KVR Audio

noizetronic · Post by **noizetronic** » Wed Sep 14, 2022 4:52 pm

Stupid question day!

While i have made mixed experiences with 2nd hand large condensers, i'm still toying with the idea of getting a pair of used dynamic microphones. There would be no capacitance slowly fading away, no? So, if they had not been used as makeshift hammers, should i go for it?

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Wed Sep 14, 2022 7:32 pm

Depends... What model do you have in mind? What will you be using them for?

noizetronic · Post by **noizetronic** » Wed Sep 14, 2022 9:29 pm

I'm thinking about some Shure SM58s for mostly sampling but also the occasional guitar or vocal recording. The net is full with praises about their robustness, but do they somewhat keep their characteristics while ageing?
The large condensers had quite different output levels, but, to be fair, this also could have been caused by different batches or changes in manufacturing, apart from the wear - also, fading capacitance.

justin3am · Post by **justin3am** » Wed Sep 14, 2022 10:28 pm

Yeah, depends. Dynamics are generally more durable but it's crazy how poorly some people treat their gear (:oops:). I have bought a few dynamic mics second hand, but only when the price is good enough to eat the loss if there is a problem, or if it's like new-old-stock, still in the original packaging.

I bought a second hand RE15 not long ago and I've been on the look out for an MD409 but these aren't made anymore so the only option is to buy used. Luckily I got to try the RE15 before I paid for it.

I'm not sure I would buy an SM58 used without trying it, unless it was in great condition and the seller was asking like $15.

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Wed Sep 14, 2022 11:27 pm

It's been a few decades, but I bought used SM58s and SM57s back in my starving artist/soundman days. I bought some that looked a little beat up, but never had any problems with them. I don't recall noticing any differences in sound quality between them, but I also don't think I ever intentionally did any A/B comparisons. I just recall that they were workhorse mics that were dependable, although I did need to replace the grills on some SM58s, since they can get pretty funky after some big hairy dude had been sticking it halfway down his throat during a couple hundred gigs.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Thu Sep 15, 2022 12:30 am

I have one SM58 which I got second-hand more than 30 years ago. It's a good workhorse microphone that I've used on everything from drum kits and guitars to field recordings. If you're able to test that the mics work properly, are clean and the price is right, I'd say "go for it".

noizetronic · Post by **noizetronic** » Fri Sep 16, 2022 11:48 am

Unfortunately, testing is not an option over here, and the only mic i saw for chump change would require several hours of arduous cleaning. Nevertheless, you have confirmed my plan. Thank you!

justin3am · Post by **justin3am** » Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:22 pm

SM58 is one of the most durable mics ever made. It can survive most things, including being doused with beer. You're probably safe but no way to know for sure. I just tend to be pretty cautious about these things.

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:39 pm

The SM58 is a durable workhorse. Not sure though it's fit for your purpose. It's good for very loud sound sources. It usually takes quite a bit of EQing to improve its sound.

You're gonna go sampling. But what? For softer sounds an electret is more suitable imho.

noizetronic · Post by **noizetronic** » Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:26 am

I have done a lot of field recording / sampling with the built-in mics of various portable recorders already; i'm just looking to fill in gaps and go external if the situation demands it. The SM58 seems to shine with vocals and very dynamic things like drums or trains, so that's what i want it for.
Desinfection seems to be a good idea. I guess we all know how to do that by now.

Would you recommend getting a used dynamic microphone?