Shure SM58
Dynamic Vocal Microphone
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The Best Live Vocal Mic
Shure SM58
- Don Makoviney
- Last Updated: August 27, 2020
Our pick is not surprising for those who perform live often. The Shure SM58 is the best microphone for live vocals. It's globally recognized as the go-to mic. It is durable, has decades of glowing reviews, and complements any style of vocal, from hushed and quiet to the loudest growls, howls, and screams. It's a $100 mic used by amateurs and professionals, widely regarded as the best vocal mic in the world.
First created by Shure in 1966, it was quickly recognized as essential for live performance. In fact, the Wikipedia page for the mic states, “it has built a strong reputation among musicians for its durability and sound, and more than four decades later it is still considered the industry standard for live vocal performance microphones.”
The SM58 uses an internal shock mount to reduce handling noise, which makes it ideal for live performance.
You really don’t have to spend a lot of time researching this one. If you need a durable microphone that sounds great live, the Shure SM58 is the one to get. Any person who knows what they’re talking about will tell you the same thing.
The Budget Alternative
Maybe you need a couple vocal mics and only have $100. If that were the case for me I’d probably get the AKG D 8000M. They are definitely not as great as the Shure SM58, but they’re noticeably better than anything else in this category at this price range. They are a tad more sensitive to knocking around than the Shure, as the internal shock mount isn’t as elegant. But it is great at minimizing feedback.
Conclusion
Get the Shure SM58. You and anyone who uses it will not be disappointed.
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The Best Live Vocal Mic
Shure SM58
Important Specs
| Type | Dynamic (moving coil) |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional (cardioid) |
| Connector | Male XLR |
| more specs |
Synopsis:
Our pick is not surprising for those who perform live often. The Shure SM58 is the best microphone for live vocals. It's globally recognized as the go-to mic. It is durable, has decades of glowing reviews, and complements any style of vocal, from hushed and quiet to the loudest growls, howls, and screams. It's a $100 mic used by amateurs and professionals, widely regarded as the best vocal mic in the world.
Budget Option
AKG D 8000M
AKG runs a two for one deal on these often. While they won't sound as great as the Shure, they sound better than pretty much anything else in this price range.
Important Specs
| Type | Dynamic (moving coil) |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional (cardioid) |
| Connector | Male XLR |
| more specs |
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