Greetings friend and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Audix OM5 vs. Shure Beta 58A, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Today I will provide a no non-sense comparison of these two buddies, and then give a recommendation towards the end. ?
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both are dynamic microphones. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.
Differences
- Polar Pattern. The Beta 58A is super-cardioid while the OM5 is hyper-cardioid. The Beta 58A is super-cardioid while the OM5 is hypercardioid. What is a Cardioid capsule? This basically means that the Beta 58A has a smaller, more restrictive area that you can effectively sing into. The advantage is that it rejects sound from the sides better, but the downside is that you have to be pretty much directly in front of it to get the clearest frequency. The OM5 also has a bit more of a narrow pickup angle, but even more so than the 58A. It’s important to note though that super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid almost mean the exact same thing. So in essence, both of these mics have a small area in which you can effectively sing. Expect to “eat” both mics when you’re recording.
- Proximity Effect. The 58A has a greater proximity effect and also needs more EQ down low. The OM5 needs EQ in the mid-range and on particular vocals, but for the most part, it sounds pretty phenomenal raw.
- Isolation. The OM5 isolates better.
- On stage. The OM5 provides more gain before feedback in live situations, but the 58A is used more often in these same live scenarios. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, however.
- Placement. As mentioned before, because the OM5 is hyper-cardioid, you’ll have to really pay attention to where you’re standing in relation to the mic. You’ll want to be directly in front of it, and not be moving around a lot.
- Voices. The OM5 excels more with female voices and comes across as smoother overall. The 58A would do well with huskier baritone homies.
Final Word
Both of these would be great in a smaller, louder live setting. They both reject the sound of the drum kit, guitars, amps, etc. and both will reject feedback fairly well. However, the OM5 will probably do a better job of it.
So:
Better feedback rejection/artist sings right up on the mic = OM5.
If the artist tends to sing farther away from the mic = Beta 58A.
That said, I think the Sennheiser e945 and e935 outclass both. The 945 has the richness and clarity that the 58A lacks, it cuts through the mix better, it’s got more presence, the off-axis rejection is a little better, and its feedback rejection is also superior.
Check out the review of the e945!!
Both of these would be great in a smaller, louder live setting. They both reject the sound of the drum kit, guitars, amps, etc. and both will reject feedback fairly well. However, the OM5 will probably do a better job of it.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
If you’re more prone to singing off-axis, the e935 will probably be a better fit, as it’s a bit more forgiving. So if you’re a live vocalist who moves around a lot, the e935 is what you’re after.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Audix OM5 vs. Shure Beta 58A comparison.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
What do you think about these? Which is worth the investment? Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
