The Shure SM58 has been a staple in the music industry for over five decades, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. From small gigs to massive concerts, from amateur musicians to legendary performers, the SM58 has been the go-to microphone for countless artists. But what makes it so special? What are the factors that have contributed to its enduring popularity? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the SM58, its design and features, and the reasons why it remains the most popular microphone in the world.
History of the SM58
The SM58 was first introduced by Shure Incorporated in 1966, as a successor to the popular Shure Unidyne III microphone. At the time, the music industry was undergoing a significant transformation, with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll and folk music. The demand for high-quality, reliable microphones was increasing, and Shure responded by creating a microphone that would revolutionize the industry.
The SM58 was designed to be a versatile, rugged, and affordable microphone that could withstand the rigors of heavy use. Its initial popularity was largely due to its innovative design, which featured a cardioid pickup pattern, a built-in shock mount, and a durable construction. The microphone quickly gained a reputation for its clear, crisp sound and its ability to reject background noise.
Design and Features
The SM58’s design is a major factor in its popularity. The microphone features a durable, steel mesh grille that protects the internal components from damage. The grille is also designed to reduce wind noise and pops, making it an ideal choice for outdoor performances and public speaking engagements.
The SM58’s cardioid pickup pattern is one of its most distinctive features. This pattern focuses on the sound source, while rejecting background noise and feedback. This makes the microphone ideal for live performances, where there may be multiple sound sources and a high risk of feedback.
Another key feature of the SM58 is its built-in shock mount. This design element helps to reduce vibrations and mechanical noise, resulting in a smoother, more consistent sound. The shock mount also makes it easier to handle the microphone, as it reduces the transmission of vibrations to the user’s hand.
Sensitivity and Impedance
The SM58 has a high sensitivity rating of 1.85 mV/Pa, which makes it well-suited for capturing a wide range of sound sources. Its impedance rating of 150 ohms ensures that it can be used with a variety of audio equipment, from small PA systems to large concert rigs.
Why the SM58 Remains Popular
Despite the many advances in microphone technology, the SM58 remains the most popular microphone in the world. So, what are the reasons behind its enduring popularity?
Reliability and Durability
One of the main reasons why the SM58 remains popular is its reliability and durability. The microphone is built to withstand the rigors of heavy use, and it can withstand rough handling and harsh environments. Many musicians and sound engineers have reported using the same SM58 microphone for decades, without experiencing any significant drop in performance.
Affordability
The SM58 is also an extremely affordable microphone, making it accessible to musicians and sound engineers of all levels. Its price point is particularly attractive to beginners and hobbyists, who may not have the budget for more expensive microphones.
Versatility
The SM58 is an extremely versatile microphone, suitable for a wide range of applications. It’s commonly used for live performances, public speaking engagements, recording studios, and even podcasting. Its cardioid pickup pattern and high sensitivity rating make it an ideal choice for capturing a variety of sound sources, from vocals to instruments.
Industry Standard
The SM58 has become an industry standard, with many sound engineers and musicians viewing it as a benchmark for microphone quality. Its popularity has led to a proliferation of SM58 copies and clones, but the original remains the gold standard.
Artist Endorsements
The SM58 has been endorsed by numerous legendary artists, including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty. These endorsements have helped to cement the microphone’s reputation as a high-quality, reliable instrument.
Comparing the SM58 to Other Microphones
While the SM58 is an exceptional microphone, it’s not the only option available. How does it compare to other popular microphones?
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a popular alternative to the SM58, known for its warm, rich sound and its ability to capture a wide range of frequencies. The SM7B is often used for recording vocals and instruments in the studio, and it’s particularly popular among hip-hop and R&B artists.
Sennheiser MD421
The Sennheiser MD421 is another popular microphone that’s often compared to the SM58. The MD421 is known for its clear, detailed sound and its ability to reject background noise. It’s often used for live performances and public speaking engagements, and it’s particularly popular among rock and pop musicians.
Conclusion
The Shure SM58 is an iconic microphone that has remained popular for over five decades. Its durability, affordability, and versatility make it an ideal choice for musicians, sound engineers, and public speakers of all levels. While there are many other excellent microphones available, the SM58 remains the gold standard, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz – 15,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 1.85 mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 150 ohms |
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, the SM58 is an excellent choice for any application. Its reputation for quality and reliability makes it an investment that will last for years to come. So, if you’re in the market for a new microphone, consider the Shure SM58. It’s a classic for a reason!
What makes the Shure SM58 a legendary microphone?
The Shure SM58 is considered a legendary microphone due to its unparalleled quality, durability, and versatility. It has been the go-to choice for countless musicians, sound engineers, and public speakers for over 50 years. Its reputation precedes it, with many industry professionals swearing by its reliability and sound quality.
One of the key factors contributing to its legendary status is its ability to withstand the rigors of heavy use and abuse. The SM58 has been dropped, kicked, and subjected to extreme temperatures, yet it continues to deliver exceptional performance. Its rugged construction, combined with its affordable price point, makes it an attractive option for professionals and amateurs alike.
Is the Shure SM58 only suitable for live performances?
While the Shure SM58 is often associated with live performances, it is by no means limited to this application. In fact, it is a versatile microphone that can be used in a variety of settings, including recording studios, public speaking engagements, and even podcasting. Its frequency response, tailored to accentuate the human voice, makes it an ideal choice for capturing clear, crisp vocals in any environment.
The SM58’s popularity in recording studios stems from its ability to produce a warm, balanced sound that cuts through the mix. Many famous singers have used the SM58 to record hit songs, and it remains a staple in many studios around the world. Whether you’re performing live or laying down tracks, the SM58 is an excellent choice for capturing high-quality vocals.
What is the secret to the Shure SM58’s legendary sound quality?
The Shure SM58’s legendary sound quality can be attributed to its unique design and engineering. The microphone features a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern, which effectively rejects background noise and focuses on the desired sound source. Additionally, its frequency response is tailored to accentuate the human voice, with a presence peak in the mid-range frequencies that adds clarity and definition to vocals.
The SM58’s sound quality is also due in part to its internal shock mount, which effectively reduces handling noise and vibration. This, combined with its durable construction, ensures that the microphone can withstand the rigors of heavy use without compromising its sound quality. The result is a clear, crisp, and balanced sound that has become synonymous with the Shure brand.
Has the Shure SM58 remained unchanged over the years?
While the Shure SM58 has undergone some minor updates over the years, its core design and engineering have remained largely unchanged. The microphone’s fundamental principles, including its cardioid polar pattern and frequency response, have remained the same since its introduction in the 1960s. This consistency has contributed to its enduring popularity, as musicians and sound engineers know exactly what to expect from the SM58.
That being said, Shure has introduced some slight variations on the original design over the years. For example, the SM58-LC features a slightly modified frequency response, while the SM58-CN includes a cardioid windscreen. These variations offer users more options for specific applications, but the core SM58 design has remained the same.
Can the Shure SM58 be used for instruments as well as vocals?
While the Shure SM58 is most famous for its use as a vocal microphone, it can also be used for instruments in certain situations. Its cardioid polar pattern and frequency response make it suitable for capturing the sound of certain instruments, such as drums, guitar amps, and horns.
That being said, the SM58 is not the best choice for every instrument. Its mid-range presence peak, which is ideal for vocals, can sometimes accentuate the midrange frequencies of instruments in an unflattering way. However, in certain applications, such as capturing the sound of a snare drum or a guitar amp, the SM58 can produce excellent results.
Is the Shure SM58 compatible with all types of sound equipment?
The Shure SM58 is a highly versatile microphone that can be used with a wide range of sound equipment. It features a standard XLR connector, which is compatible with most professional audio equipment, including mixers, preamps, and interfaces.
In addition, the SM58 is designed to operate with a wide range of powering options, including phantom power, batteries, and even some older equipment that uses T-powering. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for musicians and sound engineers who need a reliable microphone that can adapt to different environments and equipment configurations.
Is the Shure SM58 worth the investment for beginners?
Absolutely. While the Shure SM58 is an industry-standard microphone, it’s not just for professionals. Beginners can greatly benefit from investing in an SM58, as it offers exceptional quality and durability at an affordable price point.
Unlike cheaper microphones, which may compromise on sound quality or construction, the SM58 offers a professional-grade solution that will last for years to come. Its durability and ruggedness make it an excellent choice for those who are just starting out, as it can withstand the rigors of heavy use and abuse. Additionally, the SM58’s versatility means it can be used in a variety of applications, from live performances to recording and podcasting.