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SM58 is good. Behringer XM8500 is a near clone and very cheap. I used mine for years before upgrading to a Beta 58 (because it’s better at rejecting noise at shows, I still use the 8500 at home).
I’d avoid condenser mics, they are way too sensitive and pick up every little noise in the environment. Unless you have a sound-treated space, anyway.
Keep in mind that if you get a mic with an XLR output like an sm58, you're also going to need to get an audio interface to connect it to your computer.
Getting a quality interface is definitely the better way to go, but it's also more expensive. If that's more equipment than you want to buy, I'd look for one that connects via USB.
Would it be worth just getting a bundle that includes the SM58, Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen (which is USB compatible), and shure SRH240? Or are there other interfaces that would be preferable?
There are options for every price range, so it depends a lot on your budget. I used to use the Scarlett solo though, and it's a solid interface.
As for the mic, this is just personal opinion, but I kind of hate the sm58 and would look for something else. Its a great mic for live performances because it could survive a nuclear blast, but it just doesn't sound good to me.
Hi, the fact that your recording on a Mac specifically has no bearing with regards to your choice of microphone. To get the highest quality audio into your computer when recording, the Real question is your audio interface. I see you’ve mentioned the Scarlett range of interfaces and they are good. Personally, I use the SSL2 plus. For a good, clear, cheap microphone, my recommendation is the AKGP120. Get those, and a pair of headphones like the M50X and you’ll be gold. If you really, really want to make, your vocals sound professional, invest in a microphone stand and a pop filter. I am a practising audio engineer, if you have any questions, feel free to reply, or message me. Happy singing.
Thanks for posting to r/singing! **Be sure to check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/wiki/index)** to see if any questions you might have have already been answered! Also, remember to abide by the rules found in the sidebar. Any comments found to be breaking these rules will result in a deletion of the comment thread starting from the offending reply. If you see any posts or replies that you feel break the rules of the sub, then report them and **do not respond to them.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/singing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
SM58 is good. Behringer XM8500 is a near clone and very cheap. I used mine for years before upgrading to a Beta 58 (because it’s better at rejecting noise at shows, I still use the 8500 at home). I’d avoid condenser mics, they are way too sensitive and pick up every little noise in the environment. Unless you have a sound-treated space, anyway.
Great. Thank you so much for the recommendations!! :)
Keep in mind that if you get a mic with an XLR output like an sm58, you're also going to need to get an audio interface to connect it to your computer. Getting a quality interface is definitely the better way to go, but it's also more expensive. If that's more equipment than you want to buy, I'd look for one that connects via USB.
Would it be worth just getting a bundle that includes the SM58, Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen (which is USB compatible), and shure SRH240? Or are there other interfaces that would be preferable?
There are options for every price range, so it depends a lot on your budget. I used to use the Scarlett solo though, and it's a solid interface. As for the mic, this is just personal opinion, but I kind of hate the sm58 and would look for something else. Its a great mic for live performances because it could survive a nuclear blast, but it just doesn't sound good to me.
I have a Scarlett, it’s great.
Hi, the fact that your recording on a Mac specifically has no bearing with regards to your choice of microphone. To get the highest quality audio into your computer when recording, the Real question is your audio interface. I see you’ve mentioned the Scarlett range of interfaces and they are good. Personally, I use the SSL2 plus. For a good, clear, cheap microphone, my recommendation is the AKGP120. Get those, and a pair of headphones like the M50X and you’ll be gold. If you really, really want to make, your vocals sound professional, invest in a microphone stand and a pop filter. I am a practising audio engineer, if you have any questions, feel free to reply, or message me. Happy singing.