Shure SM48 vs. SM58 [SUBTLE DIFFERENCES?]

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Greetings friend and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into the Shure SM48 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 SM48, compare it with the SM58, and then give my recommendation towards the end. 🙂

1. Ratings/Price
2. Specifications
3. Summary
4. Pros
5. Cons
6. Video Review
7. Who this mic benefits?
8. What you will need?
9. Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
10. Consensus/Conclusion
11. Similarities & Differences
12. Final Word

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!

Shure SM48

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In The Box

Shure SM48-LC Vocal Microphone

Zippered Pouch

Microphone Clip

Specifications

• Microphone Type: Dynamic. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
• Frequency Response: 55Hz-14kHz.
• Output Impedance: 150 Ohms.
• Color: Black
• Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Included accessories: Mic clip, zipper pouch.
• Manufacturer Part Number: SM48-LC

Summary

There are 3 versions of the SM48:

1. SM48S-LC. This one comes with an on/off switch.
2. SM48-LC. No on/off switch.
3. SM48-LC without On/off switch and including a windscreen.

The SM48 is a great alternative to the 58 if you’re on a tighter budget, and you’ll get just about the same quality.

The 58 is a little better for live acts, and more professional applications, but the 48 holds its own quite well.

It’s rugged and dependable, and provides good feedback rejection, while also rejecting handling noise and off-axis sound.

If I could describe the SM48 succinctly, it would be 90-95% of the SM58 at 50% of the cost.

So it will get you almost as good quality but will be markedly lower in price.

Pros

• Crisp, clear, clean sound. Great clarity.
  
• Rugged and durable.
• Good feedback rejection. Also good at rejecting wind noise, handling noise, and off-axis sound.
  

Cons

• Distortion at close proximity, some plosive issues at times.

Video Review

Who this mic benefits?

Good for:

• Interviews
• School A/V
• Voice-over/Radio
• Background/Backup vocals
• Miking drums
• Worship music
• Flute
• Clarinet
• Piano
• Ukulele
• Fieldwork
• DJ’s
• Spoken word
• Choir
• Karaoke
• Solo gigs
• Live applications
• Lecturing
• Close miking guitar cabs
• Hi-hats
• Snares
• Overhead drums
• Band practice
• Horns
• Orchestra
• Brass
• Skype
• Video recording

What you will need?

Because it’s a dynamic microphone, it will not require 48v phantom power.

However, you can still use it with your audio interface, mixer, preamp, amp, MIDI (What is MIDI?) controller, etc. What does an audio interface do?

Just make sure you keep the 48v switch off.

Some other things you may need:

• If you’re in the studio, Acoustic Sound Treatment never hurts! Although it’s a dynamic mic and will reject background noise pretty well, I still like to have it.
• A mic-stand.
• A pop filter (the SM48 has an internal one, but a windscreen is ideal for this mic).
• A shock mount (the SM48 has an internal one).

Thoughts from Stu’s notepad

• It’s not a very loud mic, so you will probably have to push the gain a lot more than you’re used to with an SM58.
• There will be some plosives that come out with this mic due to the upper mid-range boost, but it’s nothing major.
• You may have to be very close for it to pick up a good sound.
• You may need more compression and EQ to get the most desirable sound out of this one.

Consensus/Conclusion

Rugged, durable, and pretty versatile. Has a crisp, clear sound, but may not come through as bright, or cut through a mix as good as an SM58.

Great for backup vocals, and smaller, solo applications.

The gain should be turned up quite a bit to get optimal sound.

Shure SM58

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In The Box

Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Zippered Pouch

Microphone Clip

Specifications

• Type: Dynamic.
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
• Frequency Response: 50Hz-15kHz.
• Output Impedance: 150 Ohms.
• Color: Black.
• Connector: XLR.
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Accessories: Carry Case, Mic Clip.
• Manufacturer Part Number: SM58-LC.

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

• The sound signatures are very close, and you probably won’t be able to hear a difference. Most reviews I’ve come across say that if there is a difference, it’s very small and may not even be noticeable in a live setting.
• They have a similar build and shape.
• Both are dynamic cardioid microphones with an output impedance of 150 Ohms. What is a cardioid capsule?

Differences

• Price. The SM58 is a bit more expensive.
• Tonal quality and Sensitivity. There is a slight difference in tone between these two if you purchase the SM48 model with the On/off switch. The SM58 has the added benefit of being more sensitive and responsive. The SM48 by contrast is a bit flatter and sounds a tad duller.
• *Gain. Not quite as loud at similar gain settings as the SM58, but the gain can always be bumped up to accommodate. This is one of the biggest things to remember about these two mics.
• Transformer. Because the SM48 doesn’t have a transformer, it sounds more open than an SM58, with less of a mid-range punch.
• Cutting through the mix. The SM48 doesn’t cut through as well as the SM58.
• Overall sound. While there were a lot of people claiming the two sounded nearly identical, others disagreed and claimed the 48 sounds more muffled in contrast. The SM58 has a fuller sound as well and comes across as slightly brighter and cleaner. With the SM48, your vocals may not sound as “alive” before EQ.
• Build. Both are rock solid as usual, but the SM58 may be tougher.
• Head. The grill on the SM48 is slightly larger than the SM58.
• Mid-range. The SM48 has a little less presence in the mid-range vs. the SM58.
• Frequency Response. 50Hz-15kHz for the SM58, and 55Hz-14kHz for the SM48.
• Weight. The SM48 is a little heavier at 0.82 lbs. vs. the 0.66 of the SM58.

Final Word

A good rule of thumb for these two mics is this:

If you’re only going to be using it for voice-over, backing vocals, and spoken word type stuff, save your money and get the SM48, as it’s perfect for this reason.

The SM48 doesn’t work as well for recording applications, and more professional use, unfortunately, and excels best with PA work, Karaoke, smaller gigs, etc.

Learn More:

If you need a stage mic, or something a little more serious for vocals and instrumentation, the SM58 is just about your best option as a piece that simply will not let you down.

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this SM48 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!!

Which one of these tickles YOUR pickle? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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