Hi everyone, thanks so much for your comments. They all make sense.

I went and got the Shure Beta 87A last night--condenser--so I could try out the difference. I'm sold. There was no contest in the recording quality.

So... since I can't return the brand-new Beta 58A, is anyone here in the market? I paid $140, barely used a couple of hours. I could still use it for going out live--but my guess is the 87 will be OK live.

Linda