Let’s look at a quick chart to start. I’ve highlighted the differences for you.
Comparison Chart
Hello there friend and Welcome aboard!!
Before we get into the Shure PG58 vs. SM58 comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Today I will outline the PG58, and then compare it to the SM58 towards the end as well as give my recommendation.
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Who does this mic benefit?
- What you will need?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Shure PG58
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In The Box
Shure BLX2/PG58 Handheld Wireless Microphone Transmitter with PG58 Capsule (H10: 542 to 572 MHz)
2 x AA Batteries
Microphone Clip
Limited 2-Year Warranty
Specifications
- Type: Dynamic. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
- Frequency Response: 60-15,000Hz.
- Impedance: 300 Ohm.
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
- Output at 1000Hz: -53dBV/Pa (2.2 mV).
- Included accessories: Internal shock-mount, pop-filter, mic clip, 15′ XLR cable. What is XLR?
Summary
The Shure PG58 is cheaper than the venerable SM58, but it’s no slouch.
Some say it performs just as well, if not better than a 58.
It’s very rugged and reliable, and pretty heavy to boot.
It’s great for stuff like small live gigs, karaoke, and even studio applications!
It also comes with an On/off switch which is a really convenient feature that not a lot of other, more expensive Shure mics even have.
Pros
- Very durable.
- Good sound quality.
- Crisp and clear response.
- Versatile.
Cons
- Handling noise.
Video Review
Who this mic benefits?
Good for:
- Live vocals
- Church worship music
- Hard rock
- Shakuhachi (which is a bamboo flute)
- Interviews. Good in a loud crowded place, as the mic will reject most of the background and ambient noise.
- In-studio
- Karaoke
- Instruments like an acoustic guitar
- Tenor voices
- Singing with a PA and electric guitar
- TV production
What you will need?
- A mic stand.
Because it’s a dynamic mic, you won’t need 48v phantom power, but you can still use an amp, audio interface, or mixer to power the mic. I use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and would recommend it as a phenomenal entry-level audio interface.
Related: What does an audio interface do?
Just make sure that you don’t press the 48v switch.
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Be aware of counterfeit models. Always make sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer, and if you decide to buy from Amazon, look for “shipped from and sold by Amazon.”
- The cable it comes with is satisfactory but could have been better.
Consensus/Conclusion
A versatile, crystal-clear mic that sounds just as good as the SM58 in many people’s eyes.
The inclusion of an On/Off switch is especially useful, and one of its main draws is being great for karaoke.
Great feedback rejection, and also drowns out the majority of ambient and background noise.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both have good feedback rejection.
- Both have a very similar sound with some subtle differences outlined below.
- Both are cardioid dynamic microphones. What is a cardioid capsule?
Differences
Mid-range
The SM58 is a bit flatter in the mid-range, while the PG58 is brighter and has more presence.
These are slight differences in tone and can be adjusted with some EQ.
Treble
The Sm58 has an overall flatter response in the treble region, as well as the overall sound.
Switch
The PG58 has an On/off switch while the SM58 does not.
Weight
The PG58 is heavier than the SM58. The PG58 by most accounts is just as rock solid and durable as the SM.
However, the takeaway is that both are very solid and if there’s a difference, it’s smaller than you think.
So per the spec sheets from Shure, the SM58 is 10.5 oz., while the PG58 is 11.3 oz.
Sound
The majority of people are saying the PG58 and SM58 either sound very similar, you can’t tell the difference in a blind test, or the difference is so small that it’s barely even noticeable.
Still,
some others claim that the SM58 has better clarity overall and that there is a difference.
I would say that they do sound about the same, and if the SM58 is better, it’s by a minuscule to a small margin.
The small difference is that the PG58 tends to sound a bit rough around the edges, while the SM58 is more accurate, and clean, but not as loud, which contributes to it sounding less harsh.
Frequency Response
60Hz-15kHz for the PG58, and 50Hz-15kHz for the SM58.
Handling noise
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two is handling noise.
This basically means that the PG58 will pick up a lot when you’re holding it, while the SM58 won’t as much.
Handling noise is simply a specification for quantifying the sensitivity of a microphone to movement and shock.
Final Word
If you’re strapped for cash and don’t want to invest in the SM58 because you don’t do bigger shows, or you’re not quite as involved in live stage recording, the PG58 is a great alternative, especially since it comes with so many extras.
You get an XLR cable, mic clip, zipper pouch, pop-filter (internal), and it has an internal shock-mount + On/off switch.
Learn More:
The SM58 is a live vocal mic standard and has been around for decades. If you’re more of a serious musician and need something for the long haul, the SM58 is the perfect solution.
With over 11,000 reviews, the SM58 has extremely high ratings and should almost be bought without hesitation.
Learn More:
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Shure PG58 vs. SM58 comparison.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Looking for something else? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Are you a live musician or work more in the studio? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
6 comments
FWIW I own both and often prefer the PG58 for speech because it’s pattern sweet spot seems a little more forgiving, while sung vocals I prefer the SM58 for smoother response. As always, a personal preference but try it yourself and see what you think.
Thanks for your impressions Dave! I will def try that out soon! What do you sing and also what kind of voice over work do you do?
The PG58 internal shock mount (if there is one) isn’t worth noting, the handling noise is really loud on this one! SM58 is way better in this department.
Thanks much for that tidbit man! What do you record?
The SM58 is available with an on/off switch and is called the SM58S. The model SM58-LC apparently denotes that it is packed Less Cable – there is an option to buy it with a cable.
I am a keyboard player and I have been using a PGA 58 for some years now. Because I leave it on the stand, handling noise is not an issue for me, but I have never noticed any handling noise issues. If you have a drummer, no one is going to hear that anyway.
The two microphones are very similar, and most of the differences that people talk about will be opinions, rather than facts. The specs show the SM58 frequency response goes to 15,000 HZ and the PGA 58 goes up to 16,000 Hz. That is the difference between Bb9 and B9 – totally inconsequential. Take good care of your mic, don’t twirl it around on the cord, don’t pound nails with it, don’t dip it in your beer, and either one will last longer than you will.
Thank you for the insight, Bruce!