SM58 Pro XLR Dynamic Microphone with On/Off Switch - Professional Studio & Live Performance Cardioid Mic for Vocals, Podcasting, and Recording (SM58S)

This is the second SM58 that I now own. This will be handy when serving as a cantor at our Minor Basilica since I can switch it off when I am not singing.

My band has five SM58S microphones. Legendary ruggedness. Flawless performance. My main reason for writing this review is to respond to some reviewers who criticize the fact that you have to get your mouth close to this mic. Well, that’s a key feature of the SM58. It is a vocal microphone, and thus needs to reject as much of the surrounding noise as possible - audience, drums, other instruments, other vocalists, traffic noise, whatever. This is not a ‘room’ mic - if you intend to record your entire band live with only one mic, the SM58 is not the best choice. By the way, the main difference between the SM58 and the SM57 is the windscreen on the SM58. So the SM57 is often considered to be an ‘instrument’ mic. But both mics will work fine with vocals or instruments if properly placed. Just note that SM58, because of the windscreen, does offer better protection against wind noise and vocal sibilants. There are lots of internet articles and videos on how to use these two really great microphones. There is a reason that almost all pros have both these mics in their toolkit.

Every sound engineer worth their salt knows how to work with these microphones. They may not like them, and there may be better microphones out there, but the sound that comes from an SM58 is a known entity that can be made to work in every reasonable situation. It is consistent, rugged, and classic. If you use a more expensive microphone, this is an ideal backup microphone. If you're starting out, this is the one to get.

Love the quality and the sound!

You can’t beat the SM58

This item is built for durability, it's a bit heavy. The sound is good, however you have to almost put your mount on the mic to hear the output or turn up the mic knob on your receiver, which can also produce feedback if too high. For that reason I gave it 4 stars. Other than that it's a very good mic for live events and singing.

I made the mistake of thinking I could save forty bucks and get by with the Shure PG-58. I'm no vocalist but occasionally need to do announcements or accommodate a guest vocalist through an instrument amp (rather than a P.A.). Whatever the reason, the PG-58 simply doesn't have sufficient gain or oomph to be of much use with the Roland Cube / Peavey amps I try to employ it with (I use a 1/4" adapter with the XLR connector that comes with the mic). When I borrow a Shure SM-58 mic from someone, the difference is instant and dramatic--it's a far more efficient (i.e. louder) mic, producing a full, clear sound, and without additional pre-amplification, demonstrating why it's the most popular microphone in the world. For five bucks extra, I can't fathom a reason for avoiding the SM-58S, the version with an on-off switch. It's a small price to pay for quick solutions to feedback or the unwanted pick-up of "private" comments by indiscreet band members. And even if you're an instrumentalist, it may be wiser to select the SM-58 over the SM-57. The former mic is a little more ostentatious, but it's also slightly more adaptable, and the screen can filter out a certain amount of wind noise and unwanted non-musical sounds. Above all, the SM-58 has proven itself to be the Sherman tank of microphones, simply unparalleled for ruggedness and durability. [I see a review cautioning the consumer to be wary of "this seller." Perhaps a good point unless it's in reference to Amazon Prime, which is the Shure SM-58 of commerce: competitive prices, no postage, easy returns. But anyone who returns an SM58 probably had no business buying it in the first place. They are the populous drones of the industry, invariably purchased by professionals who know first-hand what they're getting--reliability and virtual indestructibility. In fact, it's the very popularity of the SM58 that has led to all of the slightly less or more expensive imitators. Consumers require choice, but with the Shure SM58 there need be none.]

Absolutely love this microphone. Sure, it’s a go-to brand for a lot of serious artists and performers, but we’re just using it for our home karaoke setup—and honestly, it still feels like we’re holding something professional. It’s got a solid weight to it, not flimsy or plasticky like some cheaper mics, and it feels great in the hand. The sound quality is crisp and clear, with none of that hollow, tinny vibe you get from budget gear. Even in our not-so-soundproof living room, voices come through clean and balanced. It’s definitely leveled up our karaoke nights—now we almost sound like we know what we’re doing. For the price, this mic punches above its weight, and it’s earned a permanent spot in our setup.