SM-57 vs SM-58. Which one?

[mgraffeo]

It seems pretty universally accepted that the 57 is more versatile for the 58 in the studio. That's part of the reason why EVERY studio you can find will list several 57's as part of their arsenal, while you won't always find 58's. As for vocals, if you're looking for the "best" mic, you've gotta try them and see which one you like. I've always preferred my voice through a 57 versus through a 58.

On the other hand, if your voice sounds better through a 58, unscrew the windscreen, and you've basically got a really delicate 57 (I do this with my AKG D2300's a lot).

 

[Neil Ogilvie]

I do what mgraffeo says. For live stuff I sometimes use a 58, but when in the studio I just take the pop shield/ball off and use it like that. I've heard the difference between this method and my mates 57 and theres little to nothing between them. Playing style, room ambience and mic placement makes a far far larger difference.
Saying that however, I'd go for a Sennheiser evolution mic for vocals over a 57 or 58 any day........

 

[James Argo]

...Okay everyone, here's my list I have :

- 2 SM58,
- 4 SM57
- 4 Beta58A
- 2 Wireless Beta58A UT4.
-Several other brand & type, but nevermind here...

1. Does anyone notice any differences between SM58 & Beta58A ? Which are not "brochure sez" I live happy with both, just want to know them better...

2. My SM57 are 1 ordinary, 2 had labeled LoZ, and 1 had HiZ. What's the differences also ? Which for what better purpose ?

3. It's not common, but did anyone ever try record using the wireless ones ? What's your comment ?

As I said, I just live happy with 'em for years, but it would be a good start for me to know them well... Thank's everyone.

Jaymz

 

[mgraffeo]

James Argo,

I can't answer all of your questions. But I can offer my opinion on the SM58 versus the Beta58A. The Beta blows the SM out of the water, in terms of vocal clarity. To me, the difference is almost as apparent as going from a dynamic to a condenser (even though they are both dynamics). The Beta58A is not just a re-packaged version of the SM58. If I had a voice that was worth recording, the Beta58A would be very high on my list of stage microphones. I know that I've seen Bono using it live, and the list on Shure's website is accurate; a lot of people use this mic. Granted, it probably doesn't stand up to the Neumann KMS105, but that's a $500 hand-held condenser.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a mic primarily for recording, you might consider looking into a condenser mic, to augment an already fine collection of dynamics.

-mg

 

[James Argo]

...mgraffeo, That was true. I bought 'em after I saw Eric Clapton live on video playing the long version of Wonderfull Tonght. He and his backing vocals uses Beta58A, and sound just GREAT !!! Hey, that was Shure BETA58A. I use 'em most for live stage or live recording only. I also got few condenser for studio recording only... Anyone knows differences between Loz and Hiz on SM57 ?

 

[chessparov]

Sometimes the 'ol SM57 will beat out EVERY other microphone
for a given voice/song for quite a few vocalists.
Just ask Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) or his engineer
Eddie Kramer...

You need a good mic pre though to make it shine, as is true for
all dynamic and ribbon microphones.

The Sennheiser 421 MKII is "brighter" than the previous
models. That's similar to how the Beta's are brighter than
the SM57 and SM58. The 421 can record vocal trios well,
however, it doesn't work as well as a handheld microphone as
the SM57 for live use. (although people did that in the 60's!)

The Shure SM57/SM58 (and 421) microphones are easier for less experienced vocalists to use because the response pattern is wider and when they move off-axis it's not as noticable as a
hypercardiod or supercardiod microphone.

They probably should have called the Beta 57a and Beta 58 a different model series at Shure, because they sound very different, much more than a Sennheiser 421 vs. a 421 MKII.

Two big "sleepers" are the Beyer Soundstar X1 series (like a 421),
and their Soundstar MKII (stomps a '58 into the dust-ask Harvey)
Check them out and you may thank me!

Chris

P.S. Am checking out an EV 635A (old rival to Shure), if anyone is
curious, I'll let you know how it sounds on vocals.

 

[gilwe]

I have a 58 and 99% of the times I have to take its windscreen off. That's when I record anything that is not vocals.

This put the capsulate in the risk of getting defected if something is gonna touch it by mistake.

So I would definately prefer the 57.

But why not getting a condenser for acoustic recordings ?
You won't get very good results with a dynamic anyway...

 

[chessparov]

The SM57 was used extensively by Jeff Lynne on acoustic guitar on the
"Traveling Wilbury's" album to give them a distinctive sound.

Chris

 

[DJL]

Used Sennheiser 421 goes for about $250 on ebay. I've seen these used in studios for many purposes. Question: ignoring the cost factor, is this a much better all-purpose studio mic than the Shure SM 57/58?

IMO, both the Sennheiser 421, and Shure SM57 should be on everyones "Must Have" mic list. Oh, and I got my last Sennheiser 421 on eBay for only $192.50 (mint cond) w/clip and zipper mic bag.