Home Microphone Comparisons Shure SM58 vs. SM58S | ONE DIFFERENCE!

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Updates:

  • 1/26/21. Article/link cleanup.

Hello there friend and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into the Shure SM58 vs. SM58S, 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 provide a quick comparison of these two, and then give a recommendation towards the end! 🙂

  1. Similarities & Differences
  2. Final Word

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

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

  • Both mics are 10.5 oz.
  • Both have an effective output level of -54 dBm.
  • Both have a frequency response of 50 – 15,000Hz.
  • Both are dynamic, cardioid microphones. What is a cardioid capsule?
  • Both have a built-in pop filter.
  • Both have essentially the same sound signature. Overall it’s bright and detailed.

Differences

  • Switch. The main difference between these two mics is that the SM58S has an On/off switch, hence the S. The SM58 does not. The switch may seem like a pretty good feature, but it also has the tendency to create pops and other undesirables in a live setting. This can range from irritating to downright dangerous, meaning it could damage your gear in some way. The other bad thing about switches is that they tend to get turned off and on by accident. This could prove disastrous while you’re recording as well. Lol.
  • The Flipside. On the other side of the coin, some need the switch, as it enables them to turn off the mic so that the crowd can’t hear the dialogue in between songs or sets. Heh. Some people believe that talking in between songs is taboo and the unwritten rule is that you shouldn’t. The mic is also useful for those situations when you need to turn it off because it’s too hot.
  • Impedance. The SM58 has an impedance of 150 Ohms, while the SM58’s is 300 Ohms.

Just for laughs, check out the durability test! These videos never cease to make me laugh out loud. SM58’s are indestructible!

Final Word

Honestly, I would go with the SM58 if it was me, but you may or may not need that switch. It all depends! Regardless, these are battle-tested mics that simply won’t fail.

SEE THE SM58 FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Shure SM58 vs. SM58S comparison.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

What do you think about these? Are they worth a try? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

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8 comments

Rajan Mittal January 14, 2018 - 7:01 am

Hi,
I am a singer and want to use the mike for studio and live performance. What impedance would be right for me 150 or 300. So should I go for the sm58 or sm58s, please guide me.
Thanks & regards.
Rajan Mittal

Reply
Stuart Charles Black January 15, 2018 - 12:03 am

Hey Rajan,

If you need the switch, go with the 58S, if you don’t, the SM58 is the solution.

Regards,
-Stu

Reply
ZT45 November 14, 2019 - 5:45 am

If one were to visit Shure’s site and view the “SM Brochure”, at https://pubs-api.shure.com/file/260007, the impedance listed is 150 ohms (300 actual). The SM58 is considered a “low-impedance” dynamic mic’. Interestingly, the SM57 is listed as 150 ohms (310 actual) even though both “The 57 and 58 microphones are actually based on the same cartridge design. The main difference is in the grille.” (https://www.shure.com/en-US/performance-production/louder/faq-whats-the-difference-between-the-sm58-and-the-sm57)

Reply
Stuart Charles Black November 17, 2019 - 5:47 pm

Thank you so much for the insight man! I will have to check out that link here in a bit.

Reply
Johnny June 13, 2020 - 4:50 pm

I’m a drummer who sings backup & occasional lead. I like having the switch for control instead of leaving it up to the sound tech who usually has better things to do lol

Reply
Stuart Charles Black June 15, 2020 - 1:42 pm

HAHA! Nice one man! What kinds of music are you singing?

Reply
Haki Pahl August 7, 2022 - 8:58 am

Thanks for your comparison! <3

I have one question…at the moment I´m searching for a band as singer again, and for a good mic for that.

BUT I also would like to have the possibility to plug the mic on my pc (with an xlr to 3.5 cable) to record some samples from time to time.

I wonder if this would be possible with the SM58S?

Sorry for my english by the way, I´m from Germany… 😉

Have an nice weekend, best greetings!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black August 8, 2022 - 3:25 pm

Hey Haki!

No worries. Your Engrish is fine! xD 🙂

I would just use an interface for recording samples (and anything, really) and probably wouldn’t go straight into the PC, but that’s just me.

Reply

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