Description
Adaptable and great sounding
When it comes to speech or vocals, the SM58’s matched frequency response ensures a clear and punchy sound, with midrange presence boost and a slight bass roll-off, improving intelligibility and transparency. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses mainly on its front axis and largely suppresses unwanted sound sources on its sides and rear, thus providing excellent protection against background noise and feedback in the process. What’s more, the integrated wind guard and pop filter greatly reduce plosive and wind interference.
The mic for everyone
Whether Classical, Hip-Hop, Country, or Metal – the Shure SM58 has proven itself many times over in each field throughout the years. Professionals and discerning amateurs alike rely on this affordable microphone to bring out the best in their voices – whether it’s a family-and-friends performance in the privacy of a living room or a concert at Wembley. The frequency response of the SM58 is especially well suited to the voice and often leaves little treatment needed at the mixing desk.
About Shure
The American company Shure began developing microphones during the early 1930s and is one of the pioneers of the audio engineering sector. Models such as the 55 Unidyne – known to many as the “Elvis microphone” – and the SM57 and SM58 which appeared in the mid-1960s are still ubiquitous in live sound production today. They enjoy cult status among musicians and technicians alike. In the 1990s, Shure introduced the first wireless microphones and in-ear monitoring systems and became a market leader in this field. In addition to microphones, Shure offers a wide range of earphones and headphones for studio and live use, as well as various accessories.
Road-tested and near indestructible
The Shure SM58 can be relied upon for anything, even more so when the going gets tough. Its rugged construction, steel mesh grille, and enamelled metal body effectively protect it from the rough-and-tumble of everyday stage use – and the integrated pneumatic shock absorber system greatly reduces the influence of knocks, handling noises, and vibrations.
In the spotlight
Cardioid polar pattern
Microphones are more or less sensitive to sounds arriving from different angles. This directional sensitivity is an important characteristic of the microphone and falls within a set category of polar patterns. Different polar patterns are adapted to different recording or live sources. Singers naturally prefer microphones that focus on their voice and suppress background noise as much as possible. Cardioid microphones, which derive their name from their heart-shaped polar pattern and by definition favour sound sources coming from the front, are ideal for this purpose – especially since they also suppress unwanted noises coming from the microphones’ sides or rear, thus limiting feedback issues in the process.
