SHURE SM7B vs SM58 Microphones for Livestream and Podcast

In this week’s episode we compare two classic microphones from SHURE: the SM7B and the SM58. These cardioid dynamic mics have proven themselves to be staples amongst podcasters and vocalists, respectively, but why exactly is that? In this episode we listen to some sound samples from each mic, discuss their features and histories, and walk through how you might incorporate one or the other (or both!) into your audio recording workflow. Let’s take a closer look and listen!

Index
00:00 Start
00:15 Summary
00:25 Intro
01:48 The Big Question
01:58 Sound samples
02:55 History of the SM58 and SM7B
06:17 A few noteworthy features
09:54 The Verdict
12:23 Please buy my courses

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

[SalsaBailaProductions]

The sm58 is an outstanding mic that you can even use in selfdefense;) it will not break if dropped and the sound quality is top notch.

[tjzuppe]

The way I’ve often thought about it: They don’t sound the same but you can certainly tell they are in the same family. Personally, the 58 gives me an extra bit of honk or nasally sound than the SM7B, which sounds a bit more clean, likely because it’s handling plosives better and protecting you from excessive proximity effect. Saying that, I once guested on a different podcast and their host wanted to know why my audio sounded so good. And all I was using was the 58 I had setup that day. So, it’s clearly more than capable of offering a listenable sound. Great work as always, Curtis!

[chonkikage]

I really appreciate the range of voices you used to test the mics. It is hard to find many videos with higher ranged voices like my own so that was really helpful!

[skakdosmer]

Interestingly the SM57, according to Wikipedia, "has been used for speeches by every U.S. president since its introduction in 1965". The SM57 is mostly considered an instrument microphone, but it has also been used for singing, by Madonna, John Lennon, David Bowie (wikipedia) and Jacqui McShee from the Pentangle (I've noticed). And for some reason that I can not explain, I really like it for vocals. So there's another budget option.

[dannyinreallife]

Dude you have outrageously good videos. Great data without being exhaustive and a great teacher.

[Onpex]

Awesome review, ... as always!. Great detailed comparison!. I still have an SM58 that is almost 30 years old and is STILL performing amazingly well!!!

[flaviopresutti]

I got the same sm58 since 2001 ... still working perfect! Two years ago I bought a condenser mxl, for $79 ... I love it!

[GriffinConway]

Great video Curtis. Really enjoyed this comparison. I bought a set of 3 sm58’s about 20 years ago and they still sound great. Crazy how microphone technology hasn’t changed a ton over the recent years (unlike camera’s and lighting!)

[Rod-Wheeler]

Most listeners wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Great review!

[OmgItsAlexOfficial]

I have both. The sm7b i've had for like a decade and its a tank, mounted to my desk used for demo vocal recording. SM58 I use in the field for video production in noisy places, also amazing. Can't go wrong with either! You can get in-line signal boosters for cheap these days, like a fethead! Since they'll probably last you the better part of a life-time, buying both is a super cheap investment in my opinion. Always great reveiws, cheers!

[ErikPelyukhno]

Hotly contested topic, thanks for covering it! I always love how you cover these types of topics so now I’ll have a video to share with friends when they ask me about this

[shinerstef]

For set up advantages too, the SM58 is way easier by far.
I'm a sound engineer and would always use the SM58 as its a great sounding mic that can be used in all studio settings. The price too!

[RotarySMP]

Good contrast. I would have been interested in your take on the SM57 vs SM7V as well.

[Crocheyy]

A year ago i was tempted to buy the SM7B, and i found a comparison video of the SM7B against the Presonus PD-70, found out it was extremely similar to the SM7B with the low-cut and presence boost engaged, bought the PD-70 and have no regrets. I have a deep voice, the darkness of the SM7B would not fit my voice at all, and the Presonus is "easier" to drive. Great video, subbed.

[pepelsbey]

When I was building a podcast kit a few years ago, I picked four SM57 and some foam covers (at least 1.5 cm thick at the front). They are a bit lighter and smaller, compared to SM58 and with MixPre-6, some XLR cables, and even foldable stands could easily fit into a small bag. Not sure if they have the same transformer as SM58, but I like the sound!

Oh, and thank you for your MixPre review back then. It’s still my favorite recorder and I used it for a few hundreds of podcast episodes since then.

[McStabberStudios]

@Curtis Judd - Based on an earlier review you did, I replaced my SM58 with a Shure MV7 for when I am recording things at my computer desk rather than in studio (in studio I have an Octava MK-012 that I prefer).

I think part of the popularity of the SM7b is the idea that "well, <insert well known person here> uses it, so that is what I have to use. The reality of it all is the cost differences in SM58 vs MV7 vs SM7b are vastly higher than the actual quality differences (and that doesn't even count the cost of the hardware to push something like a SM7b).

[margagomezcomedy]

Amazing!! Just got here. SM58 has been underrated - such a deal. getting that foam!

[bobfunk]

Excellent video, great that you normalized the audio to -23LUFS (loudness). Unfortunately, the audio quality of the majority of YouTubers is terrible and they have far more to gain from good technique than expensive mics as you have said in the comments. I was surprised the foam shield is so expensive but still a massive saving.

[ScottJWaldron]

Great video as usual. Looks like a nice alternative with a bit of extra effort! I use an MV7 for this type of recording with your suggestion of the SM7B foam to replace its stock cover. 😄

[walter.bellini]

Thank you Chris, always top shelf quality with anything you produce. Appreciate all your effort to help teach us great things!