U really help me out with this video. It’s so fucxing useful. Since I used to own a sm58 mic for years and finally sold it to my friend after getting a beta58a from my sister, I’ve always had the confusion about the upgraded handling noises. I even sent it back to SHURE once just to make sure it is the real one but not a pirate version. Thx a lot!
I was given Shure PGA58 but discovered it had similar handling noise issues. I wanted it for theater audience reactions after the show. Its fine if I hold it carefully but couldn't hand to a lay person. I need to get the SM58. Even though they have the same cardioid pattern the SM58 literature says it has "Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise"
Informative and helpful. Came looking to reduce handling noise and found what I needed. I applied your teaching and had good results. Luckily, I had Izoptope RX. Thank you.
Oh fantastic. BTW I have a bit of an updated technique, you can highlight just the range of frequencies bellow 200 hz and apply Vocal Isolate to that (instead of the entire spectrum) and get some pretty good results with very little work. May make a video about that if you're interested.
I think for vocoder any mic will do. For studio recording, a higher-end mic would be better, but it depends on your voice. Between these two, the Beta should be better for studio recording. If you already have a mic, then you can just use it and see if you like the results. If you're in the market for a new mic, there are so many to choose between. I recommend looking at @podcastage and @AntonBrowne for reviews and side-by-side comparisons.
I came to this video because my new Beta A seemed to have more handling noise than the SM58, even after compensating for the greater sensitivity of the Beta A. Your results seemed to be in accordance with what I found. But why is it that everywhere else the claim seems to be that the Beta A has quieter handling noise? I'm quite confused about the claim. Am I missing something?
I think it's possible that it has a better internal shock mount, but not enough to overcome its increased sensitivity, especially in the hypercardioid 180 degree direction (where your hands are touching the mic). The only solutions I've found are 1) handle more carefully or 2) use a stand. Overall I find it to be an overhyped mic. At some point I'll replace my Shure mics with SE Electronics or Earthworks.
@@dxsaigon That makes sense, thank you. However it's not good that people would potentially be choosing the Beta 58A over the SM58, thinking that the Betas are better noise-wise for hand holding. The opposite appears to be true.
Yes, I purchased my two Beta 58As in part because I had heard they had better handling noise, but clearly they don't. I'm not really sure how that narrative started. Can you return your new mic?@@seanmchugh3476
@@dxsaigon I like its sound and greater sensitivity. Also, it seems to have good feedback rejection for my situations. It also helps that I went to a Paul McCartney concert on Saturday and saw that he was using a Beta 58A - two of them, in fact (one for his piano). Now that I'm swayed that it's not a fake, I'll probably keep it. Anyway, it's a nice-looking unit. Thank you VERY much for your help. 🎤
I always thought that super cardioid dynamic mics would have less noise than cardioid dynamic because they are more focused. While the angle is a lot narrower when you are on top of the mic when you take a look at the actual polar patterns you can see that the profile for super cardioid has less sound rejection from the rear not more which is why you'll have more mic handling noise. The 58A is not an upgrade of the 58. It is a completely different kind of mic. That's the way I now look at it anyhow.
Agree, and I also think that if your guest doesn't have great handling skills they won't keep the angle consistent, which can change their levels a lot.
6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)? But if you're monitoring your sound you should be able to just play around with it and find a range that you think sounds good.
Hello, have you checked the wireless microphone SHURE SM58 WITH SLX-D RECEIVE??? - Because I bought such a microphone model and I have a problem. When I knock and touch the microphone holder with my hand, the knocking is very loud!!! There shouldn't be a sound!!!
The only way to avoid that is to use a shock mount. They are like big rings with elastic chords that suspend the mic mid-air. So if you bump the mic arm or mic stand then the elastic chords absorb most of the energy.
No, it isn't broken, you have 3 solutions: 1) Be more careful how you touch the mic. If you bump it, it will make a noise. 2) Buy a shock mount. 3) Buy a mic with a better internal shock mount. In my own case I decided to start to use a mic stand so that my guest doesn't have to hold the mic. And hopefully they don't bump the mic stand or the table that it is connected to.
Try em with phantom power then lower gain you might need higher ohm headphones. I’m playing with the same stuff actually liking the accented handling noise as a laugh but want to know how to get rid of it. There is a gel inside one of the shure mics.
I don't think turning on phantom power will do anything for a dynamic mic unless you are using a cloud lifter / fet head. Even in that case, I think it is only going to reduce pre-amp noise and won't have any effect on handling noise. Gel is a good idea though, I wonder about modifying the internal shock mounts of these mics, should be possible to make an improvement.
No, the loudness is adjusted on both mics so that the main signal is the same volume. In that case, the handling noise on the Beta 58A is louder -- probably due to the hyper cardioid pickup pattern being more sensitive to sounds from the rear of the mic.
@@ChadWork1 I've done a little bit of experimenting with lavs and... most of them are omnidirectional condensers and as a result, they pick up much more environmental sounds than these hand-held mics. But yea, if reducing handling noise was the greatest concern then a lav would be great. I'm now using some mic arms which is helping.
@@dxsaigon Having done a lot of on camera presentation myself, as well as production work using lavs on talent, I can say that the environmental pickup is not bad, as the body blocks most of that. By the time you get the audio in context it's nothing that distracts from the content. But really one should have all the options handy and go with what the situation needs. Good luck!
Do you mean live like on stage in concert or live like streaming? If on stage you'd typically connect into a mixing board / mixer that's then going into amplified speakers. If streaming you typically need a USB audio interface with XLR inputs. There are many different option from many different manufactures.
@@dxsaigon I found your video from a site called "the podcast review" and he referenced your video...anyway, I saw this answer here and it's exactly what Im wondering (about an XLR cable with a USB end) is that ALL I need, or do I have to have some other "middleman" type hardware? Sorry, Im not too techie, ha..... So, Im going to (hopefully!) record audio books and I thought I would use my Beta58A from long ago (singing) and just buy a cable that connected the Shure to my laptop.... is this all I need, or is there more? I will also use Audition software (unless I end my subscription, in which case I will try audacity) About ideas for handling sound, I have had people mention that the wire quality, especially AT the end, close to where it is connecting, is quite delicate and can get damaged with not keeping wires safe, dry wrapped properly, etc, and this can cause noise.... I think the "comedian on stage" is in a loud bar, or other factors, where the mic is probably making handling noise, but we're not hearing it, due to general room noise or the fact that the "room tone" is a bar, stage, or other generally noisy place (?)
@@dxsaigon in case youre curious, I went back and got the exact site where I saw your link, a cool Scottish guy :D www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/shure-beta-58a-podcasting-review/
@@laurencismyname So cool! I think it's the first time anyone linked to me :) For your situation, I'd suggest purchasing a Samson Q2U. It's very similar to the Sure sm58 but in addition to XLR it also has USB built-in. Super simple to use, just plug it in and you're ready to go. It's like $60 and you get a kit with a tabletop stand, all the cables, and a foam cover. I'm skeptical of XLR to USB cables, but apparently, they can work with a dynamic mic like the beta 58a / sm58... I'd imagine that some have better analog to digital converters than others so you probably get what you pay for. I'd look at reviews before purchasing.
@@dxsaigon With the cost of this microphone I don't think I'm up for spending a lot again so I think I'll try the wire and see how it goes but if it's cruddy I will go with what you recommended above. And I'll save this video and comment back to let you know how it goes either way when I try it. It'll be a while I need to order the wire... Thank you for your advice! And yes I'm glad this guy referenced you that's pretty cool!
Why don't stand up comedians use lavalier mics instead? You have virtually zero handling noise there, and also both of your hands free as well as full mobility.
My guess is two reasons: 1) in a comedy club setting, where comics are doing 5 minute sets, it would be cumbersome to attach and detatch lavs from every commedian going on stage. 2) lavaliers pic up a lot more ambient sound. Professional stage theater and musical theater does use lavaliers hidden in the hair or forhead for most of the actors though. I guess the ambient sound doesn't matter as much?
U really help me out with this video. It’s so fucxing useful.
Since I used to own a sm58 mic for years and finally sold it to my friend after getting a beta58a from my sister, I’ve always had the confusion about the upgraded handling noises.
I even sent it back to SHURE once just to make sure it is the real one but not a pirate version.
Thx a lot!
Happy that it was helpful, I recommend using it with a boom arm or mic stand instead of handholding it, if possible.
This video helped me out so much. Thank you so much for making it!
Happy to help 😊
I was given Shure PGA58 but discovered it had similar handling noise issues. I wanted it for theater audience reactions after the show. Its fine if I hold it carefully but couldn't hand to a lay person. I need to get the SM58. Even though they have the same cardioid pattern the SM58 literature says it has "Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise"
Informative and helpful. Came looking to reduce handling noise and found what I needed. I applied your teaching and had good results. Luckily, I had Izoptope RX. Thank you.
Oh fantastic. BTW I have a bit of an updated technique, you can highlight just the range of frequencies bellow 200 hz and apply Vocal Isolate to that (instead of the entire spectrum) and get some pretty good results with very little work. May make a video about that if you're interested.
well said , make more videos , helps us a lot
Glad you liked it, ok I'll make more!
Which one is better for vocoder singing and studio recording?
I think for vocoder any mic will do. For studio recording, a higher-end mic would be better, but it depends on your voice. Between these two, the Beta should be better for studio recording. If you already have a mic, then you can just use it and see if you like the results. If you're in the market for a new mic, there are so many to choose between. I recommend looking at @podcastage and @AntonBrowne for reviews and side-by-side comparisons.
I came to this video because my new Beta A seemed to have more handling noise than the SM58, even after compensating for the greater sensitivity of the Beta A. Your results seemed to be in accordance with what I found. But why is it that everywhere else the claim seems to be that the Beta A has quieter handling noise? I'm quite confused about the claim. Am I missing something?
I think it's possible that it has a better internal shock mount, but not enough to overcome its increased sensitivity, especially in the hypercardioid 180 degree direction (where your hands are touching the mic).
The only solutions I've found are 1) handle more carefully or 2) use a stand.
Overall I find it to be an overhyped mic. At some point I'll replace my Shure mics with SE Electronics or Earthworks.
@@dxsaigon That makes sense, thank you. However it's not good that people would potentially be choosing the Beta 58A over the SM58, thinking that the Betas are better noise-wise for hand holding. The opposite appears to be true.
Yes, I purchased my two Beta 58As in part because I had heard they had better handling noise, but clearly they don't. I'm not really sure how that narrative started. Can you return your new mic?@@seanmchugh3476
@@dxsaigon
I like its sound and greater sensitivity. Also, it seems to have good feedback rejection for my situations.
It also helps that I went to a Paul McCartney concert on Saturday and saw that he was using a Beta 58A - two of them, in fact (one for his piano).
Now that I'm swayed that it's not a fake, I'll probably keep it. Anyway, it's a nice-looking unit.
Thank you VERY much for your help. 🎤
I always thought that super cardioid dynamic mics would have less noise than cardioid dynamic because they are more focused. While the angle is a lot narrower when you are on top of the mic when you take a look at the actual polar patterns you can see that the profile for super cardioid has less sound rejection from the rear not more which is why you'll have more mic handling noise. The 58A is not an upgrade of the 58. It is a completely different kind of mic. That's the way I now look at it anyhow.
Agree, and I also think that if your guest doesn't have great handling skills they won't keep the angle consistent, which can change their levels a lot.
Fighter 6rTh1
Hello bud how close to the mouth should I hold Beta 58 a while singing Thanks.
6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)? But if you're monitoring your sound you should be able to just play around with it and find a range that you think sounds good.
@@dxsaigon Thanks. When u compare beta 58a vs seinheiser E945. Which one is better in your opinion. Thanks again
Hello, have you checked the wireless microphone SHURE SM58 WITH SLX-D RECEIVE??? - Because I bought such a microphone model and I have a problem. When I knock and touch the microphone holder with my hand, the knocking is very loud!!! There shouldn't be a sound!!!
The only way to avoid that is to use a shock mount. They are like big rings with elastic chords that suspend the mic mid-air. So if you bump the mic arm or mic stand then the elastic chords absorb most of the energy.
@@dxsaigon Okay but what do I do now???
Thomas , do you think my new shure sm58 wireless slx-d microphone is broken???-yes???
No, it isn't broken, you have 3 solutions:
1) Be more careful how you touch the mic. If you bump it, it will make a noise.
2) Buy a shock mount.
3) Buy a mic with a better internal shock mount.
In my own case I decided to start to use a mic stand so that my guest doesn't have to hold the mic. And hopefully they don't bump the mic stand or the table that it is connected to.
Try em with phantom power then lower gain you might need higher ohm headphones. I’m playing with the same stuff actually liking the accented handling noise as a laugh but want to know how to get rid of it. There is a gel inside one of the shure mics.
I don't think turning on phantom power will do anything for a dynamic mic unless you are using a cloud lifter / fet head. Even in that case, I think it is only going to reduce pre-amp noise and won't have any effect on handling noise. Gel is a good idea though, I wonder about modifying the internal shock mounts of these mics, should be possible to make an improvement.
Isn't the Beta58 noise louder because it's a louder mic overall?
No, the loudness is adjusted on both mics so that the main signal is the same volume. In that case, the handling noise on the Beta 58A is louder -- probably due to the hyper cardioid pickup pattern being more sensitive to sounds from the rear of the mic.
In other words, even when reducing the volume of the beta, to match the volume of the sm58, the beta's handling noise is louder by 6 db or so.
@@dxsaigon To be practical, lav mic would fee up both hands and completely eliminate handling noise. You're copying a guy who does it wrong.
@@ChadWork1 I've done a little bit of experimenting with lavs and... most of them are omnidirectional condensers and as a result, they pick up much more environmental sounds than these hand-held mics.
But yea, if reducing handling noise was the greatest concern then a lav would be great. I'm now using some mic arms which is helping.
@@dxsaigon Having done a lot of on camera presentation myself, as well as production work using lavs on talent, I can say that the environmental pickup is not bad, as the body blocks most of that. By the time you get the audio in context it's nothing that distracts from the content. But really one should have all the options handy and go with what the situation needs. Good luck!
Does anyone know how to use the beta58a live? Like do u have to connect it to something to make it work live.
Do you mean live like on stage in concert or live like streaming?
If on stage you'd typically connect into a mixing board / mixer that's then going into amplified speakers.
If streaming you typically need a USB audio interface with XLR inputs. There are many different option from many different manufactures.
@@dxsaigon I found your video from a site called "the podcast review" and he referenced your video...anyway, I saw this answer here and it's exactly what Im wondering (about an XLR cable with a USB end) is that ALL I need, or do I have to have some other "middleman" type hardware? Sorry, Im not too techie, ha..... So, Im going to (hopefully!) record audio books and I thought I would use my Beta58A from long ago (singing) and just buy a cable that connected the Shure to my laptop.... is this all I need, or is there more?
I will also use Audition software (unless I end my subscription, in which case I will try audacity)
About ideas for handling sound, I have had people mention that the wire quality, especially AT the end, close to where it is connecting, is quite delicate and can get damaged with not keeping wires safe, dry wrapped properly, etc, and this can cause noise.... I think the "comedian on stage" is in a loud bar, or other factors, where the mic is probably making handling noise, but we're not hearing it, due to general room noise or the fact that the "room tone" is a bar, stage, or other generally noisy place (?)
@@dxsaigon in case youre curious, I went back and got the exact site where I saw your link, a cool Scottish guy :D www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/shure-beta-58a-podcasting-review/
@@laurencismyname So cool! I think it's the first time anyone linked to me :)
For your situation, I'd suggest purchasing a Samson Q2U. It's very similar to the Sure sm58 but in addition to XLR it also has USB built-in. Super simple to use, just plug it in and you're ready to go. It's like $60 and you get a kit with a tabletop stand, all the cables, and a foam cover.
I'm skeptical of XLR to USB cables, but apparently, they can work with a dynamic mic like the beta 58a / sm58... I'd imagine that some have better analog to digital converters than others so you probably get what you pay for. I'd look at reviews before purchasing.
@@dxsaigon With the cost of this microphone I don't think I'm up for spending a lot again so I think I'll try the wire and see how it goes but if it's cruddy I will go with what you recommended above. And I'll save this video and comment back to let you know how it goes either way when I try it. It'll be a while I need to order the wire... Thank you for your advice! And yes I'm glad this guy referenced you that's pretty cool!
Why don't stand up comedians use lavalier mics instead? You have virtually zero handling noise there, and also both of your hands free as well as full mobility.
My guess is two reasons:
1) in a comedy club setting, where comics are doing 5 minute sets, it would be cumbersome to attach and detatch lavs from every commedian going on stage.
2) lavaliers pic up a lot more ambient sound.
Professional stage theater and musical theater does use lavaliers hidden in the hair or forhead for most of the actors though. I guess the ambient sound doesn't matter as much?
@@dxsaigon That makes sense. Thanks for the explanation! :)
WESN