Top 5 Microphones | For Singers | Thomann

Singer Flávio Martins from the Thomann Hotline checks out the Top 5 microphones for live singers and talks differences between the five. From the classic sm58 to modern hypercardioid mics like Audix OM-7 or Sennheiser e945.
Products used: tho.mn/018dl
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
Audix OM-7 | Hypercardioid
0:20 Talking
1:42 Singing
Audio-Technica AE 6100 | Hypercardioid
3:00 Talking
5:14 Singing
The T-Bone MB85 Beta | Supercardioid
6:32 Talking
8:07 Singing
Sennheiser E945 | Supercardioid
9:16 Talking
10:43 Singing
Shure SM58 | Cardioid
11:53 Talking
11:56 Comparison of all five microphones
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[@jerryhollis8155]

The Audix OM-7 has been my mix of choice for nearly 15 years. I’ve tried others, but always come back to the Audix.

[@TransplantHelper]

You are very talented. To my ear the Sennheiser was the winner for it clarity and richness. Great comparison

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Our very own Flavio is an incredible singer indeed

[@williamklimek9676]

Flavio voice is extraordinary, and I agree with the others on the Sennheiser e945, which I have as a premium mic for a typical gig, with a knowledgeable vocalist who understands the dynamics between vocalist and microphone. Only issues are placement so as to avoid bleed, such as cymbal accents, etc. in live situation.

[@1985LISS]

I like both the seinheiser and I see everyone with the sm58 I got an upgrade of the 57 beta but i think sennheiser wins for it enhanses the voice. so since i got some money i buy both and compare :D

[@pamelak3800]

This was by far the best I've seen with microphones. Got right to the point of singing, love your talent by the way. I enjoyed it very much, thank you.

[@pozzthanapat]

Love how natural this review is

[@JohnMurphyabc]

Outstanding video.. Thank you for the evaluations.. I looked a while to find a good comparison video.. Wish you did a little more on the SM58 but I understand, practically everyone has one... Thanx

[@voiceofprime]

Thanks for the thoughtful video! I really like your detailed demo and the fact that you sing the same song with all these mics :)

[@BrickDesignerNL]

Audix OM-7 | Hypercardioid 0:20 Talking 1:42 Singing Audio-Technica AE 6100 | Hypercardioid 3:00 Talking 5:14 Singing The T-Bone MB85 Beta | Supercardioid 6:32 Talking 8:07 Singing Sennheiser E945 | Supercardioid 9:16 Talking 10:43 Singing Shure SM58 | Cardioid 11:53 Talking 11:56 Comparison of all five microphones

[@qwert2020]

13:14 Singing

[@paulcope834]

What a lovely review and great vocals. Well done.

[@JoyElectric567]

You actually have a good voice. Kudos! It's not often we see that in these product videos.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Great comparison, man. Appreciate the match between your technical knowledge and the fact that you can clearly sing!

[@theshadaeofficial]

I love how you explain about the microphones and also demonstrate, when you started purple rain (my fav) that just topped it for me to subscribe.

[@terencetay6617]

Stellar effort and great voice!

[@tadair705]

I have the e935 and I have to say you are correct sir. The Sennheiser has much more clarity unlike the others that sounded "muddy". It also brings out the subtle nuances of your voice. Great choice!

[@fastacesus8499]

The 935 is heads and shoulders above anything else I have ever used.

[@SPDATA1]

As a lead vocalist I have used SM58 since 1991 but this Sennheiser is crisp, clarity and crystal clear. I will use it with my TC HELICON VoiceLivePlayer GTX for now on...GREAT VOICE BTW!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thanks Stefan! //cheers, Kris

[@EricReyes80]

Great Tutorial!! Awesome Vocals!!! Thank you!!

[@pluggedinplayerful]

Mate out of nowhere you just broke into singing Prince... And nailed it!! Nice one.

[@larbueno]

You've a gorgeous voice, dude. This is a fine mic comparison. I'll have to stick with my 58 for now.

[@c2pascual]

this narrowed down my search for a mic. Thank you. and the Purple rain demos were great!

[@ushemp]

Good Job Thanks. You proved the the Sure 58 is the work horse of the industry.

[@hotorangetechtalk7971]

Thanks for the great videos, It has inspired me to create my own channel for all the tech guys here in South Africa. Thanks Again

[@merjaymermanph]

You are giving me an eargasm dude… i love everything about you… im also a singer

[@raviboddu]

Great demonstration. Can you please let me know how you recorded this along with music ? Is this captured with a live mic in camera, or recorded from mixer output to an interface (and software) ?

[@markgriffiths3262]

Love my audio technica for 2 yrs now!!

[@coldhardtruth333]

Dude, this is the best Microphone review ever .. You’re Awesome.. 🔥🔥🔥

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

I've been using the ae6100 for about 10 years, and I love it. I've used all of these other than that little cheap thing, and the 6100 suits me best. I own an e935 too, and I like it, but the 6100 is my most favorite so far.

[@vrod2144]

what makes it so good?

[@zacharysmithingell5460]

@@vrod2144 I like a few things about it. For one, they hypercardioid pattern makes it very resistant to feedback. The frequency response suits my vocal style and range nicely. But what I really love about it, especially compared to see Sennheisers I've used, is its resistance to plosives and handling noise.

[@pamelak3800]

You're the best, so talented!

[@michaelkhollidaysings426]

I'm doing pre shopping research,so far the $220.sennheiser e945 is my favorite because of your review.need my purchase to be hand held mic and $400.or less.thanks for great video

[@EliEli.MMOPVP]

Great singer and very informative video!! Can someone recommend a good preamp for the Sennheiser E945 please? I think this microphone sounds the best out of the 5, and I would love a great preamp suggestion, thank you.

[@hydrogene2270]

Thx to the show....and the time you give to yourself to do it...very interesting.

[@kpag3030]

You barely demonstrated the 58 vs the others, but as a vocalist, I like hearing the comparisons. I’m a 58 guy, but there were some good points to the others that are worth looking in to.

[@aTodaCreature]

Youre awesome my brother!!! Thank you.

[@07streetbob21]

Great Review! Great Voice!

[@SjaakShirly6559]

A real professional is testing here! Great review. Are they all dynamic mics? Or condensor too?

[@toheebolorunwa4127]

Dynamic

[@jmortonortiz5]

What does dynamic mic mean

[@StationOnLife]

Thank You for your video. It is very helpful and informative. Thank You

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

You're welcome!

[@idomusics]

Forget the mics. What a voice! Nice man!

[@bobbymehta1006]

OM7 1:52 / AE 6100 5:23 / MB85 Beta 8:08 / e945 10:45 // ALL 13:14 I really, really appreciated the entire presentation of this review and the exact microphones I was considering too. Great job!

[@Nighthawkclips]

This timestamp helps very much. Thanks

[@magosh]

Which one you went for?

[@johannesmaas4206]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting for me (as a guitar player adding also backing vocals)

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Johannes Maas you’re welcome!

[@tearitloosetearitloose4670]

The sm58 and the beta's will always be revelant. Great sounding mics and they can take a serious beating.

[@eyesontheprize6637]

My favourite with your voice is the Audio Technica for some reason. Sounds more mellow.

[@Soothing.Healing.Calming.]

Great video! It was very informative! What are yout thoughts on Sure Beta 58A compared to Sehnheisser?

[@petehixson9046]

good job, nice comparison, and a truly great voice.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Thank you! Yes Flávio has a great voice.

[@oyablackburn9699]

Thank you for this video, it’s very helpful. 🙏🎤 🤗

[@arcanics1971]

Nice. I have a clone of the SM58 and it's a brilliant mic, but I bought it of course because of my experience with the real Sure version. I prefer this mic because I like to record acoustic guitar and vocals quickly in succession without having to change the set up- bedroom studio, so limited room- and it is good for both. Having said that the Sennheiser E945 sounded really good here and I will need a better vocal mic soon. I will definitely be considering this one. Thanks, helpful video as ever, Thomann!

[@waltrodrygo6216]

Wow! You have a very nice voice! And the best for me is Sennheiser..

[@mohsenfarahani4440]

I waited for a quarter to see how does shure perform when you talk with but you just ommited that!

[@axe2grind911a]

What is the mic you're using clipped to your shirt? I like that one the best!

[@wstacey7616]

Thank you i'm a semi pro singer but with your tips i'll hopefully become a professional signer!!

[@leonruvalcaba1549]

Signer or singer?

[@therealxicojorge]

no you wont

[@RexyFan]

It’s been 2 years since your comment. How have you progressed over this time? Are you now a professional singer like you set out to be ??

[@awdiaz1962]

N-đ

[@awdiaz1962]

Mñ7mbjl nk7n

[@BrickDesignerNL]

Would be interesting to see what mic people use most on KZbin when they have an successful channel and the money to choose the right one. Would also be nice to have a top 5 with only Cardioid. An other with only Supercardioid and a 3rd with only Hypercardioid.

[@robbmccain7140]

As a 64 yo experienced vocalist and guitarist and die hard SM58 user I'll say this.After my 30+ yo 58 went down a band member let me use a Seinhieser P935. Fell in love with it. My newest mic is a P945. It compares better than the best Shure mic for stage available. Peace,Love and Harmonies.

[@douglas5039]

How’s the comparison between 935 and 945 ? The 945 sounds clearer and stronger ?

[@christinekolyan5821]

And what about telefunken M81? Isn't it a great mic too? :)

[@Nancydhu]

I prefer the Sennheiser...thanks for putting this video together.

[@joelee5875]

HEIL PR 35 soooooooooooooooo good., That said I also own a couple e 945's

[@kyfisher3662]

Great videos, thank you

[@ONANISLAND]

To my personal opinion at this moment microphones are very close in response, so you have to test and choose the best for you. But theres no doub the most crash resistant is the sm 58 SHURE

[@asamisael2720]

I know im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can offer me

[@rayanturner3534]

@Asa Misael Instablaster :)

[@asamisael2720]

@Rayan Turner i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@asamisael2720]

@Rayan Turner it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out :D

[@rayanturner3534]

@Asa Misael No problem :)

[@GlobalKaraokeChannel]

Nice review Flavio and you are a very good singer!

[@dragosmingheras6345]

Great video and voice! Do more mic videos please, also some podcast mics (even USB ones will do)

[@loucleveland2448]

Very good video indeed. You¨re really good mate! In this video the Sennheiser sounds best, The original SM 58 has lost some steam and punch over the years, but I have been using the Shure SM 58 BETA since it first came out and I think nothing can beat it for live use.

[@ismailmanding592]

Love your voice

[@toodoomss]

Great singing btw 👏🏻

[@adamm2716]

i love your singing

[@Priestonwheel]

I use the Sennheiser for all vocal work and sounds incredible clean. I think the SM58 is the standard but now there are way much better microphones like the audix or the Sennheiser.

[@TusharRajyaguru]

Thanks for the video. Was looking for mic for Kareoke /singing and picked one SM58 and will get one e945. I guess speakers are equally important. If you can make some video/reply with some suggestions on good speakers for serious Karaoke set up and singing that will help. Btw, what was the speaker used in the video? I liked something compact like that but with simple to set cup and wireless capability.

[@marc_leblanc]

Great song choice!

[@paulhoneycutt6633]

I'm a fan of the Audix OM-6. The pickup pattern isn't as tight as the OM-7. I have an ancient SM-58 but I don't use it that often. It's still a solid workhorse.

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Sennheiser E935 one of the best Dynamic Mics ... been using this model for years and have been very Please.

[@ninjabluewings]

I will buy all of them as long as the really sweet cutie demonstrating them comes with them xx

[@alexvls2]

good demonstration!

[@philcuore]

i replayed 5 times blind listening to the 5 mic at the end session, give me a Shure SM58 please ! !

[@hibbasc1]

I provide live audio services and the e945 makes a notable difference over the 58 especially with female vocals. It truly shines and this coming from someone who loves the KSM9 which I consider the finest vocal mic available at this time.

[@andyramirez883]

Sennheiser e945 More clear and better quality than the other microphones!

[@cdubb9781]

its also not a fair comparison. Different price levels for a reason. Providing live audio services should know this.

[@hibbasc1]

@@cdubb9781 price doesn’t always tell the story. There are plenty of $100 mics that sound better than those many times more. The V7 is a perfect example.

[@cdubb9781]

@@hibbasc1 you miss the point. you are comparing mics that are not the same build level, hence price difference. at least use each brands equivalent. and again, just try out for the voice

[@EzyoMusic]

I use a Shure Beta 57A for electric guitar or vocals depending on what I need it for. Are there other mics that you'd recommend that would work for multiple sources? I'm afraid I might finally have to give in and get the Shure SM7B. But it's expensive. :|

[@OwenAdamsMusic]

I think for live shows, go with the 58 all day! Would love to hear the same mic comparison with *compression and EQ* added - if it's a situation where you gotta go totally dry for some reason, the brighter, hyped-up microphones would probably be more appropriate. Superb vocal performances!

[@brunorochate2071]

Hi Flávio. I am a professional singer an I'm on the market for a wireless mic and I'm undecided in what sennheiser one to get. G3, -G4 - 100, 300 or 500. Many thanks. Bruno

[@OMIMmusic]

I actually think the T-Bone compares quite ok with the others. I like its sound.

[@MAsWorld1]

They all sound absolutely fine! I don’t agree about the proximity problem of the audix, I think you were too close to it and over modulating it.

[@scaniawahl]

Neg, or Nec was little bit colder then the 58 but mor crispy. It was very cool to test it. Hope i buy that one before christmas😊

[@JAMBOXEntertainmentStudios]

I own several 58s but the Sennheiser sounds best here!

[@blueslsd]

Really good video many thanks, apart from the Audix there isn't a lot in it in all fairness. Very few singers would stay that close on a mic re Audix.

[@gerlar67]

Just on a vocalists point of view, can you demonstrate any EV mic as to me, they are above and beyond anything you have featured in this video. Also good singing young man.

[@TheAhmedAlshamy]

Gerry Larkin yes, and sE too?

[@konstantinsalafountidis5966]

please, make the same way review of Ev nd (76, 86, 96) Thanks

[@saltaybrincaful]

Great voice

[@fastacesus8499]

The Sennhiser is the best of the bunch - my personal vocal mic. However I also own a T Bone MB85. Honestly its a good mic...

[@sallybowles2781]

this video is so good, I almost forgive Thomann for only sending me broken or moldy things (both orders) and not refunding me

[@danu6284]

thaynx bruhthr 💗 super handee good singing thaynk u the shure sm58 duhz sound good and natural thaynx😃👍

[@brovasanthpaul]

I bought yesterday only thank You bro

[@jyun7360]

God! Sennheiser produces a very wide range of dynamics, sometimes it is not an advance while use on stage. BTW I really like your voice and this song!

[@ricardovilhena8454]

Wating for the top 5 guitar/bass cab microphone

[@arnolddealiii4259]

I've used Shure for years and only stumbled on this because I am looking for something that sounds better that a SM58. Sennheiser e945 to my ears was like pulling a blanket off the speaker. It was truly incredible.

[@williamkucharski934]

I agree, though remember the e945 is a supercardioid, which can cause issues if your singers use floor wedge monitors placed directly at their feet.

[@kimhansen6384]

Try a Beta 58 or the Elvis mic with a Beta 58 capsule.

[@craigshaw141]

William - Agreed. Super Cardioid and Hyper Cardioid both allow for some rear sound pickup although their front zone is tighter than regular cardioid. Research carefully, folks. FYI, I have an e835 mic which sounds great, although the external finish has worn off worse than expected. Maybe the new ones are more durable - but they sound awesome.

[@fare305]

I haven't tested the e945 but I'm a proud owner of the shennheiser e935 and it's great! Far superior to the sm58 and the beta58 imo.

[@competetodefeat4610]

I'm not entirely sure why to this day so many people worship the SM58. It becoming popular makes sense, but it's an old model that has long since been out done by other mics in the same price range. I'd take a e835 or e945 over a SM58 any day of the week.

[@mandelharvey3429]

Good talk. I think every microphone is made to do one thing better than the sm58. You should do the exact same talk with sm58 immitations including shures own pg48. I for one am on a cheap. So I have behringer Sampson and Pyle and nady and audio 2000 and real no names I use mostly and my Shure and synheizer are for guests. Each microphone can be disguised to an application where they'll sound good, but you gotta know sweetspots and keep it in it's lane. Right off the bat you didn't mention handling noise because these microphone are quality. A knockoff might have the same element and pickup but be Missing the insulation or mounting and may even sound better moving freeer but be bad for handling noise or feedback. You may find playing with budget cheap microphones entertaining. If a microphone sounds like dirt through a guitar amp it might be a world beater through a system with super tweeters.

[@OnlineMD]

I have a Bose S1Pro which has pretty poor Mic Preamps so the volume I get from a Dynamic microphone is poor. I've only owned Shure SM58 and Shure Beta 58A mics so far. I have to use a foam cover on these mics to avoid the popping and bopping sounds! :) So today I had to decide between an Audio Technica AE6100 and a Sennheiser e945. I chose the AE6100 because the info on the website states it has lots of protection against pops. Can't wait to try it out when it comes in a few days!

[@YahamogiProductionHouse]

sir which use camere

[@bennyfarinacci1340]

I'm thinking that the Sennheiser is crisp and clear .. yet the downfall with that comes feedback in a lot of live settings. I use a 58 with some eq to bring up some top end and put on a noise gate and feedback stays at bay.

[@vijay1700]

Is there any all-rounder (suitable for most applications like home or studio vocal and instrumental recordings, suitable for all kinds of instruments, suitable for live/stage, & vocals performances, suitable for podcasting, and suitable for vloggers/whatever!) kind of mic/microphone?

[@DakDario]

I have the Tbone, sounds very good

[@johnlackner1193]

Which one works the best when it comes to gain before feedback?

[@jimsy5530]

Today, I tried... AKG D7s, Blue Encore, Shure Sm58, Telefunken M80, Sennheiser E835, 845, 935, 945... The Sennheisers were excellent, except the 835, which sounded muffled. However, my issue with the 935 and 945 was exactly what this guy said here, it's too good a mic for me. You can hear my poor mic technique clearly, my 'plosives, S's and glottles were incredibly clear, in the end, I found the 845 to be perfect for me - enough give to hide some of my poor technique, but enough clarity and warmth to show off the better qualities of my voice.

[@jimsy5530]

Oh, and a BeyerDynamics mic too, can't remember which, but it and the AKG were good seconds to the 845, but the 845 was definitely the best of the bunch for my particular voice. I like the weight of the Sennheiser mics too.

[@ToddWCorey1]

Great video, great voice! Isn't it interesting how accents disappear when we sing?

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

I guess it’s all just sounds. //Andy

[@RIPTINY2293]

Definitely like if you hear Robert Pattinson singing It's so different from him talking

[@sworze4906]

how about the screaming and growling vocals?? what the best micrphone for live performance

[@jakethesound4586]

I've had great experiences with the Audio Technica AE6100 live. Needed little EQ and Compression and no feedback despite excessive cupping. Great and balanced mic for those kinds of genres.

[@joelpoitras6226]

Nice review! My favorite mic for my voice is the Sennheiser 845s. But for Live vocals on stage, the SM58 is the best multipurpose mic. With the other mics you got to focus on your mic&mouth position. Playing guitar, singing and harmonica at once is a very awful experience with the Sennheisers. The SM58 rules on that criteria, but for a standalone singer, sennheiser is best. That's my experience.

IF you're a singer that also plays guitar ... and maybe in a metalband, try the Audio Technica mb2k it is my alltime favorite or live use

[@gretchman]

The Audix is so good with controlling plosives. The difference between that and the others with regard to plosives and sibilant sounds is pretty stark imo. From an EQ perspective, it sounds a lot like Sennheiser HD6xx series headphones sound with that warm "veil", where the Sennheiser mic was a lot brighter and clearer.

[@LRM12o8]

But it sounds like shit. The Audix sounds like the microphone of a freaking gaming headset when he speaks into it, and when he sings it only sounds kinda ok, because he's a really good singer, but when he gets louder it's very uncomfortable because he has to keep the mic right against his lips even when belting. I wouldn't say that this mic is good for a singer. Or a speaker. ... What is it good for? 🤔

[@mohitrockssz7824]

Sir. ..Are you use audio interface..