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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard! Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear) all over again so…
Let’s start with a quick chart!
Comparison Chart
Preview
Better For Instruments
Better For Live Vocals
Title
Instrument Dynamic Mircophone, SM57-LC (SM57-LCE)
Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone with Pneumatic Shock Mount, Spherical Mesh Grille with Built-in Pop Filter, A25D Mic Clip, Storage Bag, 3-pin XLR Connector
So much has been said about this mic over the years that it’s hard to summarize!
First and foremost, SM57 is about as durable as it gets. It can withstand abuse like you wouldn’t believe.
Anything from drops, throws, being trampled on, spills, bumps, bent screens, and anything in between.
It always comes out on top and has stood the test of time for decades.
In fact, it’s even used in most presidential speeches and addresses!
That’s right, the president of the United States of America relies on the SM57. Pretty amazing.
What’s more, it’s extremely versatile as well, but primarily functions as a phenomenal instrument and guitar amp cabinet mic.
I’ve seen it endorsed for nearly everything though (more on that in a bit), and it’s most notably famous for recording the famous snare drum.
It’s a dynamic mic, and works well in the studio and live on stage.
Because it has a high SPL (sound pressure level), you’re able to scream into the mic with no problem.
Unfortunately, one of its shortcomings (IF you don’t have a Fethead or Cloudlifter) is that you will need to turn up the input gain on your device quite a bit to get the best results.
A Fethead delivers up to 27dB of clean gain which is needed for standard audio interfaces like my Universal Audio Volt 2. A Cloudlifter provides around 25.
Keep in mind you can still use the SM57 without it, but in terms of gain, I have it turned up to around 11. Haha just kidding, it’s at about 85-90%.
At this level, you may start to hear some noise/artifacts depending on the environment you’re recording in.
This is why I will most certainly be investing in a Fethead to mitigate that issue.
The good news is that because it’s dynamic, the noise issue isn’t nearly as bad as it would be if you jacked the gain up on a condenser.
Overall, the SM57 is perfect for the beginner to the advanced, and records clean as a whistle.
The highs are particularly noteworthy here and come through with startling clarity.
You may be aware that a condenser microphone is typically very sensitive, picking up a lot of sound outside of its immediate vicinity.
One last very important note: There are a lot of counterfeit models floating around from China especially. Be on the extreme lookout. Make sure that you’re buying from a reputable, authorized seller on amazon.
Pros
All-purpose dynamic mic. Extremely versatile. Best for instruments, but can be used with just about anything successfully.
Perhaps the most durable mic in existence. Called indestructible.
Does surprisingly well with vocals in studio.
Good for beginners and advanced folk.
Blocks out background noise.
Clean sound, records high notes very well.
Used by the President of the USA.
Captures the tone of your amp remarkably. It doesn’t favor any particular frequency over another.
Not neutral. It does warm the sound up a bit, particularly with guitars.
Cons
No power switch.
Some say it’s a bit bassy.You can set the low end EQ to -5db to counteract this issue.
Low gain. Your amp must be loud when recording guitar. The input gain needs to be higher on your device to get optimal sound.
What this mic is good for/not good for
Good for
Everything. I’ve seen it mentioned with all of the following:
Miking guitar amp cabinets. *Industry Standard*
Snares*
Toms*
Pipe organ
Piano
Classical Sax
Deep voices
Guitar
Violin
Tambourine
Shakers
Mandolin
Flute
Choir
Voice-over
Percussion
Brass
Woodwind
Ukelele
Bass
Marimba
Congas
Vox
Wood block
Industrial sounds like power tools
Not as good for:
Cymbals.
Kicks. It does decent with kicks but not as good as the above mentioned.
What you will need?
You could go a few different routes:
The X2U adapter enables you to plug right into your laptop or PC. The easiest path.
A better and more versatile option would be a mixing board like the Yamaha MG06X. A much more flexible system.
You’ll definitely need a windscreen/pop filter such as this one as the SM57 sounds really bad without it. You’ll get plosives, popping, etc. It may seem like a tight fit at first, but it will slide right in eventually.
Check out the simple video on how to hook it up to your X2U!
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
This section will be for miscellaneous tidbits and stuff that I’ve read about the product from others.
Just some notes that I took down.
It sounds similar to an SM7B, which is perhaps the best microphone for vocals in the studio. But only if you put a windscreen on it and stand about 2 inches away.
Classic workhorse, Gold standard.
The Shure A2WS Windscreen or A81WS was most recommended by reviewers. The A81WS makes the 57 sound especially good, but it’s enormous. You may want to get the smaller and more affordable A2WS.
The SM57 has one of the most pronounced proximity effects. 1 or 2 inches away and you should be golden.
It can handle vocals too, but just don’t expect it to be your best option for that.
“I’d guess that 75% of all contemporary recordings there’s a 57 pointed at the snare drum head because they handle peak transients so well.” -Amazon Reviewer
SM57 is warm but doesn’t favor any particular frequency over another.
If there was ever a mic to buy in bulk, this would be it. A lot of people buy 2, 3, or even 4 of them!
Consensus/Conclusion
I think you know by now. This mic has been around for decades and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon. It’s about the surest thing you can get if you’re just starting out.
To start off, there are 4 different versions of the 58, but they come with subtle differences.
SM58-CN (Cable included).
SM58-LC (Cable not included).
SM58S (On/Off Switch included).
SM58-X2U (XLR to USB signal adapter, same as with Sm57).
The SM58 is the best on-stage vocal mic you can buy. It’s the other industry standard for live sound.
Like the SM57, it’s about as durable as it gets. Need a hammer for your next DIY project? Use the SM58. Lol.
Frustrated with your drummer? Throw the SM58 at him.
Need a tool for self-defense after live gigs in back alleys?
Get an SM58. It won’t fail! Just know that its primary use will be with vocals, backing vocals, etc.
Same important note as with the SM57: Beware of counterfeits. Use extreme caution when buying, and only buy from reputable, authorized amazon sellers!
Pros
Extremely durable. Like hammer. “Don’t you know what a hammer is?!” -Hank Hill.
The industry standard for on-stage vocals. There is no other option more sought after for this purpose.
Price to performance ratio through the roof.
Ball-shaped grilles are very sturdy.
No feedback issues. High SPL (Sound pressure level).
Comes with an internal shock mount and windscreen, but you may need a stand, foam windscreen/pop filter for in the studio.
Recordings are faithful to the performer’s vocals.
Cons
Some don’t like the power switch that comes with SM58S, saying it’s too loose, and kind of cheap.
Muddiness around 250 Hz.
The high-end isn’t as pristine as some other expensive dynamics. Maybe a bit shrill/sibilant.What does sibilant mean?
Gain may have to be turned up a lot to get the most out of it.
Some say the mic holder is a bit cheap.
What this mic is good for/not good for
Good for
Speech
Singing
Chanting
Beatboxing
An interesting one: Turning regular sounds or instrument sounds into sound effects.
Interviews
Church praise and worship, bible study, etc.
It’s perfect for pod-casting, just make sure to get a windscreen.
Not as good for
Instruments
Sax
Guitar
What you will need?
Any of the same options as with the SM57!
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
Mic is designed to be kissed. Not in that way 😛 Most people enjoy it right up against their mouth. You should get pretty intimate with it.
If you have a softer or weaker voice, the 58 will do you well.
It’s a highly directional mic and has a noticeable but manageable proximity effect. The bass increases the closer you are.
It has a prominent frequency boost in the upper mid-range, but the top end rolls off right after that. It helps keep feedback low, but may not give off that hi-fi sound as with other mics. The top end may lack that “sparkle.”
It can be turned up louder than almost any other mic without that annoying PA squeal. Feedback is quite low as mentioned in the Pros.
You may end up taking this mic to the casket with you. It just holds up incredibly well. Someone even said it still worked after they accidentally ran it over. Wow.
Mic stand is highly recommended for the studio.
Consensus/Conclusion
It’s pretty easy to sum this baby boo up. It’s durable like a Hank Hill hammer, at its best live on stage. VOCALS!
The polar pattern on the SM57 is uni-directional in contrast to the omnidirectional pattern on the SM58.
The SM57 is said to be more versatile than the 58. The Sm58 is mostly for singing/vocals, while the 57 has been endorsed for nearly everything.
The SM57 has crisper vocals on the highs and is fuller on the low end. It’s more natural on vocals and never muddy or muffled.
The SM57 is more open on the top end
The look of each is vastly different, from the grille, shape, color, etc.
The SM57 sounds best a few inches away from your mouth, while the 58 can be shoved in your mouth and sound fine.
The SM57 does better with deep voices than the Sm58. The 57 has a better low-frequency response.
In general, the Sm58 is more suited for live vocal performances while the Sm57 is best with instruments, amp cabinets, and in-studio vocals.
Check out the comparison video!!
Final Word
So to keep this simple, if you’re looking for a lifelong partner for live performances, pod-casting, or church choir-type things, the SM58 is your best bet. It’s best suited for vocals and meant to be screamed into. If that sounds like you, get PUMPED.
If you’re like me and want more of an all-purpose mic that does extremely well with instruments and vocals in the studio, the Shure Sm57 is the way to go.
I have one, love it, and plan to use it for my acoustic guitar as well as for rapping.
Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
Wanted for a mic for Classical Guitar recordings at home. You review was comprehensive to an absolute novice like me. The ‘headless chicken’ just stopped running ! Thanks much !
When I first replied to this comment, I looked at the SM57 cons even though you said SM58. My apologies. Probably had a lot on my mind at the time 😛 You were right! I didn’t even catch that until I just came back to this article today for an update. Thanks so much!
6 comments
Hi Stu,
The Shure SM 58’s 250 db hump *gulp* 🙂
Cheers
Jan
Haha read my reply to Tom. I just came back to this article and fixed that little goof up. 😛
Wanted for a mic for Classical Guitar recordings at home. You review was comprehensive to an absolute novice like me. The ‘headless chicken’ just stopped running ! Thanks much !
Hey Joseph!
Not a problem brother! If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me.
-Stu
Regarding the second item in the “Cons” list for the SM-58 …
Shouldn’t that be Hz instead of dB?
Tom,
When I first replied to this comment, I looked at the SM57 cons even though you said SM58. My apologies. Probably had a lot on my mind at the time 😛 You were right! I didn’t even catch that until I just came back to this article today for an update. Thanks so much!
-Stu