoors, and also handles pops and sibilance better (pops are the loud sounds you get when you pronounce "p" sounds and sibilance is the hissing sound you get when you pronounce "s" sounds).

Both are workhorse cheap and workhorse tough. They are widely available used and nearly indestructible. If you get an SM57 and you want a better windscreen, Shure sells them separately for $15.

For primary use on an electric guitar cab, between those two, you want an SM57.

There are other options too, though. Granelli Audio Labs makes a mic called the G5790 which is basically a copy of the Shure SM57 but with a 90-degree angle, making it easier to place on cabs, and also getting into tighter spaces on a drum kit (for toms, snare, etc).

You might also check out a Sennheiser e609. They are a bit punchier than SM57s. Also they are side-address, and they are super-cardioid so they exhibit less proximity effect (increased bass response when close-mic'ing) compared to a cardioid SM57. Another good choice is the Audix i5. They are all pretty comparable.

If budget is an issue, I'd buy used, though. As I said SM57s are indestructible and there's nothing wrong with saving $20-50 on a used one.

So for the windscreen, I found two:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=68646&gclid=CKPjgdTh970CFUgA7AodPGgA0A&Q=&is=REG&A=details

And

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002NIP98?pc_redir=1397926513&robot_redir=1

I'm thinking the second because of its price and build. But I can't help but feel that the first would produce a cleaner, smoother sound.

>Im worried that being that the AT2020 is a cardioid mic

I think you mean that the AT2020 being a condenser mic not a cardioid mic. The AT2020 is both a cardioid and a condenser mic, but the "cardioid" refers to the polar pattern and "condenser" refers to the type of transducer. You definitely want to get a cardioid or hypercardioid microphone.

Condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones. That means that they pick up your voice from further away but also pick up more background noise. Condenser microphones also general will record a more accurate respresentation of the sound input (they sound better). Generally you want a condenser mic about 6-8" from your mouth pointed directly at you (or slightly off-axis) and directly away from any background noise.

Dynamic microphones are less sensitive so they don't pick up as much background noise but they also generally need to be closer to the sound source. They also don't have as good audio quality for lower end microphones. Generally you would want a dynamic mic 3-4" from your mouth pointed directly at you (or slightly off-axis) and directly away from any background noise.

If you have $300 to spend on an interface and microphone then I suggest spending more of it on the interface and less on the mic and then upgrading the mic in the future if needed. That is because some of the lower priced interfaces will introduce noise into your system. There are two main styles of interface. There's the tube amp style (think Scarlett 2i2 or Presonus audiobox 2x2) and there are mixing boards (think Behringer Xenyx or Yamaha MG10XU). For your price range the tube amps will give you better sound but you won't be able to adjust it as much hardware-side. The mixing boards will give you much more control over your audio but with slightly reduced quality. since you are streaming I highly recommend going the mixing board route, but that is up to you. Personally I love my Mackie ProFX8V2 ($200) but the Yamaha MG10XU ($200) is basically made for streamers. I like my Mackie because it has audio inputs which allows you to easily add hardware effects (EQ, compressors, gates, etc). The Yamaha has a very simple built-in compressor that you might find useful.

If you want to go the audio interface route then I highly suggest the Steinberg UR242 ($170) or the Presonus Audiobox 44VSL ($200). These will give you the best sound for your money. I have tried every one of these interfaces and mixing boards and these 4 are my favorite. The Scarlett gave me huge problems and has also given all of my content creator friends issues.

Now for microphones. You mentioned that you wanted the SM7b but did not want to price tag. The SM7b is basically an upgraded version of the SM58 ($100) and SM57 ($100). The SM58 is geared slightly more towards vocals while the SM57 is geared slightly more towards insturments, however they are very similar. These microphones are nearly indestructible, are the go-to microphones for live stage performances, and the SM57 is what President Obama used for every one of his speeches. It has This cover on it. I highly recommend either microphone and they will pair well with your $200 interface and sits right in your $300 budget.

If you have any questions please let me know, I would be happy to help.

Got it! There may be some merit to that. It might be worth trying an SM58 to see if it makes a difference. Otherwise it might be smart to get a windscreen for the SM57 at least (one of those foam things that cover the end of the mic). Shure makes this one https://www.amazon.com/Shure-A2WS-BLK-Black-Locking-Windscreen/dp/B0002NIP98

I'm actually the same - I used to record my own vocals on a 58 (and even tried a sennheiser 421) and the results were awful.

But I'm not a singer with a powerful voice. I also recently recorded on an SM7B and loved the results so much better.

My point was that everyone should have a 57 and/or a 58 in their bag, but the important thing is to know what they're good for. Also, I have a friend who's a professional audio engineer, and he swears that if you put the matched wind screen on a 57 it makes it much more usable for vocals.

My other point was that, if you already have a 57 or 58, there's really no point in getting rid of them. The resale value is not going to get you to a better mic, and they're so useful. It would be like selling a trusty hammer to try and buy a power tool.

I would go for this mic setup instead:

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM57-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0000AQRST/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NIP98/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002GZOSA/