Karaoke Forums

I know many people use Shure mics from the site. I have used Shure, Audix and Audio- Technica. I would just like to point out Shure isn't the only way to go. I've used Audix now for about 5 years. They are an all American made mic that in my experience has the quality of Shure mics. I pay about $100 or less a mic and when they break are replaced for free. I've only had one break from abuse and replacing it was a breeze.

The reason this came to mind is I lost a set screw in one of them and called Audix to order a replacement screw. I was so impressed with their service. When I called I reached an actual person (not an automated voice). They took my name and address and are shipping out replacement set screws at NO CHARGE. How often does that happen.

I'm not knocking other mic brands. I just wanted to point out that there are other options out there.

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I absolutely agree, Babs - we use Audix for live stuff and interchange them with our karaoke gear at times. Audix makes a great product and should never be ruled out as a comparable mic to the Shure.

k

Which model #'s are you using ?

I use OM-2.

Shure has such a strong brand name that a lot of people think it is the only thing to use. I've always been a little hesitant to mention it on the boards because of that. But I have had nothing but excellent luck with them. I can't tell how many times they've been dropped and never broke. I even have one that has a dent in the cover.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Yes Babs, Audix is a great company and they seem to put a lot of quality and care into their mics. I almost had a job there once. The company headquarters is about 8 miles away.
www.audixusa.com

My two front karaoke mics are an OM5 and a Beta 58. The Audix is usually preferred by the ladies. It has a bit lighter tone with more top end sheen. The Shure is beefier and the one the guys usually grab.

The tonal differences are not obvious to hear in my current room because the acoustics are so bad. That, and the fact that we're running loud, is the reasoning behind hypercardoids.

Audix's vocal and kick mics are in a lot of professional touring rigs. It's a quality line.

Babs, If you like your Audix-OM-2, which I also prefer over a Shure-SM-58, next time you are at your local music store, try a AUDIX-OM-6 it has a tighter pick-up pattern, higher gain before feedback, and crystal clear uncolored sound, similar to a condenser microphone, but you will have to refine your mic tecnique when you sing into it, you have to practicaly eat it when you use it but it is worth the extra hundred bucks in my opinion.

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Man Must Know His Limitations -Clint Eastwood

Thanks Tommie - I was actually wondering about the other models by Audix. I've only used the OM-2.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

I like the OM-2 as well. I use it for my home practice, though I could easily use it for gigs.

I find that using a supercardioid like the OM-6 for karaoke begs for problems. A lot of singers can't properly position that mic, so I would only give it to experienced singers.

The OM-2, like the SM-58 and my other favorite karaoke mics (Senn. 835 and EV Co9) is a cardioid pattern. It doesn't have as much gain before feedback of course, but I find that we don't operate at the volume levels that make that important. If you are turning things up to help a singer that doesn't sing into the mic, the supercardioid is not helpful anyway.

Hey Mcky - You could probably answer this question. Why is it when a male singer insists on singing with his mouth on the mic it creates a hollowy reverby sound. Almost like they are in a trash can. I have a singer that insists on eating the mic when he sings no matter what I say. I can't seem to detract from this naturally made effect no matter what I adjust.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

It is called proximity effect. It is present in any cardiod pattern mic to some extent. It is actually a desirable feature -- you can limit downsides by having compression on the mic channel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity_effect_(audio)

what I hate is guys who eat the mic, then cup it from behind...its gunna sound like crud and you can't fix it

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

I fix it with the fader -- minus 60db and there is no further problem....

Audix is very popular here in Oregon as their corporate headquarters is in Woodburn Oregon. They have a great warranty and will replace any D.O.A. microphone sent in. I've only had to replace one.

My first Audix was an OM2 and I have a couple of OM5's They are great quality and I wish that they made Wireless mics as I would have purchased them.

I have a fair amount of SM58's as well. If they are EQ'd properly then they are hard to beat. Audix is every bit as good and both take a beating. I think the reason that Shure's are more dominant is the Brand Recognition and acceptance with most dealers.

Sennheiser makes an amazing microphone as well. Their evolution wireless products are excellent but the price is way out there.

Try the Audix OM5 sometime! If you have any feedback issues they will generally go away.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

We use the OM5's. In fact, when I was sharing fronting duties in a band not long ago I used the Audix OM5. I loved the sound. Seemed almost easier to sing through than the Shure (I used a cordless 58). Could have something to do with female v. male voice. Both of them are great, though.

k