This was far and away the best microphone test and comparison I have ever seen! You have a natural ability to explain and demonstrate complexities of audio.
I have been using the Shure SM58 microphone for years, it would be a hard sale for me to switch...This microphone captures the true sound of my VOICE ...I'm a full time performer now, so its much easier for me to shop the latest inventions of MICS... Shure makes the BEST of the BEST microphones in my experience over the years...
- I suggest using some sort of USB recording interface rather than the mic input built into your computer. Computer sound cards are often very noisy, especially at the gain levels required to bring a dynamic mic up to a usable level. Something like the Presonus Audiobox USB would be fine.
- The recording setup in this video is the mics into a Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro and then directly into the video camera, which has a limiter circuit to prevent the audio from distorting. In your situation, I suggest that you use a bit less gain - try setting the gain at 75% of total, or about 3 o'clock on the gain knob. This is because many of the lower cost audio interfaces become disproportionately noisy at higher gain levels.
- Thanks for the question. I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with USB mics - I'm primarily a live sound engineer, so when in the studio I bring my live mics and plug them into a recording interface. If you like the Blue Yeti I suggest going with that, as it has a good reputation and the company Blue microphones was a pioneer in the area of USB mics.
- Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback :) I'm from Singapore. There is no compressor in the signal chain, but the video camera does do some automatic gain adjustment, which is probably what you are hearing.
Amazing comparison, many thanks for this video. I currently use the 58 for voice overs, but I think I like the sound of the 57 with the wind screen a tiny bit more.
sm57 sounds a bit better, but in a live situation the singers mouth usually drift away from the mic so the sm58 design is much better to adapt with this scenario.
- You're welcome, glad the video was helpful. The SM58 can be used very successfully at a distance of several inches from your mouth, so I would try one before considering condenser options. They are very common microphones so it should be easy for you to borrow or rent one to try.
- No worries. Basically, the Blue Yeti can be connected directly to your computer via a USB output on the mic itself. The SM57 and 58 described in this video have no such output, and such would need to be connected to a USB recording interface (something you would need to buy separately) before their signal can be input to your computer. If your use is for vocals, I would recommend the SM58 over the SM57.
It's really strange how I find the 57 sounds better for vocal application and the 58 sounds better to me for the acoustic. BTW nice fingerstyle playing!
אביאל פרץ Thank you! Yes, the sound of mics is very subjective - this is one reason why there are so many makers and so many different models to choose from. There's nothing wrong with using the '57 on vocals and the '58 on instruments - if it sounds good to you, rock on :)
Typically, the 57 sounds EXCELLENT for vocalists with higher voices. I can't agree on that for most male voices however, the 58 sounds better in my opinion. The 57 makes the high end so nice but leaves the mid range lacking, where most male voices will land.
- Good question! For starters, in order to get a flat frequency response you almost always have to go with a condenser mic, so even if you EQ it to sound like a '57, it will still sound different due to the different transducer type, hence different transient response, proximity effect etc. Secondly, a good flat-response condenser is going to be a lot more expensive than a '57 or '58, so it's probably not a cost-effective solution.
Thank you very much for this review! Very helpful! Even though the SM58 is said to be more suited to vocals, i'm actually liking the sound of the SM57 on vocals better.
Akash-sama Oh yes, there is no reason why the '57 can't be used on vocals, as long as you use an appropriate windscreen like the one I show in the video. I'm in the middle of recording some spoken poetry at the moment and am using the '57 almost exclusively. Thanks for watching!
- Agreed - virtually any mic will pop without a windscreen and/or corrective EQ. This demonstration was done with the EQ flat to show the actual frequency response of the mics. In reality you would always use a high pass filter and possibly low shelving EQ to reduce the issue.
- Thanks for the suggestion. The Rode M3 is a condenser microphone so by design will sound quite different to the 57 and 58 - more high end and better transient response. It's a great mic for general recording applications.
- The SM58 is essentially an improved 565sd, and does not have an on/off switch. In terms of sound I have no experience with the latter mic, but looking at the frequency response diagrams suggests that the SM58 will have more bass, less treble and a smoother midrange than the 565sd. Hope that helps :)
dude, this guy is hella funny. i thought he was gonna be all serious the whole time, then he starts cracking jokes in a hella serious voice! good review too :)
- Thanks for getting in touch. I'm afraid it's not very likely at the moment, but I will definitely keep your request in mind. All the best with your music!
I've owned the 57 for 10 years and always wondered what I was missing. Thank you for this clear and concise explanation. I used it with a nylon windscreen, and it's always been good. I might also point out that both of these mics may perform differently depending on what they're connected to. On a home pc sound card, they will need a lot of amplification, were muffled and there was a LOT of noise. On a separate "prosumer" mixer (samson mdr624) it was better tone but still the noise. Direct into a focusrite 2i2 was like a veil lifted. No noise, great tone, much like the mackie you used here. Thanks again for clearing up the mystique about the 57/58.
Great observations - the quality of the microphone preamp is key when it comes to dynamic mics, as your experience has so clearly shown. This is the reason that studios spend thousands of dollars on the single mic preamp used for tracking lead vocals.
- The grill/windscreen assembly on the SM58 is part of the design of the microphone and must be left in place if you want to get the correct frequency response. I'm not sure if using the mic without it will harm the mic but it will almost definitely be bad for your sound ;)
at 12:45 when you say, "If it sounds good, it is correct. The audience doesn't know....They don't care...", I crushed the like button.. btw..it's 2020..the whole world is fighting the Covid-19..stay safe..stay at home..and rock n roll using the Shure SM57 & SM58 🤘🏿🤘🏿
The 57 demolished the 58 IMO. Sounds better on instruments, and with the pop shield it sounds better on the voice too. I'd just get the 57 with the optional pop shield, more versatile IMO.
- Thank you sir, I am most honoured! Yes I have some experience with the Beta versions - in general they have a hotter output because of the neodymium magnet, and a more aggressive 'up front' sound than the equivalent SM mic. The Beta 57 also has a steel grille which is a big improvement over the SM version! However they are substantially more expensive than the SM series, which in my opinion is why they have not repeated the world-wide success of the latter.
Shure has never reviewed their own product as thoroughly...Great stuff....( I keep 57's around and pop on the wind screen for vocals...been doing it since the 1970's...keeping it simple..and uniform) Thanks for your detailed reviews.....
GLB Productions Bruno....you're too thoughtful......! As an aside...I remember a video you did back in Dec 2011 ....it was an ....internal.... instruction tutorial on a Tascam CD-RW900SL for your staff...volunteers....etc....I believe you where running thru a Soundcraft board...If you are so inclined..a tutorial on recording with this unit off a board with any "tricks" you'ved picked up would be well recieved. (CD's are still usefull. Not everything...is MP3..pod ...etc.) Thanks again..Bill 4/10/14
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm afraid that Soundcraft mixer has since been replaced with a digital mixer, but I can certainly do a video on how to record off a mixer in general, using one of my other boards. I'll add it to the 'to do' list :)
I already have one of each mic and understood that the 58 and 57 are better for vocals and instruments respectively, but I was curious about the specifics of their differences, so I appreciate this video.
- The Shure SM7b is considered a 'general purpose' microphone in that it has a relatively flat response that can be used for both vocals as well as instruments. It is usually restricted to studio or broadcast use due to its relatively large size and yoke mounting system - it's not a handheld mic. In addition it's quite a bit more expensive than the 57 or 58.
- Thanks for the input! I personally have not used the SM57 as a sung vocal mic before - I find it works very well as a podium/lectern microphone, but for sung vocals I tend to use other, more modern microphones.
- You're welcome! Yes the audio at the beginning is the camera mics, and yes it pales in comparison to the rest of the video! Just goes to show how important it is to get your mic as close as possible to the audio source.
Really neat to hear the difference between the two mics. I can clearly hear the difference in the mid-highs with my studio monitors. Thank you for the demos.
- You're welcome, glad you could hear the difference! It's interesting to think that this is entirely due to the differences in grille design between the two mics.
- That is wonderful news, thank you so much for the update! If you are concerned about banging the guitar into the mic you can purchase the windscreen shown in the video, which will effectively put a nice foam cushion on the front of the mic. All the best with your music!
- Yes, if it sounds good then it's the right setup for you. Plenty of people use the '57 as a vocal mic - it sounds great as long as you have some sort of windscreen.
- Yes, in the real world you would typically reduce the bass frequencies and/or use a high pass filter. However for this sort of comparison I feel it's important to record with the EQ set flat.
I was thinking of getting the Shure SM57 for vocals and recordings, I'm in a metal/screamo band so it's super loud when we play and I was wondering since you know what you're talking about, that I get the Shure SM57 or SM58. I'm needing my voice to be 4x louder than the instruments if possible, and what other technology devices would you recommend for recordings, also amps for just vocals.
- In this situation (recording vocals and guitar, no live use) I would recommend buying her a condenser microphone - there are some that have a USB output that can be connected directly to the computer. Connecting via the computer's mic in is not recommended because the quality will almost always suffer. Better to get one of those recording packages from companies like Presonus that come with a mic and a USB computer interface.
you most definitely can. this mic is great for performing because it's practically indestructible. you can do almost anything you want on stag and be sure that it's going to keep working. Id be more worried about your xlr cables (the power source) than the mic.
- Bear in mind that all mics will pop if you hit them with a strong enough blast of air. For strictly commentary I would recommend the '58 (with external windscreen/pop filter if necessary) or the 7B if you can afford it. The 7B sounds better but the '58 is better value for money. If you prefer a more hi-fidelity sound you can check out a condenser mic like the Rode Broadcaster.
- Yes I realise that, well spotted! If you could only buy one, I'd try them both with your voice and instruments and get the one that sounds better to you. Personal preference is key when choosing microphones, and if it sounds good to you it's the right mic for the job.
- Thanks, glad the video was helpful. The reason I did not remove the grille on the SM58 is that the mic would never be used that way in practice. I agree that it would be a useful illustration however :) All the best with your music!
- You're welcome, glad it was helpful. Your setup sounds fine - if you want a tighter kick drum sound you can actually use a '57 or '58 as a kick drum mic, by itself or in conjunction with the '52. This can be useful in certain very boomy venues where you can't get any definition in the low end. The Beta 52 is a good mic but I find it to have too much low end for my taste :)
- If you are on a budget the SM57 is a perfectly ok for recording, and is considered the industry standard for certain uses like snare drum. However in the studio a good condenser microphone like the SM81 is more versatile.
I think a 57 with the wind screen would be an all around better deal, if you needed more top end you would have it. If you needed a warmer sound, than you install the screen! I own each of these mics and I love both of them! You cant go wrong with Shure mics! Great Demo!!
- If that is the case then the SM58 would be a better choice. It has a good internal windscreen and can be fitted with an external one if conditions are extreme. The black thing around the tip is known as a windscreen ;)
- At minimum, you would need this mic, a computer audio interface and a computer running a digital audio workstation (DAW) programme to do the recording and editing on. Most interfaces from companies like Presonus, Mackie and Alesis ship with software included.
- The Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone with multiple patterns and a built in analog-digital converter, so I would put it in a different class altogether. The SM57 and 58 are much simpler analog-only mics.
i have an sm58 that i purchased back in the 70's and it still performs perfectly...my experience is that the 57 is great for instrument micing and the 58 is awesome for vocal work
- Yes I think that is the impression Shure conveys by referring to them as an instrument mic and a vocal mic. The truth is that they are the same mic with a different grille.
- Glad the review was helpful! I would suggest trying different ways of using the gear you already have before investing in new. Try miking the guitar at the bridge or at the 12th fret instead of at the soundhole. If the sound is muddy, try cutting the bass (set control at 9-10 o'clock) and boosting the highs slightly (set control at 1-2 o'clock).
- It would be acceptable but in broadcast applications they normally choose to use a condenser mic, for example the Rode Broadcaster, or a lavalier (clip on) condenser mic.
That's as good of a comparison on the Shure mics as I've ever heard! Thank you for taking the time. I was trying to figure out how best to mic my drums with the mics I have on hand. I'll place a Beta52a in the kick, a SM57 on the snare, a SM58 in between two rack toms, another SM57 for the floor tom and two Audio Technia Pro 37's for overheads. Thanks from Omaha!
I have had a go over the past few days doing what you recommended and turning the gain to 75% and it sounded a bit better when I brought the volume up. I realised the main factor was that the input volume in Audacity was set at 10%. I set Audacity's input to 100% and recorded with the interface at 50% gain and it sounded much better. Thanks for all your help!
![[Limbus Company - PV] Chapter.7 - Oblivion](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VUpkXPkvoxU/mqdefault.jpg)
Buy these mics through my Amazon Store:
SM57: amzn.to/2lLDMmS
SM58: amzn.to/2IErrK0
hello sir, i m confused between pga 48 and pga 58 and sm 48 for buying.
pls suggest me that which mic i should buy for live program.
This was far and away the best microphone test and comparison I have ever seen! You have a natural ability to explain and demonstrate complexities of audio.
Thanks for watching, glad the video was helpful.
I absolutely agree! And I just purchased one SM57 this morning. Really real preview here!
Electro Pioneer Thanks for watching my friend!
Electro Pioneer
is there larsen near amplifier with sm 57 ?
The Shure SM57 is easier to EQ and serve as an all purpose mic IMO.
how EQ ?
I hope Shure gave you a job after this. Very professional review. Thanks a ton!
I Shure hope so too! (Sorry for the pun. I couldn't resist)
you saved me about buy a SM58 for vocals, i already own a SM57, so i'll only buy a microphone windscreen, nice video!
The Shure Beta 58 A is a much better mic as the sm 58 the Beta has so many great features more than the sm does!
I have been using the Shure SM58 microphone for years, it would be a hard sale for me to switch...This microphone captures the true sound of my VOICE ...I'm a full time performer now, so its much easier for me to shop the latest inventions of MICS... Shure makes the BEST of the BEST microphones in my experience over the years...
Very nice and complete explanation about both mics. I intend to buy a sm57 to record voice and guitar
+Jasiel Calixto Thanks for watching - remember to use a windscreen when recording voice with the SM57 ;)
+GLB Productions thank you very much!!
Does it work well? I am so conflicted, i don’t know if i should buy a condenser or dynamic mic for recording vocals and guitar
cdlandtm for recording I would almost always use a condenser. For live I pick dynamic
@@GLBProductionsdoes anti pop make the same work than windscreen?
- I suggest using some sort of USB recording interface rather than the mic input built into your computer. Computer sound cards are often very noisy, especially at the gain levels required to bring a dynamic mic up to a usable level. Something like the Presonus Audiobox USB would be fine.
I think I like the 57 a bit more. Sounds a bit more natural.
SM58 is better LIVE.
SM57 is better for Recording.
Justice Moody which is why it's one of the most common stage mics... makes sense
Despite being more than 5 years old, this is still a valid and fantastic review. Great job!
- The recording setup in this video is the mics into a Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro and then directly into the video camera, which has a limiter circuit to prevent the audio from distorting.
In your situation, I suggest that you use a bit less gain - try setting the gain at 75% of total, or about 3 o'clock on the gain knob. This is because many of the lower cost audio interfaces become disproportionately noisy at higher gain levels.
- Thanks for the question. I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with USB mics - I'm primarily a live sound engineer, so when in the studio I bring my live mics and plug them into a recording interface. If you like the Blue Yeti I suggest going with that, as it has a good reputation and the company Blue microphones was a pioneer in the area of USB mics.
I preferred the 57 on both vocals and 🎸.
can you suggest me that which microphone i should buy between pga48 or pga 58 or sm 48 ?
pls tell me
- Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback :) I'm from Singapore. There is no compressor in the signal chain, but the video camera does do some automatic gain adjustment, which is probably what you are hearing.
Amazing comparison, many thanks for this video.
I currently use the 58 for voice overs, but I think I like the sound of the 57 with the wind screen a tiny bit more.
sm57 sounds a bit better, but in a live situation the singers mouth usually drift away from the mic so the sm58 design is much better to adapt with this scenario.
- You're welcome, glad the video was helpful. The SM58 can be used very successfully at a distance of several inches from your mouth, so I would try one before considering condenser options. They are very common microphones so it should be easy for you to borrow or rent one to try.
sm57, love those mics!
carloscamaras
you have one ?
- No worries. Basically, the Blue Yeti can be connected directly to your computer via a USB output on the mic itself. The SM57 and 58 described in this video have no such output, and such would need to be connected to a USB recording interface (something you would need to buy separately) before their signal can be input to your computer. If your use is for vocals, I would recommend the SM58 over the SM57.
It's really strange how I find the 57 sounds better for vocal application and the 58 sounds better to me for the acoustic.
BTW nice fingerstyle playing!
אביאל פרץ Thank you! Yes, the sound of mics is very subjective - this is one reason why there are so many makers and so many different models to choose from. There's nothing wrong with using the '57 on vocals and the '58 on instruments - if it sounds good to you, rock on :)
Typically, the 57 sounds EXCELLENT for vocalists with higher voices. I can't agree on that for most male voices however, the 58 sounds better in my opinion. The 57 makes the high end so nice but leaves the mid range lacking, where most male voices will land.
Richard Smith Thanks for input :)
- Good question! For starters, in order to get a flat frequency response you almost always have to go with a condenser mic, so even if you EQ it to sound like a '57, it will still sound different due to the different transducer type, hence different transient response, proximity effect etc. Secondly, a good flat-response condenser is going to be a lot more expensive than a '57 or '58, so it's probably not a cost-effective solution.
Thank you very much for this review! Very helpful! Even though the SM58 is said to be more suited to vocals, i'm actually liking the sound of the SM57 on vocals better.
Akash-sama Oh yes, there is no reason why the '57 can't be used on vocals, as long as you use an appropriate windscreen like the one I show in the video. I'm in the middle of recording some spoken poetry at the moment and am using the '57 almost exclusively. Thanks for watching!
- Thank you, glad you liked it!
I liked the 57 better, I think the 57 with a pop filter would be the best option
- Agreed - virtually any mic will pop without a windscreen and/or corrective EQ. This demonstration was done with the EQ flat to show the actual frequency response of the mics. In reality you would always use a high pass filter and possibly low shelving EQ to reduce the issue.
the best microfone comparison I have ever seen
Thanks for watching!
- Thanks for the suggestion. The Rode M3 is a condenser microphone so by design will sound quite different to the 57 and 58 - more high end and better transient response. It's a great mic for general recording applications.
5:50 - 6:12 : This was probably the most valuable information for me regarding the SM58.
- Thanks for the comment, glad the video was helpful.
- The SM58 is essentially an improved 565sd, and does not have an on/off switch. In terms of sound I have no experience with the latter mic, but looking at the frequency response diagrams suggests that the SM58 will have more bass, less treble and a smoother midrange than the 565sd. Hope that helps :)
dude, this guy is hella funny. i thought he was gonna be all serious the whole time, then he starts cracking jokes in a hella serious voice! good review too :)
D- Diamond Unpredictability is the name of my game :)
- Thanks for getting in touch. I'm afraid it's not very likely at the moment, but I will definitely keep your request in mind. All the best with your music!
I've owned the 57 for 10 years and always wondered what I was missing. Thank you for this clear and concise explanation. I used it with a nylon windscreen, and it's always been good. I might also point out that both of these mics may perform differently depending on what they're connected to. On a home pc sound card, they will need a lot of amplification, were muffled and there was a LOT of noise. On a separate "prosumer" mixer (samson mdr624) it was better tone but still the noise. Direct into a focusrite 2i2 was like a veil lifted. No noise, great tone, much like the mackie you used here.
Thanks again for clearing up the mystique about the 57/58.
Great observations - the quality of the microphone preamp is key when it comes to dynamic mics, as your experience has so clearly shown. This is the reason that studios spend thousands of dollars on the single mic preamp used for tracking lead vocals.
- The grill/windscreen assembly on the SM58 is part of the design of the microphone and must be left in place if you want to get the correct frequency response. I'm not sure if using the mic without it will harm the mic but it will almost definitely be bad for your sound ;)
at 12:45 when you say, "If it sounds good, it is correct. The audience doesn't know....They don't care...", I crushed the like button..
btw..it's 2020..the whole world is fighting the Covid-19..stay safe..stay at home..and rock n roll using the Shure SM57 & SM58 🤘🏿🤘🏿
Thanks Ken - you stay safe too!
I decided to get the SM58 for vocal production. It was a great choice. Thanks for the comparison!
The 57 demolished the 58 IMO. Sounds better on instruments, and with the pop shield it sounds better on the voice too. I'd just get the 57 with the optional pop shield, more versatile IMO.
MezzMcGillicuddy1 i think so too
- Thank you sir, I am most honoured! Yes I have some experience with the Beta versions - in general they have a hotter output because of the neodymium magnet, and a more aggressive 'up front' sound than the equivalent SM mic. The Beta 57 also has a steel grille which is a big improvement over the SM version! However they are substantially more expensive than the SM series, which in my opinion is why they have not repeated the world-wide success of the latter.
Shure has never reviewed their own product as thoroughly...Great stuff....( I keep 57's around and pop on the wind screen for vocals...been doing it since the 1970's...keeping it simple..and uniform) Thanks for your detailed reviews.....
- Thanks for the contribution, I'm honoured that somebody with your experience watches my videos :)
GLB Productions Bruno....you're too thoughtful......! As an aside...I remember a video you did back in Dec 2011 ....it was an ....internal.... instruction tutorial on a Tascam CD-RW900SL for your staff...volunteers....etc....I believe you where running thru a Soundcraft board...If you are so inclined..a tutorial on recording with this unit off a board with any "tricks" you'ved picked up would be well recieved. (CD's are still usefull. Not everything...is MP3..pod ...etc.) Thanks again..Bill 4/10/14
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm afraid that Soundcraft mixer has since been replaced with a digital mixer, but I can certainly do a video on how to record off a mixer in general, using one of my other boards. I'll add it to the 'to do' list :)
GLB Productions Digital....all the better! Thanks!
I already have one of each mic and understood that the 58 and 57 are better for vocals and instruments respectively, but I was curious about the specifics of their differences, so I appreciate this video.
- The Shure SM7b is considered a 'general purpose' microphone in that it has a relatively flat response that can be used for both vocals as well as instruments. It is usually restricted to studio or broadcast use due to its relatively large size and yoke mounting system - it's not a handheld mic. In addition it's quite a bit more expensive than the 57 or 58.
Very good analysis and comparison.
You're welcome thanks for watching!
- Thanks for the input! I personally have not used the SM57 as a sung vocal mic before - I find it works very well as a podium/lectern microphone, but for sung vocals I tend to use other, more modern microphones.
Very focused and thorough review!
- No damage at all. However it is generally better to use a DI box for bass guitar - the mic can be used to obtain a second, supplementary signal.
The intro music made me feel like I was being hunted lol, great vid
- Thanks for the question. For the uses you have described I would go with an SM58.
Very Good comparison! I gonna buy SM57!
- You're welcome! Yes the audio at the beginning is the camera mics, and yes it pales in comparison to the rest of the video! Just goes to show how important it is to get your mic as close as possible to the audio source.
great mic ing comparison. thumbs up to mr. bruno
Really neat to hear the difference between the two mics. I can clearly hear the difference in the mid-highs with my studio monitors. Thank you for the demos.
Very nicely explained folk's. You rocks and it helps us a lot. Thank's for the community
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Would love a comparison between Shure Beta 58a vs Shure Beta 57a ;)
- You're welcome, glad you could hear the difference! It's interesting to think that this is entirely due to the differences in grille design between the two mics.
The best test.
+Gorec83 Thanks for watching!
- That is wonderful news, thank you so much for the update! If you are concerned about banging the guitar into the mic you can purchase the windscreen shown in the video, which will effectively put a nice foam cushion on the front of the mic. All the best with your music!
SM57 becomes just as good of a vocal microphone as SM58 once a wind screen is added. Of course, which you prefer is subjective.
- Yes, if it sounds good then it's the right setup for you. Plenty of people use the '57 as a vocal mic - it sounds great as long as you have some sort of windscreen.
To me sm57 sounds more pleasing and less fatiguing to my ears when you're talking compared to sm58.
- Yes, in the real world you would typically reduce the bass frequencies and/or use a high pass filter. However for this sort of comparison I feel it's important to record with the EQ set flat.
I was thinking of getting the Shure SM57 for vocals and recordings, I'm in a metal/screamo band so it's super loud when we play and I was wondering since you know what you're talking about, that I get the Shure SM57 or SM58. I'm needing my voice to be 4x louder than the instruments if possible, and what other technology devices would you recommend for recordings, also amps for just vocals.
- In this situation (recording vocals and guitar, no live use) I would recommend buying her a condenser microphone - there are some that have a USB output that can be connected directly to the computer. Connecting via the computer's mic in is not recommended because the quality will almost always suffer. Better to get one of those recording packages from companies like Presonus that come with a mic and a USB computer interface.
Nice review !
Can I use the shure sm58 for singing ;
Thats mainly what its for.
Live vocals.
you most definitely can. this mic is great for performing because it's practically indestructible. you can do almost anything you want on stag and be sure that it's going to keep working. Id be more worried about your xlr cables (the power source) than the mic.
- Bear in mind that all mics will pop if you hit them with a strong enough blast of air. For strictly commentary I would recommend the '58 (with external windscreen/pop filter if necessary) or the 7B if you can afford it. The 7B sounds better but the '58 is better value for money. If you prefer a more hi-fidelity sound you can check out a condenser mic like the Rode Broadcaster.
- Yes. However I think the video still captures the tonal differences between the two mics quite accurately.
To me sm57 sounds hard. To each his own.
the harder the better
- Thank you, glad you liked it! Yes, the SM58 is a great universal vocal microphone that will give acceptable results in just about any situation.
I had no idea Gargamel was an audio engineer
Yes it's part of his plan for world domination.
oh man i have to admit that one is pretty funny!
John Heat
- Yes I realise that, well spotted! If you could only buy one, I'd try them both with your voice and instruments and get the one that sounds better to you. Personal preference is key when choosing microphones, and if it sounds good to you it's the right mic for the job.
His foreheads brighter than my future
With comment like that it 's no wonder why your future is looking dim.
How rude!
wow yall definitely don't understand internet humor, its sarcastic irony
- You're welcome, thanks for watching! There are a number of professionals who use the 57 as a vocal mic live, so your opinion is shared by many :)
Obama used this mic? take my money. lol
Every president since JFK has used the SM57
+AceTechHD Very true - it just goes to show that old does not mean obsolete! If it ain't broke don't fix it...
Exept Trump.. he use Twitter ;)
mediaart studio that's funny. You're funny.
Yeah but barry was the worst president ever; even beat out bush jr.
- Thanks, glad the video was helpful. The reason I did not remove the grille on the SM58 is that the mic would never be used that way in practice. I agree that it would be a useful illustration however :) All the best with your music!
- The SM58 for vocals and the SM57 for instruments. However for recording you should also consider condenser microphones like the SM81.
- Glad you enjoyed the video! In my experience there is no difference in handling noise.
- You're welcome, glad the video helped you in your choice.
- You're most welcome, the '58 is an excellent choice for VO work, just be sure to EQ the low end to prevent your voice from being too boomy.
- You're welcome, glad it was helpful. Your setup sounds fine - if you want a tighter kick drum sound you can actually use a '57 or '58 as a kick drum mic, by itself or in conjunction with the '52. This can be useful in certain very boomy venues where you can't get any definition in the low end. The Beta 52 is a good mic but I find it to have too much low end for my taste :)
- You're most welcome. As you can hear the differences are subtle but important nonetheless.
Great comparison. I think you’ve managed to explain and demonstrate many of the differences that many people would have asked themselves.
Thanks for watching Andy :)
- If you are on a budget the SM57 is a perfectly ok for recording, and is considered the industry standard for certain uses like snare drum. However in the studio a good condenser microphone like the SM81 is more versatile.
- You're welcome, glad you appreciate the level of detail.
I think a 57 with the wind screen would be an all around better deal, if you needed more top end you would have it. If you needed a warmer sound, than you install the screen! I own each of these mics and I love both of them! You cant go wrong with Shure mics! Great Demo!!
- If that is the case then the SM58 would be a better choice. It has a good internal windscreen and can be fitted with an external one if conditions are extreme. The black thing around the tip is known as a windscreen ;)
- You're welcome, hope it helps you choose the right mic for your application :)
- At minimum, you would need this mic, a computer audio interface and a computer running a digital audio workstation (DAW) programme to do the recording and editing on. Most interfaces from companies like Presonus, Mackie and Alesis ship with software included.
- You're most welcome, thanks for watching :)
- The Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone with multiple patterns and a built in analog-digital converter, so I would put it in a different class altogether. The SM57 and 58 are much simpler analog-only mics.
- Yes, they do sound different, it's not just marketing hype from Shure ;) You're welcome, glad the videos have been helpful.
- Most definitely, it just unscrews. Glad you enjoyed the video :)
i have an sm58 that i purchased back in the 70's and it still performs perfectly...my experience is that the 57 is great for instrument micing and the 58 is awesome for vocal work
johncartelli That about says it - they are still great workhorse and value for money mics all these years later.
- That's a good point, I will approach this in a more systematic way in future reviews. Thank you!
- Thank you for the positive feedback :)
Great review! I used to sing with the 57 many years ago.
Aha! And what do you sing with now?
- You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Technical breakdown excellent, and explanations in plain language also helped clarify my understanding of these universally-known mics.
- Yes I think that is the impression Shure conveys by referring to them as an instrument mic and a vocal mic. The truth is that they are the same mic with a different grille.
The other thing you can do is get as close to the mic as possible - within 6 inches should give you a good signal to noise ratio.
- Glad the review was helpful! I would suggest trying different ways of using the gear you already have before investing in new. Try miking the guitar at the bridge or at the 12th fret instead of at the soundhole. If the sound is muddy, try cutting the bass (set control at 9-10 o'clock) and boosting the highs slightly (set control at 1-2 o'clock).
- You're welcome, I've used both of these mics for many years and have wanted to do a video comparison for a long time.
- It would be acceptable but in broadcast applications they normally choose to use a condenser mic, for example the Rode Broadcaster, or a lavalier (clip on) condenser mic.
That's as good of a comparison on the Shure mics as I've ever heard! Thank you for taking the time. I was trying to figure out how best to mic my drums with the mics I have on hand. I'll place a Beta52a in the kick, a SM57 on the snare, a SM58 in between two rack toms, another SM57 for the floor tom and two Audio Technia Pro 37's for overheads.
Thanks from Omaha!
I have had a go over the past few days doing what you recommended and turning the gain to 75% and it sounded a bit better when I brought the volume up. I realised the main factor was that the input volume in Audacity was set at 10%. I set Audacity's input to 100% and recorded with the interface at 50% gain and it sounded much better. Thanks for all your help!