What is the polar pattern of the Shure SM58?

The Shure SM58 features a cardioid pickup pattern. This meant it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front, while rejecting sound from the rear to help prevent feedback.

Does the SM58 require phantom power?

No, the SM58 is a passive dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power or any external power source to operate.

What is the difference between the SM58 and the SM57?

Both share a similar internal cartridge design, but the SM58 has a ball grille with a built-in pop filter for vocals. The SM57 has a smaller, flat-top grille intended for close-mic'ing instruments.

How does the SM58 handle movement on stage?

It includes an internal pneumatic shock mount. This system absorbs mechanical vibrations and significantly reduces handling noise when a performer holds or moves the microphone.

Is the SM58 suitable for recording in a studio?

While primarily a live microphone, its reliable sound and cardioid rejection make it a viable choice for studio vocals, particularly when a singer prefers the feel of a handheld mic.

What kind of cable does the Shure SM58 use?

The SM58 uses a standard 3-pin XLR connection. It requires a balanced XLR cable to connect to a mixer, audio interface, or PA system.

Can the SM58 be used for public speaking?

Yes, its focused pickup and built-in pop filter make it an excellent choice for public speakers who need their voice to be clear in busy or noisy rooms.

Is the SM58 durable enough for touring?

The SM58 is specifically built for the rigours of touring. Its heavy-duty construction is designed to survive drops and the physical demands of nightly use.

Does the SM58 have an on/off switch?

The standard SM58 model does not have a switch to prevent accidental muting during a performance, though a specific variant (SM58S) is available with one.

How does the SM58 compare to the Shure Beta 58A?

The Beta 58A has a supercardioid pattern for more isolation and a slightly brighter top-end response compared to the classic cardioid pattern and warmer sound of the SM58.

Why is the SM58 considered an industry standard?

It is favoured for its consistent performance, extreme durability, and the way its frequency response naturally complements the human voice in live mixes.

Does the SM58 come with any accessories?

Typically, the SM58 is supplied with a break-resistant microphone clip and a storage bag to protect it during transport.

Gear article

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM58 is a professional dynamic cardioid microphone specifically designed for vocal performances in live environments. It is widely recognised as an industry standard due to its durable construction, effective feedback rejection, and integrated shock mount system.

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History and Background

The Shure SM58 has established itself as a foundational tool in the music industry, particularly for touring and live sound reinforcement. Developed by Shure, it was designed to withstand the rigorous demands of the stage while providing consistent audio reproduction. Over decades of use, it has become a go-to choice for world-renowned performers across diverse genres.

Notable artists associated with the SM58 include Mick Jagger, Herbert Grönemeyer, Paloma San Basilio, and Cristina Branco. Its reputation for near-indestructibility has made it a staple in venues ranging from small clubs to international stadium tours.

Design and Key Features

The SM58 is engineered to handle the complexities of busy live environments. Key design features include:

Cardioid Pickup Pattern: The focused pickup helps the vocalist stand out by rejecting off-axis background noise from drums, amplifiers, and crowd ambience.
Internal Shock Mount: An advanced pneumatic shock-mount system reduces handling noise, allowing performers to grip the microphone without injecting unwanted thumps into the mix.
Integrated Pop Filter: A built-in spherical wind and pop filter helps tame harsh plosive sounds (such as 'p' and 'b' sounds), resulting in a cleaner vocal capture.
Rugged Construction: The microphone is built to survive the physical knocks of touring, ensuring reliability night after night.

Sound Character

The SM58 is known for its tailored vocal response. It provides a natural sound that is optimised for clarity and presence. By utilising its cardioid pattern, it maintains high gain-before-feedback, which is essential for loud stage environments. The frequency response is specifically tuned to highlight the human voice, ensuring it cuts through a dense instrumental mix without the need for excessive external processing.

Target Audience

The SM58 is primarily aimed at live vocalists, public speakers, and performers who require a dependable and straightforward microphone. It is highly suitable for:

Lead and backing vocalists in various musical genres.
Public speakers in auditoriums or lecture halls.
Touring professionals who need gear that can withstand frequent transport and use.
Performers such as Oleh Psiuk, Jan Dulles, Guus Meeuwis, and Daniil Leshchynskyi who require consistent performance tools.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Shure ecosystem, the Beta 58A offers a supercardioid pattern for even tighter isolation, while the SM57 shares similar internals but features a different grille optimized for instruments. For those seeking a different sonic profile, the Sennheiser e935 and e945 are common alternatives providing distinct frequency responses.

In high-end studio or broadcast settings, the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20 are often preferred, though they are significantly larger and typically more expensive. For specialised applications like blues harmonica, the Shure 520DX Green Bullet provides a unique 'lo-fi' character that the clean SM58 avoids.

Artists who play it

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Frequently asked questions

What is the polar pattern of the Shure SM58?: The Shure SM58 features a cardioid pickup pattern. This meant it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front, while rejecting sound from the rear to help prevent feedback.
Does the SM58 require phantom power?: No, the SM58 is a passive dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power or any external power source to operate.
What is the difference between the SM58 and the SM57?: Both share a similar internal cartridge design, but the SM58 has a ball grille with a built-in pop filter for vocals. The SM57 has a smaller, flat-top grille intended for close-mic'ing instruments.
How does the SM58 handle movement on stage?: It includes an internal pneumatic shock mount. This system absorbs mechanical vibrations and significantly reduces handling noise when a performer holds or moves the microphone.
Is the SM58 suitable for recording in a studio?: While primarily a live microphone, its reliable sound and cardioid rejection make it a viable choice for studio vocals, particularly when a singer prefers the feel of a handheld mic.
What kind of cable does the Shure SM58 use?: The SM58 uses a standard 3-pin XLR connection. It requires a balanced XLR cable to connect to a mixer, audio interface, or PA system.
Can the SM58 be used for public speaking?: Yes, its focused pickup and built-in pop filter make it an excellent choice for public speakers who need their voice to be clear in busy or noisy rooms.
Is the SM58 durable enough for touring?: The SM58 is specifically built for the rigours of touring. Its heavy-duty construction is designed to survive drops and the physical demands of nightly use.
Does the SM58 have an on/off switch?: The standard SM58 model does not have a switch to prevent accidental muting during a performance, though a specific variant (SM58S) is available with one.
How does the SM58 compare to the Shure Beta 58A?: The Beta 58A has a supercardioid pattern for more isolation and a slightly brighter top-end response compared to the classic cardioid pattern and warmer sound of the SM58.
Why is the SM58 considered an industry standard?: It is favoured for its consistent performance, extreme durability, and the way its frequency response naturally complements the human voice in live mixes.
Does the SM58 come with any accessories?: Typically, the SM58 is supplied with a break-resistant microphone clip and a storage bag to protect it during transport.

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