Product Comparison: Shure SM57 vs Shure SM58S

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Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

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Shure SM58S with On Off Switch

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General Specifications

Brand

Shure

Model

SM57

SM58S

Origin

Mexico

About the Product

The legendary Shure SM57 is exceptional for musical instrument pickup and vocals. With its bright, clean sound and contoured frequency response, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording.

The legendary Shure SM58 vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. Its tailored vocal response for sound is a world standard for singing or speech. A highly effective, built-in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.

Key Specs

Microphone Type

Dynamic

Polar Pattern

Cardioid

Minimum Frequency Response

40 Hz

50 Hz

Maximum Frequency Response

15 kHz

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

My favorite mic is the Shure BG 2.0, but is impossible to find it at a decent price. The SM57-LC mic has the closest frequency response curve to the BG 2.0, and is a little more sensitive which helps for folks who don't want to "eat" the mic.
A classic dynamic microphone.I have used this 57 to mike an instrumental soloist and in a few other applications. Most often I use these microphones to record pipe organ and/or piano, plus classical saxophone.
I think that the SM57 ironically is a better microphone for speech than the SM58 - it has a wonderful frequency response curve, and also as a dynamic mike, I like the warm punchy sound it generates.
Definitely not for voice, but great for instrument recording.
It worked reasonably well. I do not have much experience with mics. Worked little better than my cheap microphone, but seemed to pick up hiss from the side on flute.

Shure SM58S with On Off Switch

The real difrence is in handling noise and feed back loops in extremely loud live music. Confidently move around with out the noise.
I don't know much about mics or frequencies when it comes to vocals and PA's, but I can tell the difference in the sound quaility once I started using this mic.
When I'm reading my podcast (The WizardCast) away from my desk, I use two of these Shure microphones. They're amazing for mobile recording. They're dynamic mics which requires you to "eat the mic" but they block a large amount of the background noise.
If you want to sound great over a PC in a noisy bar, on a noisy stage full of musicians, the proximity effect and cardioid pattern of this mic will make that happen, and it will do the same for getting a good recording in a room that isn't soundproof, with traffic outside, etc.
The volume is different from another one I own.
Nothing special here. It's an ok mic for Karaoke, but I'd never use it professionally.

Size & Weight

Height

6.2 in.

6.38 in.

Width

1.25 in.

2 in.

Depth

1.25 in.

2 in.

Weight

0.63 lbs.

0.65 lbs.

Features

Maximum SPL

130 dB SPL

Output Impedance

150 Ω

Microphone Sensitivity

-56.0dB

-54.5dB

Interface

XLR

Extras

Extremely durable under the heaviest use, Pneumatic shock-mount system, Professional-quality reproduction

Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing 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 degrees, Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability

Power Options

Not needed

Maximum SPL
Output Impedance

What customers say about "Features"

Shure SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Just perfect for live speech in a hall, but also perfect in the studio for recording voice-over work and I believe it compares, or would compare favourably with many higher end condenser mikes.
Useful in a broad range of applications, you just can't go wrong using this on guitar cabs, horns, drums, congas, whatever. Best for live situations, although they can be useful in the studio, too. They're still built like tanks.
Nice for guitar amps. Play around with mic placement for a wide range of tones.
Looks very snappy, so I'm not embarrassed to catch it in my filming. Captures a broader range of sound than the SM58 (which focuses on voice and is omnidirectional).
Broke and sounded flat after 3 months of use, talked to friends and told me they have the same issue with their 57, is a shame, they are not building them like before.
I think this microphone is more suited for drums and electric guitars, and maybe singing. I needed a microphone for more quiet book reading (like making an audio cd) and podcasting.

Shure SM58S with On Off Switch

The on/off switch helps me because I am playing trumpet as well as singing, and except when the horn is tightly muted it's best to shut it off while playing. Working like a charm, and for the price it's a steal.
Very hard to find a mic with good dynamic range that doesnt feed back like a banshee when playing loud and live. Comparing the 58 back to back with 3 others, it wins in all categories. Clarity, control, durability.
This microphone picks up very from a distance of three feet, and the on/off switch is a great feature for our application.
I have the same complain for this mike as well. they are two small than expected. i have ordered two microphones of regular size but they came out smaller than they actually should be.
Made in China. The switch is pretty cheap and sloppy. Mic itself is very clear and clean. I would opt to get the non-switch or another brand.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

2 year(s)

Certifications

CE, EEC

CE, EAC

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

Download