SM58 vs. Beta 58A

[fusionstudios]

I've been looking for a quality live vocal mic and have narrowed it down to either the Shure SM58 or the Shure Beta 58A. My only question is, is the Beta worth the extra $60? I will be using the mic mainly in a pop/rock band. Thanks!

[slowdive]

The Beta 58 is by far worth the extra money. I have used the Beta 58 for my own live vocals for the past 5 years, and it just sounds great. I was in a band with a female singer and it sounded even better on her voice. She later bought a regular 58 to save some cash, and the difference was very noticeable...

I would highly reccommend the Beta 58. I use it everyday.

[Mr Blues]

Are these beta 58's mic better then the Shure SM58's, if so in what way?

I have a shure SM 58 whih is great . I was also thinking of getting the AKG 1000 , would you say these wee good on vocals as well as guitars?
Dave

[fusionstudios]

Thanks! I think I'll go ahead and order the beta.

[Cory Cooper]

I have both, and I prefer the Beta 58A over the SM58. It has a sweeter high-end and stronger output level.

SM58
Pattern: Cardiod
Freq: 50-15K Hz
Output: 1.85mV
Weight: 10.5 oz

Beta 58A
Pattern: Supercardiod
Freq: 50-16K Hz
Output: 2.6mV
Weight: 9.92 oz

C

[Mr Blues]

Thanks , I'll get one too.

Dave

[The Bionic Board]

I like them both.

I think the Beta's have more high end "sizzle" but a plain jane 58 sounds smoother if not "warmer" to my ears. I'd have to A/B them both again to be more accurate in my judgement.

[OliverTwisT]

The Beta Just has more high end, and it is not noticeable in the mix of thing in live music.

[OliverTwisT]

I like them both.

I think the Beta's have more high end "sizzle" but a plain jane 58 sounds smoother if not "warmer" to my ears. I'd have to A/B them both again to be more accurate in my judgement.

You are very correct!!!

[michaelhoddy]

Beta has a much stronger high-mid lift, which makes it brighter and allows it to cut through the mix more. Whether this is a good thing depends on the singer- it works well for most female singers and some smoother male singers, but also can have the effect of making some singers sound very harsh and thin.

The other major difference from the regular 58 is a tighter polar pattern. I'm not sure I'd say this always makes the mic more resistant to feedback, because I've actually had the opposite experience a few times when the channel EQ has been doctored enough to overcome the Beta's inherent "personality."

[TimmyP1955]

Would you rather drop a hammer on your right toe or your left toe? It's somewhat like that difference. I'd prefer an OM3, 767a, or PL80a.