Which SM58 to get?

[keith2021]

I am looking to buy a Shure SM58 mic for live performance but am confused by the model options. Their website hasn’t really helped clarify.

Does anyone know the differences between the SM58, SM58-lc and SM58-lce models?

I did find someone saying lc = less cable, but the regular 58 doesn’t come with cable either so that seems unlikely.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I only know of two current models.

The SM58-LCE is the standard model.

The SM58-SE has an on-off switch built onto the body.

Neither come with a cable.

In previous times, there was the SM58-LC where the LC meant 'less cable' -- ie, it didn't come with an XLR cable.

If you wanted an XLR cable in the box you needed the SM58-CN version... but it's not available anymore (although many retailers will do a 'set' with the mic plus a cable and stand.

The switched version was also previously marketed as the SM58S (instead of the current SM58-SE.

But all versions have the same capsule and sound the same.

Just be careful where you buy as there are an awful lot of cheap far eastern knock-offs that sound really terrible! If it costs less than about £90 the chances are it's a fake!

[Wonks]

The music stores often don't refer to the full Shure reference, which adds to any confusion you may have. E.g. Andertons simply refers to the 'SM58' (SM58-LCE) or 'SM58 with switch' (SM58SE) in their descriptions. This may make it seem like there are more models, but there aren't. It's just them being lazy and not including the full Shure reference anywhere in the descriptions.

[ef37a]

IMHO NEVER buy a mic with a switch! As well as a '58 I suggest you also get a Behrry XM8500 as a spare. Under £20 and you might be surprised at how well it compares to the Shure!

Dave.

[keith2021]

Ok, that’s clear now, thank you

[Wonks]

As well as a '58 I suggest you also get a Behrry XM8500 as a spare. Under £20 and you might be surprised at how well it compares to the Shure!

As long as you boost the treble and cut the bass, they can sound fairly similar, otherwise they are pretty muddy IMO. But they do have a similar level of handling noise and feedback rejection, and are one of the best cheap SM58-alikes I've tried, and better than Behringer' other SM58-style offerings.

Sadly it seems to now be a discontinued model.

I did a review of some Behringer 58-style mics at the beginning of last year and compared them against an SM58.

https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/view ... 27&t=70540

[ef37a]

As well as a '58 I suggest you also get a Behrry XM8500 as a spare. Under £20 and you might be surprised at how well it compares to the Shure!

As long as you boost the treble and cut the bass, they can sound fairly similar, otherwise they are pretty muddy IMO. But they do have a similar level of handling noise and feedback rejection, and are one of the best cheap SM58-alikes I've tried, and better than Behringer' other SM58-style offerings.

Sadly it seems to now be a discontinued model.

Oh! Well Amazon still have them and I have just ordered a spare,spare.

Dave.

[Mike Monte]

IMHO NEVER buy a mic with a switch!

Why no switch??
I carry four sm58's in my sound-for-hire kit but prefer to use Senn E835's as a vocal mic standard.
(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)
FWIW: Some of my 835's are the "switched" version 835s (which also has a set-screw to set the switch to the "on" position..)..
...again I ask:
Why no switch?? (just curious)

[Hugh Robjohns]

There are obviously some valid applications when a switched mic is helpful or even essential -- such as when there is no one available to control/mix the mic signal.

However, for general stage use a switched mic tends to be a liability as its too easily knocked off accidentally by the user.

Yes, on most you can lock the switch in the on position with a screw and/or reversible plate, but if you're going to lock it on its generally better just to have a mic without a switch in the first place. Less to go wrong, no contacts to wear and get noisy etc...

[shufflebeat]

IMHO NEVER buy a mic with a switch!

Absolutely.

Unless you need a mic with a switch, in which case get a Beyerdynamic. I have two very old Beyers with roll-y switches that have worked flawlessly since I bought them and that was second hand.

My first switched Beyer Soundstar 2 worked great until some over-zealous spinning dancers caught the cable and launched it across the dancefloor.

Switch was fine.

[ef37a]

Switch: Hugh got most of it. If you have ever done AGM sound reinforcement you generally have to keep out of the way and you can bet your wedding tackle one of the assembled worthies will fiddle and switch off their mic!

And, as stated, I have found mic switches always fail eventually.

Dave.

[ef37a]

IMHO NEVER buy a mic with a switch!

Absolutely.

Unless you need a mic with a switch, in which case get a Beyerdynamic. I have two very old Beyers with roll-y switches that have worked flawlessly since I bought them and that was second hand.

My first switched Beyer Soundstar 2 worked great until some over-zealous spinning dancers caught the cable and launched it across the dancefloor.

Switch was fine.

Ah, had that been a '58 it would likely have survived. Bent but working.

Dave.

[Music Wolf]

There are obviously some valid applications when a switched mic is helpful or even essential -- such as when there is no one available to control/mix the mic signal.

However, for general stage use a switched mic tends to be a liability as its too easily knocked off accidentally by the user.

I've overcome this by having a non-switched mic but by using a mic mute footswitch from our friend at Orchid Electronics which I now accidentally leave muted from time to time, despite the big red LED to warn me.

[The Elf]

I've spent a happy few minutes solder-bypassing the switch on a microphone that I'd been gifted as it was 'broken'. As if by magic, one perfectly working mic.

In addition to the above those switches can also cause a horrendous thump to a PA.

My preferred alternative to the SM58 is the AKG D5 - like an SM, but somehow more 'hi-fi'.

I open/close our stage mic's from my performance software. It opens the mic between songs and mutes it as the click/backing starts up. All it takes is a simple MIDI command to the XR18.

[ef37a]

There are obviously some valid applications when a switched mic is helpful or even essential -- such as when there is no one available to control/mix the mic signal.

However, for general stage use a switched mic tends to be a liability as its too easily knocked off accidentally by the user.

I've overcome this by having a non-switched mic but by using a mic mute footswitch from our friend at Orchid Electronics which I now accidentally leave muted from time to time, despite the big red LED to warn me.

What you need is a Push To Talk switch. The other problem with switched mics is when the singer switches it off and someone cranks the amp gain then you are deafened by feedback when singist finds the switch.

Dave.

[shufflebeat]

If you have ever done AGM sound reinforcement you generally have to keep out of the way and you can bet your wedding tackle one of the assembled worthies will fiddle and switch off their mic!

Dave.

Very wise. However the OP is talking about a very different situation which won't involve nervous best men or fathers of brides and wedding tackle only in a limited and specific sense.

Ah, had that been a '58 it would likely have survived. Bent but working.

Dave.

I suspect you may be right. It would never have sounded like the Beyer though, although to be fair, after the event neither did the Beyer.

[Dave Rowles]

I'd buy an sE Electronics V7 instead. My current favourite. Clearer sound, much better feedback rejection, and higher output.

But it does take a little bit of cajoling to get some artists to try it, so a 58 is more rider friendly.

[djangodeadman]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

[MOF]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

They don’t want to have to do any lifting and carrying.
Reminds me of the joke ‘why do sound engineers say one, two, one, two, during sound checks?’ Answer: because if they count to three they’ll have to lift something.

[djangodeadman]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

They don’t want to have to do any lifting and carrying.
Reminds me of the joke ‘why do sound engineers say one, two, one, two, during sound checks?’ Answer: because if they count to three they’ll have to lift something.

It’s always me (the engineer) and the drummer on the stage at the end of the night clearing up. The singers and guitarists are off doing rockstar things. Who knows where the bass player is?

[Drew Stephenson]

Who knows where the bass player is?

Packed up and halfway down the motorway!

[Dave Rowles]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

There was a massive thread about this very subject on a Facebook group about sanitising mics inbetween acts. I’ve invested in a load more vocal mics so there doesn’t have to be any sharing.

[ef37a]

Most people just don't help, they assume 'someone' will sort it all out.

I am reminded of a monthly competition we ran at our outdooor air rifle club. The idea was a group of members set up the field the evening before and then we rocked up on Sunday morning to shoot it. One evening the club captain turned up and NOBODY ELSE! He said **** it and went home and then phoned around to spread the word that there would be no competition next day.

Sunday morn came an all **** was breaking out and the loudest moaners were those that did least! Cap'n said "there was no ****er but me and I am NOT setting out 20 'king targets on my own!"

Some intense scrabbling around did get a shoot going and henceforth we got a little bit of a better turnout on 'work days!'

Dave.

[Mike Monte]

(Most singers worth their weight in salt will bring their own personal mic.)

And yet, even in these pandemic times, it’s surprising how many don’t.

There was a massive thread about this very subject on a Facebook group about sanitising mics inbetween acts. I’ve invested in a load more vocal mics so there doesn’t have to be any sharing.

When the pandemic settled-in around here I purchased a dozen foam windscreens. I asked the nurse (at a local school) what I should use to clean them. She advised me to use very warm water and anti-bacterial soap, rinse well, and air dry.
I carry my windscreens in fold-to-close plastic sandwich bags (one foam per bag) and when providing sound I let users pick-their-own. When done, I clean them (as per above).
No issues thus far...