SM57 x SM58

[SenryokuZokyoza]

Hi there.. this question may sound stupid but, what's
the real differemce between a Shure SM57 and 58?
Looking at their frequency response graphic I can't see
much difference on them...

 

[BrettB]

ppl on this board said to me only the head is different, but the components are the same...

 

[wx3]

Both mic's have the same capsule...

Buy the Sm-57 unless you want the pretty windscreen that comes with the 58

 

[SenryokuZokyoza]

Thanks dudes.

 

[kid klash]

The SM-58 has a built-in wind screen (the "ball top"). Other than that, they're the same.

 

[chessparov]

The SM57 is clearer sounding than the SM58 for vocals.

Chris

 

[SenryokuZokyoza]

SM57

The SM57 is clearer sounding than the SM58 for vocals.

Chris

Chris, I just can´t figure it out how the 57 is clearer than
the 58 for vocals, sine their only difference is the ball top.
Does this have any connection with removing the ball at all?
If it is clearer to vocals, I guess it is clearer for guitar sounds
also, is it? Thanks.

 

[Lt. Bob]

Even though the guts are the same.....there is a definite difference because of the windscreen. Think of it.....if it blocks enough air to prevent pops.....then it is changing the amount of air that can reach the diaphragm and therefore has to affect the sound to some degree. I have always heard a difference....slight but definite and the 57 is a better sounding mic and cheaper too.

 

[geekgurl]

So if you have an SM58, I'm assuming you can just unscrew the ball top off of it, leave the fragile capsule exposed, and it would sound like an SM57?

Has anyone just taken the foam that lines the ball top out, then screw that top back on the mic sans foam, and determined if that, too, sounds like an SM57? Or is the metal mesh itself enough to change the sound significantly?

 

[jslator]

Even though the guts are the same.....there is a definite difference because of the windscreen. Think of it.....if it blocks enough air to prevent pops.....then it is changing the amount of air that can reach the diaphragm and therefore has to affect the sound to some degree.

The windscreen on the '58 also prevents you from getting as close to the capsule, thereby reducing the possible proximity effect somewhat.

 

[DJL]

So if you have an SM58, I'm assuming you can just unscrew the ball top off of it, leave the fragile capsule exposed, and it would sound like an SM57?

<snip>

The SM57 capsule is not exposed like the SM58 is with the ball removed, therefore different, close yes, but different. The 57's are cheaper than the 58's... just get a 57 if you want one, that way your 58's wont break because you removed the grill's like a dummy. Trust me, I know.

 

[F_cksia]

that way your 58's wont break because you removed the grill's like a dummy. Trust me, I know.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=83820

 

[trickless]

DOH!!!

Another vote for the 57!

You can always buy a cheesy windscreen in any color of the rainbow for ~$5.

 

[knightsy]

The 58's more for live use isn't it?

 

[SenryokuZokyoza]

The 58's more for live use isn't it?

I guess so. That's what people say. Maybe that's why it
comes with the windscreen (the 57 comes not).

 

[chessparov]

Actually SM57 + Shure's foam piece for it still will make it sound clearer than a SM58. Plus you don't have to expose the mike to potential damage like when people unscrew a SM58's foam piece
to make them like a '57.

There are many pictures of famous rock groups/solo artists using the '57 with "the foam" BTW.

Chris

 

[cjacek]

Actually SM57 + Shure's foam piece for it still will make it sound clearer than a SM58. Plus you don't have to expose the mike to potential damage like when people unscrew a SM58's foam piece
to make them like a '57.

There are many pictures of famous rock groups/solo artists using the '57 with "the foam" BTW.

Chris

Would getting an ordinary windscreen (those that you put over a 58) be a good idea for the 57 to prevent popping ? Those are cheaper than the special one for the 57.

Daniel

 

[chessparov]

The foam pieces for the "ball" type SM58 don't fit a '57.
For live work use the right Shure accessory on the SM57.
Use a pop screen instead (non-foam) for vocal recording.

Chris

 

[cjacek]

The foam pieces for the "ball" type SM58 don't fit a '57.
For live work use the right Shure accessory on the SM57.
Use a pop screen instead (non-foam) for vocal recording.

Chris

Thanks Chris! Problem is (not for me though ) that I record while holding the mic in my hand so that reg pop filter won't work. I guess I'd have to order the special windscreen or just make sure I don't "pop"

Daniel

 

[Sen]

The SM57 is clearer sounding than the SM58 for vocals.

Chris

i used these two mics for vocals only on stage and I wouldn't agree with that statement...but it could be that others are getting better "studio" vocal sound with 57 than with 58

just 0.02