July 8, 2021

THE SHURE SM58 VS BETA SM58A

THE SHURE SM58 VOCAL MIC

Shure launched the SM58 way back in 1966 and the basic design hasn’t changed since then.

Although there are a growing number of audio engineers who think it’s about time we all moved on to more modern mics, and despite all the advances in microphone design over the last 50+ years, the SM58 remains extremely popular.

These were the first serious microphones I ever had and my bandmates and I put them to good use both at gigs and for recording demos, and I have to say that after the years of abuse we put them through I can’t ever remember one breaking down or failing in anyway – these are built to last.

More modern mics don’t have the SM58’s severe drop between 7 and 8 kHz, but strangely enough this ‘deficiency’ has become part of the mic’s trademark sound. When you sing through one of these you sound like many of the rock stars from the last few decades and I think this is part of the reason why the SM58 still tops the best seller lists at so many music stores.

Specifications:

Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 50Hz to 15kHz
Impedance: 300 Ohms
Applications: Live vocals, also good for live instruments and amps
Power Requirements: None

Some people get confused over the different versions of the SM58 but it’s quite simple – this is the SM58-LC which doesn’t have an on/off switch, there’s also the SM58S which does have a switch, and finally the SM58-CN which has no switch but comes bundled with an XLR mic cable.

Pros

With so many mics now available, it’s impressive how the Shure SM58 continues to be the industry standard vocal microphone. Undoubtedly the most common positive mentioned in both customer and expert reviews is the durability and high build quality of the SM58. This is followed closely by its versatility as people use it not only for vocals but also for miking amps and even drums at live shows.

Cons

There were no consistent complaints about this version – the SM58-LC, although some people reported problems with the switch becoming ‘scratchy’ on the SM58S version. Some people remarked that they had unwittingly bought a counterfeit SM58 and some say they had this confirmed by Shure. To avoid this problem only buy from a well known retailer.

Overall

If you want that classic rock vocal sound then this is a great mic to get. Even if you out-grow it later it will probably out-last your singing career and you’ll find plenty of other uses for it if you get a more expensive mic at a later stage.

Shure SM58 Frequency Response Chart:

Shure SM58 Polar Pattern Chart:

THE SHURE BETA 58A VOCAL MIC

This is Shure’s more upmarket brother to the SM58.

The Shure Beta 58A is a dynamic mic with a supercardioid pattern, which allows for improved feedback and noise resistance. But what separates it from the SM58 is its brightened midrange, which is due to a presence boost within 4kHz and 9kHz.

There is also a bass roll-off to further beef up the highs, making the resulting sound clearer, and viable for many different vocal timbres and styles.

Finally, the mic capsule is supported by an internal shockmount to prevent handling noise.

Specifications:

Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Frequency Response: 50Hz-16kHz
Impedance: 350 ohms
Maximum SPL: 150dB
Applications: Live and recorded vocals
Power Requirements: None

Pros

Those who are not too happy with the rounder sound and bass emphasis of the SM58 found themselves at home with the Shure Beta 58A’s clearer sound. Many of the high ratings are from singers who prefer its supercardioid pattern, which allows them to play an instrument and sing at the same time with less bleeding compared to regular cardioid mics. Durability is also well appreciated, with some even saying that you can use the mic to hammer a nail.

Cons

With so many different vocal timbres, the Beta 58A is simply not enough to cover them all. As such, there are some who are not happy with the extra highs.

Overall

If you are looking to add clarity and presence to your vocal sound or find that he SM58 makes your voice sound boomy in the low end but want to shift that with some more upper mid presence, then the Shure Beta 58A is ideal for you.