SM7B vs SM58 Mic SHOWDOWN

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

2:04 Technical differences with Dylan Lalonde

9:22 Sound comparisons with Aiden

The SM7B and the SM58 are known as two of the best mics for their jobs...respectively.
But generally the SM7B is considered the better mic, despite having almost exactly the same guts.
So which is better?
Are they that much different?

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My Gear -

[DarkCornerStudios]

Check out the latest video where I actually CHANGE an SM58 INTO an SM7B!!!

[ryansecor]

I think this video just convinced me to stick with my sm58 and spend $400 on something else. Thanks!

[ForestOfSleep]

The SM7B seems like massive overkill for what a lot of people use it for.

[crooker]

I would love for you to do that same test with pop filtering on the 58. The 58 surprised me.

[jimdown]

In my experience the SM7B picks up less unwanted background noise than the SM58. That’s why it’s such a popular choice for podcasts and radio. I use it for vocals in my home studio because my apartment walls are thin and I sometimes get some background street noise. The SM7B does a great job not picking those sounds up and gives me cleaner and clearer results off the bat, so less need for editing and eq. The SM58 is a great rugged mic for using live, you can drop it, accidentally hit it with a drumstick if you’re mic’ing your snare, and it keeps on chugging. Those extra background frequencies are less of worry when you’re playing in a club and there’s tons of spill on all the mics. They’re both fantastic and legendary mics, but it’s all about knowing how they respond in different situations, and using the right mic for the right job.

[HippySpeedballPodcast]

Yes! I use SM58 mics on my podcast and it works amazing. I wish I could use condensers but I don't have a treated room at the moment. But the SM58 is great for a podcast with the proximity effect it has as well as it's ability to both pick up quiet voices and not be blown out when people laugh, get loud, etc. And they're amazing for travel if you take your podcast to other locations. Great video, man!

[siewkimng]

Sticking with my SM58 too lol. Thanks for the video!

[stestetsonmusic]

SM58 or 57 with a pop filter are great for vocal production especially at home studios because there is usually noise around a home or from neighbours which a condensor would pic up. Dynamic mics will still pick things up but not nearly as much so if your making music at home then this could be a great tool

[CrustaceousB]

I haven't gotten 2 minutes through the video and I desperately feel the need to compliment your voice. Holy shit it's perfect! Not too deep or gnarly but not nasely or high. Just a nice balance. Sorry for that, I'm weird and appreciate smooth voices alot. Lol

[tomvice]

SM58 is A, you could hear the proximity effect (more low end) when you got closer

[farmaseutti]

I love my SM7B and I didn't test any others but the sound comes from there is just beautiful and I love it, no regrets

[stevelunavich]

Great vid mate! Funny, I’ve performed for years on stage with the SM58 and SM57 and never really stopped to find out what makes them tick. You guys certainly showed that here. The SM58 is my favourite mic ever because it’s so reliable. It’s rugged, no nonsense, and affordable. It just turns up everyday and gets the job done with quality results. So whilst I’ve been pondering the idea of getting more expensive mics for podcasts and so forth, you’ve really shown I don’t have to. Thanks heaps! Peace ✌🏽

[Draculas_Raven]

This is an Excellent video, can’t wait to purchase the SM58

[jonathanvenegas]

I could tell A was the 58 before I even heard the 7b. The low end is much smoother and resonant on the 7b, and the 58 has tons of plosives, and a sharper presence at 6k. It’s also grainier because of the transformer. I use these mics professionally, and if you’re doing some serious studio work, it’s a no brained to always grab the 7b over the 58.

[adelin.simion]

If you want to hear the difference, listen with a pair oh headphones.
If you're serious about your podcast, go with the SM7B. It's a lot warmer.
But you can still use the SM58 for pretty much anything with a little tweaking and a pop filter.
Great review! Great comparison!

[thane_snipes]

Could tell them apart even without the 58's heightened plosives, but they weren't all that different. The 58 was a little sharper in the high mids/treble region, but to my ears they both sounded a bit woolly/muddy on your voice. I understand why the SM7B is so popular, but I think a lot of people (mainly streamers on twitch) choose it for its looks rather than an evaluation of what sounds best for the money. If you wanted a nice audio setup for streaming on a budget, a 57 with the A81 WS windscreen might be all you ever need. Other than that, I think multi-pattern condenser mics are underrated. If you know how to place the mic, the figure of 8 pattern is a godsend for rejecting unwanted noises. Cheers and thanks for the video!

[miegraungaard]

I have a SM58 with a popfiltre and use it for my first homestudio. I am really happy with it. I was thinking about upgrading to a SM7B but this video made me change my mind. Thank you :D

[DarkCornerStudios]

So which one are you going for?
The sexy or the serviceable?

[tahirsanli]

super interesting video. thanks for this. was thinking of getting an SM58 and you helped me consolidate my opinion.

[peterk]

Only audible difference on mic B was less plosives (SM7B). Difference in tone between the two mics is hardly discernible. Get a standard studio pop filter ($15) and use the SM58.