Best type of mic to avoid feedback and cut through the mix?

I'm a first-time lead vocalist (at age 57!) in a band that plays classic rock, Motown, and pop oldies. About 50% of the time we play, I am struggling with either not cutting through the mix or getting feedback. I dance around a lot and move into the crowd with a wireless, so I may cause more problems than most lead vocalists. I really like the sound of my EV RE410 cardiod condenser mic, but was wondering if I should have a back-up mic for those nights when the band or club soundman can't get it right?

In the reviews of various mics, vocalists attest to not having feedback problems and cutting through the mix with certain supercardiod, dynamic mics. Some reviewers also brag on the power and feedback-resistance of certain supercardiod condenser mics, like the Shure Beta 87a. If I need to go supercardiod, can I get by with a condenser (e.g., EV RE510), or should I have a supercardiod dynamic mic such as the EV N/D 767a? In general, I'm frustrated and would love some advice from some of you pros. Thanks!

HEY BRO

Definitely try out a supercardioid mic like the Beta 58A. It may help a lot.

Watch the angle of the mic relative to the monitors. Supercardioid, and to a lesser-extent regular cardioid, mics have some sensitivity directly behind them.

Have you tried using a noise gate? It could solve some feedback problems.

Also watch how you're handling the mic. Cupping your hands near, or right around the windscreen is just asking for feedback.

Much thanks! So if I go to a supercardioid, do you think that I can stay with a condenser or would it be smarter to go with supercardioid dynamic? Meanwhile, I need to look into noise gates.

HEY BRO

Good question! I'm not sure.

Condenser mics typically have a flatter frequency response than dynamics, so that might make them more feedback-prone at higher frequencies.

I'm sure someone here can correct me if I'm wrong.

This.

Based upon what you have said, Condenser mics will be WAY too sensitive for this application.

Once you get a good mic, the noise gate will not be an issue.

I am assuming you know not to point the mic at the monitors, etc.

I have a AKG D-5 and LOVE it. It's a supercardoid dynamic mic. I play and sing in a loud 3 piece rock band. This mic does the trick and then some.

Thanks! I'll definately check out the AKG D-5. I love testing mics. Does anyone else have a mic to suggest for cutting through the mix and avoiding feedback?

There is an audix that is supposed to be good for rejection Always had good luck with EV n/dym dynamic series.

90% of the time, if you can't hear yourself, it's the drummer hitting too hard which in turn causes the rest of the band to turn up, or it's in your mix. I always found that my vocals cut through better if I boosted the highs and lows and cut the mids slightly. But IMO the real problems happen because the other players, play with no dynamics and they play too loud. They play right over the singer. Especially with the type of music you're playing.

But it's amazing what happens when the drummer backs off, the lead guitar leaves space for the voice, the bass player turns down.

I was in Vegas listening to this killer band, (They were playing the same type of music as you) and I couldn't believe how crystal clear the sound was, and they had earphones on their bass player, and they had a plexiglass screen around their drummer.

But these volume wars start in bands and the vocals really suffer....

Tried a bunch O' mics, went back to a Beta 58. Works for me.