SHURE SM58 DYNAMIC VOCAL MIC WITH SWITCH

SHURE SM58 DYNAMIC VOCAL MIC WITH SWITCH


The Shure SM58 is possibly the most widely used microphone for live vocals. It was introduced in 1966, and it has been an industry standard ever since. The SM58 comes in two different incarnations, the SM58 and the SM58S. These two variations are virtually the same microphone, with the only actual difference between them being that the SM58S also comes with a handy on/off switch, which makes it a tad more suitable for live vocal performances. The SM58 sells for a discounted price of $99.99, while the SM58S sells for a discounted price of $104.99.


The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional or cardioid, small diaphragm, dynamic microphone. Before we go further, I think that it would be important to define some of the terms that will be discussed in this review, so that the reader will have an enhanced understanding of the attributes of this microphone as it is being discussed.


The term “unidirectional” means that it is most sensitive or responsive to sounds that are coming directly at it from the front. Thus, it picks ups sounds best from one direction, specifically the front of the microphone. The term “cardioid” is sometimes used synonymously with the term unidirectional, as it indicates that the microphone’s sound pickup pattern focuses on the sound source that it is being pointed at, and it minimizes sounds coming from the sides or back of the microphone. The term “dynamic” refers to a type of microphone that uses a moving coil that does not require an outside electrical source to pick up sound waves (different microphones use different principles to achieve this, i.e., condenser microphones use a DC electrical voltage source). The term “small diaphragm” refers to a type of dynamic microphone that has a small diaphragm (some microphones have a large diaphragm, i.e., Electro-Voice RE20), and when the sound waves in the moving air impacts upon this diaphragm, the small moving coil (just described above) which is attached to the diaphragm moves, over a small permanent magnet, and this movement generates a small AC current, which in turn reproduces the sound which was being carried by the moving air and sound waves. In most cases, but certainly not all, small diaphragm microphones are typically used for hand held vocals, while large diaphragm microphones are typically used in situations that have high sound pressure levels, such as for recording a loud bass amplifier.


The Shure SM58 is a great all around microphone, but it especially shines when it comes to recording vocals, or for live singing. It has a built-in filter that reduces the “pop” sound and wind noises associated with certain singers. Because it has a unidirectional or cardioid pickup pattern, it picks up the sound source that it is pointed at, and tends to minimize the sounds coming from the sides or back of the microphone. The SM58 also has a frequency response (50 to 15,000 Hz) which is very suited to recording a singer’s voice, and it tends to brighten the midrange, with a simultaneous bass roll off.


Yes, but is the Shure SM58 really a professional, good quality microphone? With all of the super expensive condenser microphones out there to choose from, it was the Shure SM58 that Michael Jackson used to thicken up his vocals on the Thriller album. It is a microphone that tends to accentuate the warmth and clarity of the human singing voice.


The Shure SM58 is the overwhelming choice for live vocal performances. It is very sturdy, tough, and reliable, and that means it is a good microphone for the road. It has a good cardioid sound pickup pattern, which means that it will pickup less noise from the sides or back of the microphone. It has excellent feedback rejection, making it highly suitable for live performances. Go to any good night club that has a house PA, and you will find that the Shure SM58 is there. If you are watching the President of the United States give a news conference, the chances are quite high that the vocal microphone that will be at the podium is the Shure SM58 (a Shure SM57 is also a likely possibility). Watch the world’s most popular rock groups performing live, and the chances are also very high the hand holding the microphone will be holding a Shure SM58. Part of the reason for this is that the SM58 has a pneumatic internal shock mount system which cuts down of handling noise when the SM58 is being used as a hand held microphone. Another reason is that it is perfectly balanced in weight, shape, and size, and as such, if feels very comfortable in a singer’s hand, and it weighs in at only 10.5 ounces.


As is the case with all good quality cardioid dynamic microphones, the Shure SM58 profits from the so called “proximity effect.” Simply put, the proximity effect happens when a cardioid dynamic microphone is placed close to a sound source. The closer or more proximal the microphone is to the sound source, the greater will be a boost in bass frequencies. In the case of the SM58, when the sound source is quarter inch or less from the sound source, the bass frequencies will be boosted by 6 to 10 dB at 100 Hz, creating a warmer sound than when the microphone is placed farther away. Simply put, the closer the SM58 is to the sound source, the warmer and richer the sound will be, and the further away from the sound source it is placed, the thinner and less bassy the sound will be.


Although every situation calls for different microphone placement, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that a singer’s vocal will usually sound best, meaning that it will sound rich and full, at about 6 inches from their lips. Spoken speech will sound best at about two feet from a speaker’s mouth. At about three feet from a sound source, the SM58 will start picking up room ambience, and will sound thinner and less warm.


Can the Shure SM58 be used for recording things other than for vocals? Well of course it can, as can just about any other microphone. However, it would not be my first choice. If you want to use the SM58 for recording musical instruments, I would recommend removing the cover, which has the built in wind or pop screen, and using it for the recording situations that you might typically think of where you might use a Shure SM57. For those of you who are interested in the pros and cons of the SM57 for recording or live purposes, I invite you to read my review of this fine microphone as well.


Well, I thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Shure SM58, but now if you will excuse me, I must get back to my practicing.