Shure SM58 Review: The Legendary Live Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM58 has spent over five decades as the world’s most trusted live vocal microphone. From dive bars to stadium stages, the SM58’s distinctive ball grille appears more frequently than any other microphone in live sound. At $99, this legendary dynamic microphone continues setting the standard against which all vocal microphones are measured.

Build Quality and Durability

The SM58’s reputation for indestructibility is well-earned. Documented cases include microphones surviving drops, submersion, and even being run over by vehicles. The pneumatic shock mount system suspends the capsule within the body, protecting it from impacts that would destroy lesser microphones.

The hardened steel mesh ball grille protects the capsule from damage while incorporating a built-in pop filter that reduces plosive sounds. This integrated design eliminates the need for external pop filters in live settings where they would be impractical.

The zinc alloy die-cast body and dark gray enamel finish resist corrosion, scratches, and the abuse of constant touring. SM58s from the 1960s remain functional today, validating the design’s remarkable longevity.

Weight and balance feel natural for handheld use, though the SM58 performs equally well on stands. The XLR connector locks securely, preventing the accidental disconnections that cheaper microphones suffer during energetic performances.

Sound Characteristics

The SM58 delivers a midrange-focused sound that flatters most voices and cuts through band mixes effectively. A tailored presence peak in the upper midrange adds clarity and intelligibility without harshness. The bass roll-off reduces handling noise and proximity effect while preventing boomy accumulation.

The cardioid polar pattern provides approximately 6dB of rear rejection, helping control feedback in monitor-heavy stage environments. Off-axis coloration remains minimal, allowing singers to move relative to the microphone without dramatic tonal shifts.

High-frequency response extends to approximately 15kHz, lacking the extended air of condenser microphones but providing everything necessary for vocal reproduction. The smooth upper frequency response avoids the sibilance problems that plague some brighter microphones.

Live Performance Excellence

The SM58 excels in live environments where durability, feedback rejection, and consistency matter most. Its cardioid pattern focuses on the vocalist while rejecting monitor wash and stage volume. Gain before feedback often exceeds what other microphones in this price range achieve.

The built-in pop filter effectively reduces plosives without external accessories. This feature proves invaluable in live settings where foam windscreens or pop filters would look unprofessional or fall off during performances.

Sweat, humidity, and temperature extremes affect the SM58 minimally. The microphone performs consistently across conditions that compromise sensitive condenser designs.

Studio Recording Applications

While condenser microphones dominate studio vocal recording, the SM58 appears on more hit records than most engineers realize. Its forgiving nature suits singers who haven’t developed perfect microphone technique. The presence peak adds polish without the extensive processing that raw condenser recordings sometimes require.

The SM58 rejects room reflections more effectively than condensers, making it suitable for untreated recording spaces where condensers would capture problematic acoustics. Home studios often achieve better vocal results with an SM58 than with budget condenser microphones.

Hip-hop, rock, and punk vocalists particularly benefit from the SM58’s characteristics. The controlled frequency response handles aggressive delivery without the harshness that condensers sometimes reveal.

Comparison with SM57

The SM58 and SM57 share the same capsule and internal components, differing only in grille design. The SM58’s ball grille incorporates pop filtering and adds distance between the capsule and sound source. The SM57’s flatter grille allows closer positioning but provides no pop filtering.

For vocal applications, the SM58’s design advantages make it the clear choice. The SM57 better suits instrument applications where close-miking matters and plosives aren’t a concern.

Some engineers remove the SM58’s grille for instrument applications, effectively converting it to SM57-like operation. This versatility adds value for those seeking a single do-everything dynamic microphone.

Value and Ubiquity

The SM58’s $99 price point makes it accessible to every musician and venue. Its standardization means that familiarity transfers across situations. A vocalist comfortable with their own SM58 knows exactly what to expect from any SM58 anywhere.

Rental companies, venues, and touring productions stock SM58s because they work reliably and consistently. This ubiquity creates a common reference point across the audio industry.

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The Shure SM58 is available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon, often with bundle deals including cables and stands.