Shure SM58 Review

Few pieces of audio equipment have achieved the legendary status of the Shure SM58. For decades, this microphone has been the gold standard for live vocal performances, maintaining its position as the world’s most recognizable and widely-used dynamic microphone despite numerous technological advances and competing products. In this comprehensive review, we’ll determine why the SM58 continues to dominate stages worldwide and whether it still deserves its iconic status in 2025.

History and Legacy

Released in 1966, the Shure SM58 has remained virtually unchanged in design for nearly 60 years. This remarkable consistency speaks to the excellence of its original engineering. Developed by Shure engineer Ernie Seeler, who reportedly tested over 300 prototypes before finalizing the design, the SM58 was built to provide clear vocal reproduction while withstanding the rigors of touring life.

The “SM” in SM58 stands for “Studio Microphone,” though ironically, this mic found its true calling on stages rather than in recording studios. The “58” simply refers to its model number in the Shure catalog, following its instrumental counterpart, the SM57.

Over the decades, the SM58 has been the microphone of choice for countless legendary performers including Freddie Mercury, Paul McCartney, Henry Rollins, Roger Daltrey, and Patti Smith. Its distinctive silhouette with the spherical grille has become an iconic image in music culture.

Design and Build Quality

Physical Characteristics

The Shure SM58 weighs approximately 10.5 ounces (298 grams), with dimensions of 6.3 inches (162mm) in length and 2 inches (51mm) at its widest point. The microphone features a die-cast metal body with a matte-gray enamel finish and the characteristic ball grille made of hardened steel mesh.

Durability

Perhaps more than any other feature, the SM58’s legendary durability has cemented its reputation. The microphone is renowned for surviving drops, throws, falls, and even submersion in liquids. Numerous videos online demonstrate the SM58 being used to hammer nails, run over by vehicles, or thrown from buildings – only to continue functioning perfectly afterward.

The internal pneumatic shock mount system isolates the capsule from handling noise and external vibrations, while the steel mesh grille protects the internal components and acts as an effective pop filter. This built-in ruggedness has made the SM58 the default choice for touring musicians who need equipment that can survive night after night of intense use.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
• Frequency Response: 50Hz to 15kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (unidirectional)
• Sensitivity: -54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV)
• Impedance: 150 ohms (300 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance
• Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR) connector

Sound Quality

Frequency Response

The SM58’s frequency response is specifically tailored for vocals. It features a presence boost in the 4kHz to 8kHz range that enhances vocal clarity and intelligibility. The microphone rolls off frequencies below 100Hz to reduce low-frequency rumble and proximity effect (the bass boost that occurs when a singer gets very close to the microphone).

This carefully engineered frequency response contributes to the mic’s signature sound – clear and present vocals that cut through a mix without being harsh or brittle. The mid-range focus helps vocals maintain their position in a live mix, even with loud instruments competing for sonic space.

Polar Pattern

The SM58 employs a cardioid pickup pattern, which means it’s most sensitive to sound directly in front of the capsule and progressively rejects sound from the sides and rear. This directional quality is crucial for live performances, as it helps isolate the vocalist from other instruments on stage and reduces feedback when used with monitor speakers.

The microphone maintains a reasonably consistent polar pattern across its frequency range, which means off-axis sounds are rejected relatively evenly regardless of their frequency. This uniform rejection pattern is part of what makes the SM58 so reliable in challenging live environments.

Transient Response

As a dynamic microphone, the SM58 doesn’t capture transients (the initial attack of a sound) with the same speed or detail as condenser microphones. This is actually beneficial in many live situations, as it helps smooth out potential harshness and contributes to the warm, rounded tone the microphone is known for.

Performance in Various Applications

Live Vocal Performance

The SM58 truly shines in its intended application – live vocal performance. Its combination of tailored frequency response, feedback resistance, handling noise rejection, and overall durability makes it ideal for concert environments. The microphone performs consistently across different vocal types and styles, from soft crooning to aggressive screaming.

The proximity effect can be used creatively by experienced vocalists who know how to work the microphone, moving closer for added warmth or pulling back for a cleaner sound. The built-in pneumatic shock mount effectively minimizes handling noise, which is essential for performers who move around with handheld mics.

Studio Recording

While the SM58 is primarily designed for live use, it can be effective for certain studio applications. Its relatively moderate high-frequency response makes it forgiving on harsh-sounding sources. Some engineers specifically choose the SM58 for recording aggressive rock vocals or for vocalists who have trouble controlling their dynamics, as the microphone naturally compresses the signal somewhat due to its dynamic element.

However, for detailed studio vocal recording, most engineers would select a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that captures more nuance and high-frequency detail than the SM58 can provide.

Spoken Word and Podcasting

The SM58’s focused midrange and ability to reject ambient noise make it a solid choice for speech applications like podcasting, particularly in less-than-ideal acoustic environments. However, its handling noise rejection is somewhat unnecessary for desktop use, and its high-frequency roll-off may result in less “air” or “sparkle” than some dedicated broadcast microphones.

Variants and Accessories

Wireless Systems

Shure offers several wireless systems that incorporate the SM58 capsule, including the SLX, QLX-D, and high-end Axient Digital series. These maintain the sonic characteristics of the wired SM58 while adding wireless functionality.

SM58S

The SM58S variant includes an on/off switch on the microphone body. While convenient in some situations, many audio professionals prefer the standard SM58 without a switch to eliminate the possibility of accidental muting during a performance.

Accessories

Common accessories for the SM58 include:

• Windscreens (A58WS) for outdoor use
• Various microphone stands and boom arms
• Replacement grilles
• Carrying pouches and cases

Value and Market Position

The Shure SM58 typically retails for around $99-109, a price point that has remained remarkably stable over the years when adjusted for inflation. This consistent pricing reflects Shure’s commitment to keeping their flagship microphone accessible to performers at all levels.

Despite numerous competitors attempting to create “SM58 killers” over the decades, none have managed to displace the original from its market-dominant position. Many alternative microphones offer different features or sonic characteristics that may be preferable in specific situations, but none have achieved the SM58’s combination of reliability, versatility, and industry acceptance.

Potential Drawbacks

No product is perfect, and the SM58 does have some limitations:

1. Limited High-Frequency Response: The SM58’s roll-off above 10kHz means it doesn’t capture the same level of “air” or “sparkle” as many condenser microphones.
2. Not Ideal for All Sound Sources: While excellent for vocals, the SM58 isn’t the best choice for capturing detailed instrumental nuances, particularly acoustic instruments with significant high-frequency content.
3. Moderate Sensitivity: As a dynamic microphone, the SM58 has relatively low output compared to condenser microphones, which means it requires more gain from preamps. This can be challenging with budget audio interfaces that have lower-quality preamps.
4. Weight: Some performers find the SM58 relatively heavy for extended handheld use compared to some modern alternatives.

Conclusion

After nearly 60 years on the market, the Shure SM58 remains the benchmark against which all vocal microphones are measured. Its combination of clear, present sound reproduction, extraordinary durability, and consistent performance has made it an industry standard that transcends generations and musical genres.

While newer microphones may offer specific advantages in particular applications, the SM58’s versatility and reliability ensure it will likely remain a staple of live sound for decades to come. For new performers or venues purchasing their first microphone, the SM58 continues to be the safest, most versatile choice.

In an industry where technology evolves rapidly and today’s innovation quickly becomes tomorrow’s obsolescence, the Shure SM58 stands as a remarkable exception – a design so fundamentally sound that it has remained relevant and dominant for over half a century. It’s not just a microphone; it’s a piece of music history that continues to write new chapters every day.

Rating: 4.8/5

Pros:

• Legendary durability
• Excellent vocal reproduction
• Effective feedback rejection
• Consistent performance across diverse conditions
• Industry-standard status ensures compatibility

Cons:

• Limited high-frequency response compared to condenser mics
• Moderate sensitivity requires quality preamps
• Relatively heavy for extended handheld use

For beginners and professionals alike, the Shure SM58 remains one of the wisest investments in audio equipment possible – a tool that will likely outlast many other components in your setup while delivering consistent, professional results year after year.