Microphone recommendations for live and recording?

[AegisPrime]

Hey everyone,

I have a friend that's been using his wireless SM58 for years and wants to try something 'better'.

His priority is a good, reliable wireless live-use microphone for his performances whereas I'm keen on him getting something that serve dual-use as an excellent live/studio mic.

Since he's rather conservative he's requested I get in a Shure Beta 58A to test but I'm pushing for him to take a look at the Beta 87A since I've heard it's a notable step up from the 58's and it's a condenser mic as opposed to a dynamic.

his price range for a complete wireless package (mic/receiver) is around £500/$600 - are their any other mics that I should be considering?

We plan to rent the 58A/87A for A/B testing prior to actually buying something so adding a few extra mics to the test is probably a good idea - thanks!

[RichieWitch]

My recommendation would be to continue using his favorite mic for performances and spend the budget on a good studio condenser mic. Dynamic mics work well on stage because they're durable, the tight pickup patterns prevent feedback, and their limited frequency response works favorably against handling and other noises on stage. These are all the reasons condensers do not work well on stage.

However, condenser mics are more sensitive sonically and have wider frequency ranges that make them perfect for working in the controlled sound environment of a recording studio where they are not going to be destroyed in the rough environment of a stage show.

I've known people to use dynamic mics in the studio because they want a certain character, but I've never heard of anyone getting condenser mics to work well on stage.

[solomute]

neuman sm57. All the rest seem to lack bass part.