Boost EQ or Use a Different Vocal Mic: June 2017 Subscriber Question of the Month
Shure Notes® email newsletter subscribers submit their burning audio questions every month. This month, we explore solutions for great vocals that don't quite cut through the mix.
Fred from Maiden Rock, WI, asked:
I work with a great female vocalist whose voice just doesn't quite cut through the mix. I use an SM58® with her. Should I experiment with EQ, or would a different mic make more sense?
Justin from Shure Product Support answered:
You certainly could try to EQ the vocal channel for some more "cut" before experimenting with different mics. Maybe start by boosting it at 3 KHz or somewhere in that region.
If you're interested in experimenting with different microphone options, the dynamic supercardioid BETA 58A® has a brighter sound than the SM58, which might help your situation. Additionally, I often hear that condenser mics, particularly the SM86 and BETA®87C, are great for female vocalists, so those might be worth a try.
On a related note, Sound on Sound published the chart below in October 2012. It correlates subjective audio quality descriptions with frequency ranges.
Subscribe to our newsletter. Get answers to your burning audio questions.
Do you have an audio issue that's driving you nuts? Are you wondering which mic, wireless system, headphone, or phono cartridge is best for you? You're not alone.
Find out more and subscribe here.
Also, we invite you to browse our product support team's FAQs database, filled with thousands of answers to customer questions on every audio topic imaginable.
