Ancient Astronaught wrote:Used Heil PR30. The PR30's IMO absolutely destroy anything else in the price range. The low end is monstrous yet clear, the midrange is smooth and natural and the high end is sweet and "hyped" yet notwhere near overbearing, they sound great on everything from drums to guitars to vocals and beyond. They are the next step up SM57, them shits sound great on everything.
You know, its a decent mic, but I always go for the 57 over the PR-30. It always feels a little too dead for me vs the 57. I am a huge fan of the pr40 though and the pr20 is a pretty good dynamic vocal mic. If you're buying something in the price range of the pr30, it might be worth it to pay the extra $75 for the upgrade (budget allowing). My partner, on the other hand, is a more of a fan of the pr-30. I generally use it when the pr-40 isn't around or on horns. Thing works great on horns.
PeteeBee wrote:Any thoughts on getting a 57beta over the regular? The shop was trying to talk me into the upgrade.
We have 2 Beta 57's at the office, and a solid amount of regular 57s. I can't remember the last time I actually used the beta's. They work fine, but not particularly better than an sm57. They have a tighter pattern, so they should work better on thing like close miked drums, but they also get a little more rear noise. I personally like some bleed in my drums, especially when you have a good drummer. Overall, I don't think it is worth the upgrade.