Product reviews are done by Johnny Ferreira –
Professional Musician, Recording Artist, and Home
Recording Studio Owner and Enthusiast.
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Shure SM58 Review

 

Shure 58 – Cardioid pattern microphone with an upper-midrange presence peak makes it ideal for the live stage.

 

sm58-shure

 

Internally the SM57 and the SM58 Shure are identical mics… the difference being only in outer design: the 58 has the round ball mesh covering the internal windscreen. This distance cuts wind noise and also diminishes some of the hi frequency response.

 

For vocals, this makes the Shure 58 ideal on the live stage whereas the 57 would work better in the more controlled studio environment… as far as vocals go anyway.

 

The Shure SM58 Price at Amazon.com is $99

 

The Shure 58 is a cardioid polar pattern microphone, which means it has a wider pickup pattern at the front verses the narrower responding hyper-cardioid pattern. To get the fullest sound possible from the 58 you need to literally be right on top of the screen, singing from even a few inches away will sound thin with no bottom end.

 

This can work well to cut down on feedback problems. Even though it's widely recognized and used, there are better sounding mics in the top end of the frequency response. You could boost the EQ up there, although in some cases this risks the feedback possibility.

 

Considering the Shure SM58 price it still has got to be one of the most toughest and durable mics ever built, even if you drop it from a high enough distance you probably won't damage anything except maybe dent the ball screen which can easily be replaced.

 

Shure SM58 Review Features:

 

  • Cardioid pattern for maximum gain before feedback & rejection of off-axis sound
  • Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for vocals
  • Brightened midrange and bass roll off to control proximity effect
  • Advanced shock mount system that minimizes noise and vibration
  • Steel-mesh grille and enamel-coated metal construction resist wear and abuse
  • Effective built in pop-filter reduces wind and breathe noise
  • Furnished with zippered storage bag and break-resistant stand adapter
  • Extremely durable under the heaviest use

 

Of course different situations call for different mics and for the most part a Shure 58 is tough to beat for most live situations… that's why sound companies carry tons of them around. Personally I've never enjoyed this mic in the studio because I have always found better options but it's a well known fact that U2's singer Bono prefers this mic in the recording studio as well as on stage, so there you go.

 

Shure SM58 Review Video


Can't Beat Amazon.com for Shure SM58 Price

 

The Good
  • Great for live stage due to it's excellent low feedback capability
  • Very versatile in the studio
  • Inexpensive and very durable
The Bad
  • Not bright enough in the high frequency to be considered a great studio vocal mic (even if Bono doesn't agree)
  • Does not have good pick up from more than a few inches away – singer needs to literally be touching it for full results

 

What other users said about it:

 

  • "I have been using the Shure SM58 microphone for over two decades of live performance. It is simply the best affordable microphone available for lead or backing vocals"
  • "For about $99 you have invested in microphone that will be with you most of our life"
  • "If you're just starting your professional career, this is the microphone you need"

 

The Shure 58 price has been a steady $99 for many years now and you can find a used one for about $65… but you might want to get a clean new screen if you go the used route!

 

Best place to get it online:

Amazon.com is hands down for price, delivery etc.

 

Please leave a comment if you enjoyed my Shure SM58 Review