In article ,
Arny Krueger wrote:
Pray tell what determines a vocal mic, oh potty mouthed
one?

Vocal mics are usually fairly narrow cardioids, supercardioids or
hypercardiods, balanced for close working and have a built-in pop filter.

You're describing one used for a gig. Not studio or home recording, etc.
One of the most popular vocal mics ever for studio use is the Neumann U87
- which is a very wide cardiod with little in the way of built in wind
gag.

I've used one of my NT-1as for a vocal mic with an external pop filter
and appropriate filtering. Because I had to add so much stuff to make
it effective, I would not call it a vocal mic. I would call it an
all-purpose mic.

Indeed - exactly what most need for home recording etc. Those will work
just fine on vocals with a decent wind gag. Whereas dedicated 'vocal' mics
like the SM58 sound horrid on vocals. Apart from at a gig where absolute
quality isn't an issue.

I have also used another general-purpose mic, a MXL 603s as a vocal mic
with an extenal pop filter. The external pop filter was not effective
enough at avoiding contamination of the diaphragm, and after a few
years of regular service it developed a number of problems that my
attempt to simply clean the built-up gunk off the diaphragm did not
fully alleviate.

Applies to any vocal mic used close. Including the SM58. But since it
starts out sounding horrid a little gunk on the diaphragm doesn't make
such a big difference.

--
*Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch *

Dave Plowman London SW
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