Shure SM58 Reviews 4.5/5.0 based on 55 customer reviews
Sweetwater Advice
Jeff Barnett
Years ago, I was driving a pickup truck over-loaded with gear down a Texas highway en route to a gig. We hit a bump, our mic case flew open, and two SM58's bounced onto the pavement going 65 MPH. Amazingly, not only did the mic's still work, but their sound wasn't affected one bit (the grille, on the other hand...). Almost every gigging musician has a story like this, and that's part of what makes the SM58 an enduring classic!
Carson McClain
This is the mic I will be using after the nuclear holocaust happens because it will be one of the only things left on earth that still works.
Customer Reviews
Rick Morganfrom Long Island, New York March 18, 2013 SM58 Shure - is nice!Speaks for itself......loud and clear
FRANKIEfrom GOTHENBERG, NE USA March 12, 2013Music Background: LEAD SINGER-SONGWRITER THERE IS A NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN CLARITYWE HAVE BEEN USING AUDIO-TECHNICA BRAND MIC'S (THEIR HIGHER END BRAND) FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS....WE'VE KNOWN SHURE MIC'S FOREVER......THOUGHT I WOULD SEE IF I COULD NOTICE A DIFFERENCE......THERE IS A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE IN CLARITY...REPOSNSE.....AND THEY DO NOT POP AS MUCH. BUY THESE AND SAVE YOURSELF SOME GRIEF!!!
JJ Battlefrom South Georgia January 16, 2013Music Background: Sound / Parent of vocalist Solid MicJust what I expected from a mic with a long running and great reputation.
Robert beanfrom DeKalb il. December 26, 2012Music Background: Recording an live sound engineer Sm58Does this mic really need any more reviews?Sturdy as a brick and actually useable! I've heard of people taking the mic off of a stand in a live set-up, using it to hammer in an exposed nail on the stage, and then put it right back up on the stand for the following show. The thing can take a beating. I believe the durability tests that Shure put this mic through involved dropping it out of a multi-story window. And as far as sound quality goes, It's useable! Not great, but certainly not bad. I know singers who refuse to sing through anything else, on stage or recording. As a previous reviewer stated, If the performance is there, this mic won't get in the way. In my opinion if you're involved in live sound OR recording, you should have at least one of these.
Sanjay Gerafrom Mahwah, NJ USA November 27, 2012Music Background: Sound engeerer The Shure SM58The stage mic for vocals
Roy HUMC Tech Teamfrom Highlands, Texas November 20, 2012Music Background: Live Sound Still the best!Sturdy and dependable as always!
bill littlefrom Anchorage, AK USA October 18, 2012Music Background: Pro like an old shoe....I'm not going to tell you this will get you a record deal. I'm not going to tell you that you'll look good posing with it. I'm not going to tell you it's the big deal. I'm not going to tell you that this is the one just so you can tell everyone you own one. .....that said- I am going to tell you, like the geyser in yellowstone, it's old faithful. When you grab it, it's always there, always the same, always reliable, always sounds great, always WORKS. Face it, we all have a lot to worry about- gate, equipment, dates, on and one...but one thing you'll never have to think about is your mics. Can you place a value on that? Get it. Go for what works..always works. Don't reinvent the wheel
Jerry Getzfrom Swarthmore, PA September 25, 2012Music Background: Musician. ClassicTHE classic live vocal mic. Inexpensive, tough as nails, and best of all sounds GREAT.
Mike Tilfordfrom Mahomet, Illinois August 6, 2012Music Background: NA Excellent microphonesThe Shure sm58 mics are truly excellent quality I purchased them for use in our church and they replaced some cheaply made mics we had been using for some time. These will last longer and perform better I am certain.
from July 21, 2012 The BestGREAT MIC!!!! Very good price! GREAT SERVICE!!!!
J. Willikersfrom United States July 20, 2012Music Background: hobbity-bobbity SM = single micIf you can only buy 1 mic, buy this one. Although known primarily as a live vocal mic, it can be used to do just about anything in a pinch. If I would have bought one of these instead of the $30 special when I first started recording I would have saved myself a lot of grief. I have 2 now -- YAY!
Rev. Erick J. Adamsfrom Cable, WI July 19, 2012Music Background: Senior Pastor Great MicThis is the industry standard for this type of mic
USAMindyfrom OH June 23, 2012Music Background: musician/singer hobbyist SM58great name with Shure, good bundle price with Sweetwater, includes on-off switch! Recommend
Dustin Stamperfrom United States June 5, 2012Music Background: Musician, Vocalist Most Excellent StandardExcellent response and the ONLY mic I use for live gigs.
Devin Stevensonfrom May 30, 2012Music Background: Live sound, and recording studio work. GREAT!Great service and sound. Quality products with perfect price. Couldn't be better. :)
Kenneth Harvillefrom February 23, 2012Music Background: Musician Great product as usual.The Shure SM58 is a dependable and proven item that I continually choose to meet my needs.
William Carterfrom Canton, IL USA January 2, 2012Music Background: Hobbyist, Student Clear VoiceWow! I recorded a friend, who wants to be a big time Christian artist, and when I went to edit the recordings, they were sooooo clear! I used an SM57 for his acoustic guitar. Smartest desicion I made. WOW!
vincent bernardyfrom san luis obispo Ca. December 18, 2011Music Background: singer songwriter performer love SM58I love the classic Shure SM58 mic, great live mic!stvincentfolk.bandcamp.com
precisionbfrom Toms River, New Jersey October 6, 2011Music Background: Went to Juliard for awhile for guitar but switched to Bass :) My New Shure 58'sI've been playing with Bands a long time now and I had ONE Shure 58but I did at one time have a high impedence rig. Anyway, I finally got sold on the 58's with my new Berhringer package. I really am Blown away with 3 Shure 58's and stands through that particular PA is incredible! I'm really Happy now! Thanx Sweetwater.
Ray Ludwigfrom July 26, 2011 What can I say?Rock solid.
Joe Baefrom Bergen County, NJ, USA December 29, 2010 Best Mic In The WorldI have literally used my SM58 as a hammer. This thing is a tank. But durability is meaningless if the mic doesn't sound good. No need to worry about that, because this thing sounds like a dream. Most of my band members prefer the Beta 58, which I understand because the Beta has a hotter output. However, this mic is so versatile that I wouldn't trade this for any other dynamic mic at this price range.Except maybe the SM57.
Jake Tavillfrom NJ May 21, 2010Music Background: Piano player, singer/songwriter Best Live MicI've been using this mic for 4 years and it has never disappointed me. It is about the most used live vocal mic and is amazing. It has amazing clarity and works great. If you take care of it it never breaks and it always a great addition to any live system.
Kyle Xfrom Garland,Texas USA September 20, 2008Music Background: Songwriter / Bassist / Vocalist / Hobbyist / Student / Home Recordist SM58 A solid 10!I have bought this mic cause of all the greats that use this it. I listen to bands like Staind, Slipknot, Stone Sour, The Misfits (W/ and w/o Danzig), and tons of other metal and hard rock and grunge bands. I love it's durability, sound, and more importantly the price. How can you NOT own a Shure SM58 or SM57 and call yourself a studio???This mic is tailor made for metal growling vocalists and the pop-py princesses that we all love to hate. And none of it would be possible without a SM58 a staple in my mic closet, in my arsenal, and in my sound. Pick one up and see why it is the undisputed king of live vocals. I DARE YOU to disagree that this mic DOESN'T pay for itself.
sabianqfrom Washington D.C. October 4, 2006Music Background: Live sound engineer Best budget dynamic microphone on the planet!This Microphone is built!Shure Brothers out did themselves when they came up with this little gem, If you are a stage performer, or just a hobbyist and have a budget to stick to, you wont go wrong owning this piece of equipment. I have seen this microphone thrown, dropped, stepped on, driven over and even dropped in a toilet. The darn thing just keeps on working. And if it stops working for what ever reason, The people at Shure will do everything in their power to get you on the road again! If you are looking for a great priced, Awesome sounding, road worthy microphone, look no further, this microphone will become a family heirloom you give to your children's children.
Jimi Krystofiakfrom san Leandro Ca September 11, 2006Music Background: recording enginer w/ BA YOU MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YET?AGAIN LIKE THE 57 YOU GOTTA HAVE THESE. GOOD MIC CLEAR AND TAKES A BEATING. TO SUM THIS MIC UP I WILL PUT IT OUT THERE... SO YOU ALL KNOW OF U2 THE BAND. EVERY SINGLE SONG RECORDED WITH THAT BAND THEY USE A 58 ON THE VOCAL. NONE OF THESE 50000DOLLAR TUBE MICS, SIMPLE 58. WHY? BECAUSE IT WORKS AND ALWAYS GIVES THAT SAME LOVABLE SOUND SO MANY ARE USED TO HEARING .
Susie Pollardfrom Crofton, MD May 14, 2013Music Background: Vocalist, amateur performer Great with a Bose PAWhen used with a Fender Passport Pro PA I thought it picked up too much sibilance or breathiness. I like the Shure 55 or Super 55 for a more mellow sound. But with the Bose L1 Compact the Shure SM 58 sounds great, just like I do in my head!
Carlos Moralesfrom San Diego September 12, 2012Music Background: Live Its a 58! Nuf saidIt came new. What else needs to be said about an industry standard mic? Its a work horse.Yo send me some candy!
William Oxnerfrom Cole Harbour Nova Scotia Canada May 29, 2012Music Background: 50 year entertainer/studio Bass Player Best LIVE Stage Mic..If I was ordering this mic again I would consider the SM-58S Model..I have several SM-58 mics. I use them in the Studio and in Live Stage applications....
Pastor Bill Woodsfrom Florence, CO January 24, 2012Music Background: Pastor since 1987 Tried and True SM58Always excellent and very reliable.
Gyawu Boamahfrom Kumasi Ghana January 18, 2012Music Background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Mixer Must Have Live MicLead vocalist in my live band drops expensive wireless mics for these 58s.
Suefrom Pennsylvania July 22, 2011Music Background: play for the fun of it.. at least i sound good to myself.. :) shure sm58 micThe mic is great, Has a great sound. I use it thru my amp and use a harmonizer while i play keyboard.
Stephen Prestonfrom Covington, GA December 7, 2010Music Background: Live Sound Engineer. Can't beat it...LITERALLYDurable. Dependable. Dynamic.One thing though, $99.00 is not a sales price. Everywhere you look, almost everyone sells this mic for $99.00. I purchased 8 of them over the last five years, and they have always been $99.00 new. The benefit with ordering from Sweetwater is that there is no shipping fee and depending on what your order is and where you are located, no sales tax.
Alfrom NY, NY USA November 4, 2010Music Background: Live Sound. Amazing Mic for an amazing price.You get much more than what you pay for with this mic. The sound quality is amazing!
Tony FNGfrom Colorado May 4, 2010Music Background: Semi-Pro Guitarist and recording Musician 30 Years and still RockingI have used a lot of different mic's over the past 30 years and only my Shure Sm57's and 58's are still delivering while the others have had to be repaired several times. By far both the 57 and 58's have stood the test of time through live gigs and studio work for me, they have been dropped, soaked and beaten and have not quit on me yet. In fact I'll be adding a few more to my new home studio. If you want great quality and durability then you have to own a couple if these, I swear they won't let you down
TG Hoffmanfrom Kansas October 21, 2008Music Background: semi pro musician Great MicrophoneI have used this mic for over 25 yrs. and, never had a problem. All the vocalists in my band use these mics and, also never a problem. what more can be said, It's like an old friend always there for ya.There may be other mics that will perform as well as the 58 and, it may be only a personal preference but, the 58 has always come through.
Dean Drakefrom Bellingham, WA July 15, 2006Music Background: Semi-pro musician/recording engineer I keep coming back to itI've given other microphones in the same price range, (and even some that are pricier) an honest test drive, but I just keep coming back to my SM58. Some of the competitors have a lot more definition and are more sensitive, etc. - but to a fault. I can get right up on this mic and sing as loud as I can and it doesn't get harsh like my other mics do. So, until I find something I like better (and I doubt I will), I will keep on using my SM58.
D-FABfrom Calhoun, GA USA April 21, 2013Music Background: Recording and Live Engineer Shure SM58Awesome mic for the money.
Dannyfrom Honolulu, HI January 30, 2013Music Background: Gigging Musician, Singer, Producer Not to be overlookedGreat mic, gets the job done. I had one as a workhorse mic for years, until one day I forgot it at a gig. To replace it, I picked up a Beta 58a. While I was amazed by the feedback rejection and extra crispness of the Beta, I have to say that I miss the SM58. It was just so easy to sing into—if the performance is there, the SM58 will capture it without getting in the way. Every sound man and singer should have at least one.
Tomfrom Huntsville Alabama January 19, 2013 Classic MicrophoneYes, there are "better" microphones for vocals. You will be hard pressed to find something that sounds as good and tolerates abuse so well. So many out there that sound techs know how to use them whereas the "holy grail" microphones not so much. A wonderful idiot resistant microphone.
Clint Wardfrom San Antonio October 17, 2012Music Background: Keyboard and leading small choral group Shure MicsGreat microphones! We always use Shure - they're as reliable as a good truck.
Keith Irishfrom Anaheim.CA August 17, 2012Music Background: Musician Works GreatMy brother recommended it for live performances. He's a sound engineer and he was right!
from July 21, 2012Music Background: Rockabilly Gotta Love It!!Classic clean and simple, these suckahs last forever!
Donnyfrom Chicago, Illinois July 20, 2012Music Background: Hobbyist Shure SM58Takes abuse well. When you yell in to it, it doesn't talk back. When you smack it with a drum stick and knock it off the stand, it doesn't take a swing back at you. It just lays there waiting for you to pick it up. I LIKE it! No dents, no bruises, just performance.
from June 26, 2012 Good, dependable, and tough.Good, dependable, and tough... all at a reasonable price.
Kennyfrom St. Louis, MO May 31, 2012Music Background: Live Performer Good All Around MicGreat little mic. Good tone and true sound. Can't go wrong for the price. I'll pick up a few more just to have them for live performances.
Gary Hurtfrom Kalamazoo, MI February 9, 2012Music Background: Worship Coordinator A real workhorseThis mic measures up to it's reputation. You could hammer nails in with this thing and it would still give you great sound quality. We use only these mics on our worship team and they stand up to the test. You can't beat these microphones, especially if your on a budget.
KBfrom Colorado Mountains January 20, 2012Music Background: Hobbyist SM58Only issue is that there is no on/off switch. Great Mic
from New York November 16, 2011Music Background: Student,Music Producer Great MicI use the SM58 for voice-over and vocals. Adds warmth to the vocals
JRfrom Columbia city, Indiana July 22, 2011Music Background: Hobbyist Shure is nice!You know what we all want, good price, reliability, and great quality. Then you buy it from Sweetwater for no hassle service.
Micah d.from Campbellsville, KY April 10, 2007Music Background: Live Sound Engineer Solid workhorseThe SM58 is a legend in the live sound industry. It's reptuation is not without merit. It's solid, reliable and can double as a hammer when necessary. It's cheap, every live sound pro should have several standing by at all times.
Andrew Koenigfrom New Jersey, USA September 20, 2006Music Background: Semi-pro musician You may not have thought of this reason to buy an SM-58The SM-58 is too well known as an industry workhorse to need further elaboration here. However, I saw an article in Acoustic Guitar magazine some time back that pointed out an important reason for owning one that hadn't occurred to me.Their point: Because the SM-58 is so popular, most venues use them. Which means that unless you bring your own microphone to every gig, sooner or later you are going to have to use an SM-58. So you might as well get started right away in learning how to sound good through one. 
from April 30, 2012 adequateso far everything works-that is all the matters
Dermotfrom Ireland October 13, 2008Music Background: Home Recording Sure SM58Thye Sure SM56 was great in the 1970's that was 30 + years a go. Time has moved on. Try the sure beta 87 and listen !!!
Johnnyfrom I live in a van down by the river February 13, 2012Music Background: Pro Part Time Musician MuddyI had one and dumped it shortly after. Cheap. You get what you paid for. Why drive a Pinto when you can own a Cadillac? Spring for the Shure Beta 58A instead and you'll be a whole lot happier.
Justin Miller
from Bedford, England April 12, 2006 SM58 - great all round micThe Shure SM58 is one of the most recognisable microphones in the world – and for good reason. It is the main stay of many a hire companies microphone hire stock, including mine. Practically unbreakable, and if you do manage to drop it from a high stage / skyscraper, you can also buy a replacement pop shield. Very suited to rock, or other musical styles that need powerful vocals. Make sure your singers lips are touching the pop shield to get the best results, though, unless they have very good mic technique. The proximity effect (increase in bass when you sing or talk close to the mic) makes this important. If the singer is a foot away from an SM58, the chances are they will sound thin, and you will also have gain before feedback issues...Sonically the response has a nice presence peak in the upper mid range, but the top end rolls off quickly after that. Opinion is split about whether that is a good or a bad thing – it helps keep a lid on feedback, but it doesnt sound as hi-fi as some other mics. I have had some singers complain that their vocal top end is not quite right - sometimes asking for more top end. I guess they are used to the sound of expensive condenser mics on their recordings. My solution is normally to give them another mic, like a Beta 58, or Beta 87a maybe, rather than use EQ. If you A/B test an SM58 verses these mics it will always lose. But it can still be a better mic in some cases, such as when you are looking for a cardioid rather than hyper-cardioid response (the SM58 has a cardioid response, which means it has a wider pickup pattern at the front). But most vocalists will be more than happy with the sound the SM58 gives. The SM58 also does a pretty good job on drums (not really bass drum), and other loud things like guitar cabs. It uses the same capsule as the SM57, one of the best mics for guitar cabs. In conclusion, yes there are a lot of mics that sound better, and some of these are quite a bit cheaper – but ask yourself the question are they as durable as an SM58, and if you are a professional, will your clients want to use a mic they have never heard of? Take care, Justin Miller |
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