Shure SM58

[grimtraveller]

Think Yul Brynner.

Shure SM58 mic... Is it worth purchasing for mostly recording purposes?

Hmmmm, curious......

Because of the ball end on the 58, it's better suited for close-up vocals.

Curiouser and curiouser.......

i have an AKG condeser mic, PLEAZE HELP ME

Even more curious than that....

The wizard would give you a brain I m sure.

Nobody sees the wizard ! Especially the colour wizard !!

 

[Steenamaroo]

Are you already familiar with ProTools?

My recommendation is usually to buy the one you know how to work, and if you don't know how to work one, go with Reaper.

There are differences between any DAW and another, but ay a basic record-edit-bounce level, they're pretty much all the same.

 

[guitargirl7]

Are you already familiar with ProTools?

My recommendation is usually to buy the one you know how to work, and if you don't know how to work one, go with Reaper.

There are differences between any DAW and another, but ay a basic record-edit-bounce level, they're pretty much all the same.

I'm slightly familiar with ProTools. I just returned PTSE because it was a piece of crap, as I've heard from many. But it was a low budget/lower end type of software from PT. So I am honestly not the most savy person with software quite yet, but I could learn. With that being said, do you think it would be smart to stick with PT10? Thank you!

 

[Steenamaroo]

Well, reaper has a free full functional trial period, so it'd do no harm to give it a look and see what you think.

 

[kidkage]

Yeah, you can get free trials of pretty much everything now days.
no harm in checking them all out.
Reaper, Fl Studio, Cubase, Ableton, etc.

 

[moresound]

Nobody sees the wizard ! Especially the colour wizard !!

And we came all this way

 

[TeyshaBlue]

There have been many, many vocal "scratch" tracks done on ye olde 58 that have ended up on the final mix. Sometimes, they do deliver...totally depends on the program material.

 

[Al618]

Get an old SM 58, dual impedance without a switch, very handy. Get a pair.


The engineer sees the glass as twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[WALKTHETALK]

I immediately used a Marshall MXL condenser mic in my recording studio when it arrived (under $100), to my disappointment, it was very sensitive even with a pop filter. It picked up my lip, glottal and breathing of the singer. I grabbed the old SM58 and the qualify was the same, but without the noise. May be a little low on the high end above 11k and above, but that took care of sibillance. As for the 57? I thought it was a cheap alternative for the 58 micing instruments. But the again, I was talking about the old days.

 

[jimmy3]

The SM58 is designed for close up miking of vocals. As such, the frequency response rolls off at the low end to minimise proximity effect and has a slightly harsh presence peak as you get to the top end to give vocal clarity. It's also quite lacking in sensitivity when you get more than a couple of inches away from the mic. On quieter stuff miked from farther away, you'll be struggling to get enough gain and have a slightly skewed frequency response.

@Bobsy: Thanks a ton for your comments, that was an eye opener!! Even though quite an old post, but cant help replying.

Now I was searching for a good mic for recording vocals only, & was having a tough time deciding with the mics Studio Project B1, AT2020/2035, Shure SM58. Although I was only seeking for reviews for the first two, times and times again I hear about how SM58 can be a good mic for recording as well. So was bit inclined to it... as this SM58 will be much helpful for my lives as well. But certainly dont wish to get that at the cost of getting my recordings.

Now I have a soft melodious voice, and need good gain for the detailing. But more gain invites more noise, so something to take care of that too. Considering your comments for SM58 and the lack of gain, close miking... can I safely rule this out? I'll then be placed to fight it out between the SP B1 & the AT2035/2020. One last comment on this post please?? That would be really really helpful.

 

[Bobbsy]

@Bobsy: Thanks a ton for your comments, that was an eye opener!! Even though quite an old post, but cant help replying.

Now I was searching for a good mic for recording vocals only, & was having a tough time deciding with the mics Studio Project B1, AT2020/2035, Shure SM58. Although I was only seeking for reviews for the first two, times and times again I hear about how SM58 can be a good mic for recording as well. So was bit inclined to it... as this SM58 will be much helpful for my lives as well. But certainly dont wish to get that at the cost of getting my recordings.

Now I have a soft melodious voice, and need good gain for the detailing. But more gain invites more noise, so something to take care of that too. Considering your comments for SM58 and the lack of gain, close miking... can I safely rule this out? I'll then be placed to fight it out between the SP B1 & the AT2035/2020. One last comment on this post please?? That would be really really helpful.

It's not a question I can give you a cut and fast answer too.

The SM58 can work for vocals in the studio, providing your technique is to sing very close to the mic and if your interface has sufficient clean gain--we haven't discussed what interface you have. One advantage of the low sensitivity is that, in an untreated or poorly treated home studio it will pick up less background noise and room atmosphere than a typical large diaphragm condenser.

There's also the issue of the sound you want. Some like the sound of a dynamic; others (myself included) prefer the clarity of a condenser.

Finally, there's the issue of versatility. The SM58 will really ONLY do your vocals; the other mics on your short list can do a multitude of other things--like acoustic guitar, other instruments, etc.

Of your short list I personally like the Studio Projects B1. However, if it was me, I'd add the sE X1 mic to the list--a lovely, smooth sounding mic for the money. However every voice is different and everyone's tastes in sound are different. If you can find a place that lets you audition mics, that's the ideal.

Sorry to be woolly and inconclusive!

 

[jimmy3]

Indeed, I understand there never is a clear cut answer, and its all matter of choice. Still its good to see the SM58 been considered a recording mic. I have tried recording with my (much cheaper) dynamic mic. Although I always use it for lives, pretty happy with it.. but recording is pathetic!

The SM58 can work for vocals in the studio, providing your technique is to sing very close to the mic and if your interface has sufficient clean gain--we haven't discussed what interface you have

This is the one thing that is keeping me off the SM58. Basically I relatively softer voice than most singers, and sing melodies. Keeping close to the mic isnt an issue, but my voice isnt very loud. I read in other forums that SM58 is good for those who has the growling loud voices, which might give justice to the sound.
I am using Focusrite Scarlet 6i6, which has pretty good pre-amps. But my focus is to get a clear sound first, which I can modulate using the EQs and Effects in the DAW.

However, if it was me, I'd add the sE X1 mic to the list--a lovely, smooth sounding mic for the money

I'll definitely research about this, didnt catch my eye till now in the forums. You say its better than the B1 (considering the clarity, noise aspect)?
Qs: Whats the reflection filter all about?

No need to be sorry, you have enriched me further . Any small piece of information always helps. And I must thank all you experts who takes out time to read and reply to stupid qs posted by novices like us. Thanks again!

 

[Bobbsy]

The Reflexion filter is an optional extra, not an integral part of the mic. It's purpose is to greatly reduce room echo/atmosphere and (if aimed properly) also cut down on background noises. Full treatment of your room is always the best but the Reflexion filter does what it says on the box and will greatly improve the perceived acoustics in an untreated room. (Beware though, since sE had great success on their Reflexion range, there are a ton of imitations which, while cheaper, don't work nearly as well.)

FYI, I have the original "professional" Reflexion filter and haven't used their home studio version--however, people I trust say it's almost as good as mine for a much lower price, especially on some of those package deals like you appear to have found.

 

[ecc83]

I have an SM57 (which my son prefers for acoustic guitar but he's weird! I am a bit more "hi-fi").

But if the noob can only afford one starter mic for recording my choice would be a small diaphragm capacitor and pick one with an attenuator because then it can be used very close up and beat a bad room, to a degree. SDCs also tend to be very neutral and uncoloured in their sound whereas the big, sexy, side address jobs often have an attitude which can be a good or a bad thing.

Switched back to full welly the vastly better sensitivity makes AI pre amp quality far less of an issue and second hand units such as the Fast track pro and the Tascam 144s with their weedy, gain shy pres become usable.

Yup, an SDC is about as versatile a mic as you are likely to find.

Dave

 

[homestudioguy]

I am actually surprised that no one in your Nashville Music Company hasn't offered to help you with any of this.

You say that Pro Tools SE is crap but for a Singer/Songwriter recording Guitar and Vocal I would think it would be more than sufficient for that job.
What didn't you like about it?

Check this mic out and listen to the Female Vocal Audio Sample: HM-2D - Kel Audio Microphones
You can buy it at Zen Pro Audio for $199: Kel Audio HM-2D Microphone | ZenPro Audio

Maybe this one for your guitar: HM-3C - Kel Audio Microphones
Listen to the Guitar Audio Sample
It is $249 at Zen: Kel Audio HM-3C Microphone | ZenPro Audio

Bob G.

 

[homestudioguy]

i have an AKG condeser mic, PLEAZE HELP ME

I suggest you start your own Thread.

 

[homestudioguy]

I immediately used a Marshall MXL condenser mic in my recording studio when it arrived (under $100), to my disappointment, it was very sensitive even with a pop filter. It picked up my lip, glottal and breathing of the singer. I grabbed the old SM58 and the qualify was the same, but without the noise. May be a little low on the high end above 11k and above, but that took care of sibillance. As for the 57? I thought it was a cheap alternative for the 58 micing instruments. But the again, I was talking about the old days.

Condensor mics are known for being very sensitive.
Many low cost condenser mics are known to be very sibilant and even abrasive.

The SM58 is not the greatest for micing instruments (in my opinion) and that is why the SM57 has been used for decades in Professional Recording Studios for that and many other studio chores.
Even in the old days!

 

[drtechno]

no .sm58 is a poor quality mic to use on stage and they are not impressive to record.

SM7 is the standard. if you cant afford that microphone, get sm57. sm57 used on more recordings and there were a few multi-platnum albums made with just using sm57. Even Fank Sanatra used a vintage 57 modal on stage and recording. (I can't exactly remember the modal no. all I remember it was chrome finish and it shocked most when he turned down a u87 over it) Michael Jackson and other pop people used SM7 vocals. and people like Brian Carlstrom use them on guitar cabs and drums.


wow this thread is old. did it get reopened for a reason?

I never purchased one of those Reflexion filters because it was easier to surround the singer with clothes changing screen lined with small pyramid foam (I built 20 years ago).

pro tools is still behind the times and very overrated. SE is even a crippled version of the DAW. Nuendo and Cuebase left that stone age style workflow over 10 years ago and has extensive editing features. I never bought the pro tools because I have the real stuff and those DSP imitations are not even close to the real thing and comparing the recording to my 2". I was not going to replace my tape drive with a poor quality system. Protools had to give up the closed architecture that forced people to buy there products if they wanted to use the program. People got wise to them and bought other things that worked better. None of there interfaces are truly top shelf and the only ones that are in bigger commercial environments were modded by contract electronics engineers because the corporation bought into them but they needed better quality. The not modified ones are in those "here today gone tomorrow" franchise and semi-professional studios at $40-$60/hr they usually buy those from the online stores.

 

[homestudioguy]

Indeed, I understand there never is a clear cut answer, and its all matter of choice. Still its good to see the SM58 been considered a recording mic. I have tried recording with my (much cheaper) dynamic mic. Although I always use it for lives, pretty happy with it.. but recording is pathetic! This is the one thing that is keeping me off the SM58. Basically I relatively softer voice than most singers, and sing melodies. Keeping close to the mic isnt an issue, but my voice isnt very loud. I read in other forums that SM58 is good for those who has the growling loud voices, which might give justice to the sound. I am using Focusrite Scarlet 6i6, which has pretty good pre-amps. But my focus is to get a clear sound first, which I can modulate using the EQs and Effects in the DAW. I'll definitely research about this, didnt catch my eye till now in the forums. You say its better than the B1 (considering the clarity, noise aspect)?
Qs: Whats the reflection filter all about?
No need to be sorry, you have enriched me further . Any small piece of information always helps. And I must thank all you experts who takes out time to read and reply to stupid qs posted by novices like us. Thanks again!

You and other novices are not stupid.
You have proven that by being here and asking questions!

Questions that are clear, concise and provide the appropriate background information are not stupid.
Example-"I purchased and installed Cubase 7 on my Laptop Computer and am now looking for an interface and a microphone to get my music into my computer and Cubase. I have a decent set of headphones for now and will purchase monitors in the future. I would like to have 6-8 input channels with preamps on the Interface, my laptop has only USB and I would like to spend no more than $1000 for the interface and a nice microphone. I spent some time researching the Focusrite Scarlett and Steinberg Interfaces and would like a multi-purpose microphone primarily for male and female vocals and acoustic instruments. I'd really appreciate some thoughts and recommendations and your reasons behind them."

Reflexion Filter Pro (RFP): sE Electronics Reflexion Filter Pro: The Original Portable Vocal Booth
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to talk and learn in depth about the RFP with the U.S. Rep for sE Electronics prior to it's release and bought mine as soon as they became available in the U.S.
It is a great piece of studio equipment but you must keep in mind that the microphone is pointed towards the singer and anything behind the singer so you should have something behind the singer to parallel what the RFP is doing for the back and sides of the mic.

Bob G.

 

[homestudioguy]

no .sm58 is a poor quality mic to use on stage and they are not impressive to record. SM7 is the standard. if you cant afford that microphone, get sm57. sm57 used on more recordings and there were a few multi-platnum albums made with just using sm57. Even Fank Sanatra used a vintage 57 modal on stage and recording. (I can't exactly remember the modal no. all I remember it was chrome finish and it shocked most when he turned down a u87 over it) Michael Jackson and other pop people used SM7 vocals. and people like Brian Carlstrom use them on guitar cabs and drums. wow this thread is old. did it get reopened for a reason?

You are correct about one thing that I did not realize and that is the age of this thread.