SHURE SM58 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone
MODEL SM58
UNIDIRECTIONAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional vocal use in sound reinforcement and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop” noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shock mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing or speech—the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals worldwide.
Features
- Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll-off
- Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
- Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
- Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter
- Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180
- Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
Variations
SM58
SM58S (With On/Off Switch)
PROXIMITY EFFECT
When the sound source is less than 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the microphone, the microphone boosts bass frequencies (by 6 to 10 dB at 100 Hz), creating a warmer and richer bass sound than when farther away. This effect, known as proximity effect, happens only in unidirectional dynamic microphones like the SM58. The SM58 low-frequency roll-off provides greater con-trol, allowing the user to take full advantage of proximity effect.
APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The SM58 is ideal for close-up vocals and can be held in the hand or mounted on a stand. Some of the most common applica-tions and placement techniques are listed in the following table. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste—there is no one “correct” microphone position.
| APPLICATION | SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT | TONE QUALITY |
| Lead & Backup Vocals | Lips less than 150 mm (6 in.) away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone. | Robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources. |
| Speech | 150 mm (6 in.) to .6 m (2 ft) away from mouth, just above nose height. | Natural sound, reduced bass. |
| 200 mm (8 in.) to .6 m (2 ft) away from mouth, slightly off to one side. | Natural sound, reduced bass and minimal “s” sounds. | |
| 1 m (3 ft) to 2 m (6 ft) away. | Thinner; distant sound; ambience. |
STAGE MONITOR & P.A. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
Place the stage monitor directly behind the microphone (see Figure 1). Locate the P.A. loudspeakers so that they point away from the rear of the microphone. With the speakers located in these positions, the possibility of feedback is greatly reduced. Always check the stage setup before a performance to ensure optimum placement of microphones and monitors.
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
- Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and away from unwanted sources.
- Locate the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
- Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
- Use only one microphone per sound source.
- Locate microphones at least three times as far from other microphones as from the sound source.
- Use as few microphones as practical.
- Place microphones far from sound-reflecting surfaces.
- Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors, for closeup speech, or vocals.
- Avoid excessive handling to minimize mechanical noise.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response 50 to 15,000 Hz (see Figure 2)
Polar Pattern
Unidirectional (cardioid), rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis, uniform with frequency (see Figure 3) 
Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz Open Circuit Voltage) –54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL
Impedance
Rated impedance is 150 (300 actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance
Polarity
Positive pressure on the diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Internal Connections (Figure 4)
Connector
Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
Case
Dark gray, enamel-painted, die-cast metal; matte-finished, silver colored, spherical steel mesh grille
Overall Dimensions (Figure 5) 
Swivel Adapter
Positive-action, break-resistant, adjustable through 180°, with standard 5/8 in.–27 thread
Net Weight 298 grams (10.5 oz)
CERTIFICATION
Eligible to bear CE Marking. Conforms to European EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. Meets applicable tests and performance criteria in European Standard EN55103 (1996) parts 1 and 2, for residential (E1) and light industrial (E2) environments.
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES
- Swivel Stand Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A25D
- Storage Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26A13
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
- Windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . A58WS Series (8 colors available)
- Desk Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S37A, S39A
- Isolation Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A55M
- Dual Mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A26M
- Cable (7.6 m [25 ft] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C25E, C25F
REPLACEMENT PARTS
- Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R59
- Screen and Grille Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RK143G
For additional service or parts information, please contact Shure’s Service Department at 1-800-516-2525. Outside the United States, please contact your authorized Shure Service Center.
SHURE Incorporated Web Address: http://www.shure.com 222 Hartrey Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202–3696, U.S.A. Phone: 847-866–2200 Fax: 847-866-2279
In Europe, Phone: 49-7131-72140 Fax: 49-7131-721414
In Asia, Phone: 852-2893-4290 Fax: 852-2893-4055 Elsewhere, Phone: 847-866–2200 Fax: 847-866-2585
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I minimize background noise during vocal recordings?
A: Ensure that the microphone is positioned close to the sound source and use a unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern to isolate the main sound source and minimize background noise. - Q: Can the microphone be used for instruments other than vocals?
A: While the SM58 is tailored for vocals, it can also be used for instruments, depending on the desired sound characteristics. Experiment with placement and proximity to achieve the desired results.
Documents / Resources
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SHURE SM58 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone [pdf] User Guide SM58, SM58S, SM58 Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone, SM58 Microphone, Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone, Unidirectional Microphone, Dynamic Microphone, Microphone |
