Shure SM58 not as loud as previous mics... is this normal?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Beavis's Big To
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Beavis's Big To

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Just got the Tascam DP 02, and it is an awesome machine.
But, I also got a Shure SM58... proper cable, as well.
But, to get a signal loud enough, I am having to push my gain to a 3 o'clock position, instead of my usual 12.
It doesn't blare, but I still worry that I'm breaking a rule.
A rep at Guitar Center said that for enough gain, I'm not the first person to have to crank that much gain into the 58...
anyone have experience here about this, with the 58?
Keep in mind... I'm having to use that same amount of gain even when testing the 58 on 3 different mixers, not just the Tascam.
Thanks so much, I just wanna hear (see) someone say, "Yep, it's okay to use that much gain on a 58."


Beavis's Big Toe
 
It's a dynamic mic and like many dynamics, requires significant gain. They just aren't as hot as condensers.
 
Hey, thanks you 2.
I actually used an MXL 990 last year... long story short, I sold everything last year and am just now back to making music again.
Anyway, yeah... my MXL 990? That gain was at 9 o'clock! That's why the Shure kinda freaked me out with a 3 o clock setting.
Thanks a lot for the responses. I feel better.
 
Not to burst your bubble but are you sure it's a real 58 and not a cheap clone from some far away land? I hear there are alot of fakes going around.
 
I own 6 SM58s, I think (I run live sound often) - and the difference between the amount of gain that each of them requires is massive...kinda makes me wonder about their quality control until I hear them in the mix - they always just sound 'right' - for live applications, at least...

Anyway - I think I'm trying to say that yes - it's perfectly normal, without a doubt, for some 58s to require a ton of gain (like 3 o'clock).
 
TyphoidHippo said:
Anyway - I think I'm trying to say that yes - it's perfectly normal, without a doubt, for some 58s to require a ton of gain (like 3 o'clock).
Click to expand...

What do you mean by "some 58's require a ton of gain"...??

some do, and some don't ?
never heard that mentioned before.
 
Cleaning out the foam helps a lot. It gets pretty gross after awhile, and can really affect the level, frequency, polar pattern, which of course affects their rejection. Unscrew the ball, pull out the foam, and soak it in some water and dish detergent. You can scrub the grill with an old toothbrush. They will smell a lot better too.:) I do mine once a month or so, more if I do a lot of hardcore, reggae, or hippy shows.

Over time they will drift a little, but a lot is unusual. They will sound different, though, sometimes quite noticeably. Vocal mics take the most abuse in live situations.
 
COOLCAT said:
What do you mean by "some 58's require a ton of gain"...??

some do, and some don't ?
never heard that mentioned before.
Click to expand...

Well...the part of my post that you didn't quote explained what I meant further -

TyphoidHippo said:
I own 6 SM58s, I think (I run live sound often) - and the difference between the amount of gain that each of them requires is massive...kinda makes me wonder about their quality control until I hear them in the mix - they always just sound 'right' - for live applications, at least...
Click to expand...

And then boingoman had a good explanation of why it may be the case:
boingoman said:
Cleaning out the foam helps a lot. It gets pretty gross after awhile, and can really affect the level, frequency, polar pattern, which of course affects their rejection.
Click to expand...

I think I may try that tomorrow....thanks for the tip!
 
The classic Shure 58 mic is loved for its sound and broad appeal however it is an old design. Newer dynamic mic designs by companies like EV and AKG often use much more powerful internal magnets which give them significantly higher output levels. This can give better s/n ratios as it demand less gain from a preamp. If using your Shure 58 does not cause any noise problems at the higher gain settings you are using then there is nothing to worry about.
 
The classic Shure 58 mic is loved for its sound and broad appeal however it is an old design. Newer dynamic mic designs by companies like EV and AKG often use much more powerful internal magnets which give them significantly higher output levels. This can give better s/n ratios as it demand less gain from a preamp. If using your Shure 58 does not cause any noise problems at the higher gain settings you are using then there is nothing to worry about.
 
I used a sm58 for years but since someone introduced me to the Beta shure SM 58 , I love the sound, has more output and I like the clarity.

Dave
 
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