Shure SM57 vs Shure SM58

A comprehensive comparison of two of the world's most popular and widely used microphones. Discusses specifications, frequency response and applications.

Also includes a description and demonstration of the A2WS windscreen for the SM57.

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[GLBProductions]

Buy these mics through my Amazon Store:

[TheFaustianMan]

This was far and away the best microphone test and comparison I have ever seen! You have a natural ability to explain and demonstrate complexities of audio.

[GLBProductions]

- Agreed - virtually any mic will pop without a windscreen and/or corrective EQ. This demonstration was done with the EQ flat to show the actual frequency response of the mics. In reality you would always use a high pass filter and possibly low shelving EQ to reduce the issue.

[antwannn]

I hope Shure gave you a job after this. Very professional review. Thanks a ton!

[romari]

Despite being more than 5 years old, this is still a valid and fantastic review. Great job!

[izavala]

you saved me about buy a SM58 for vocals, i already own a SM57, so i'll only buy a microphone windscreen, nice video!

[GlennOdle]

I have been using the Shure SM58 microphone for years, it would be a hard sale for me to switch...This microphone captures the true sound of my VOICE ...I'm a full time performer now, so its much easier for me to shop the latest inventions of MICS... Shure makes the BEST of the BEST microphones in my experience over the years...

[zatoichiable]

The Shure SM57 is easier to EQ and serve as an all purpose mic IMO.

[jasielcalixto]

Very nice and complete explanation about both mics. I intend to buy a sm57 to record voice and guitar

[Akashsama]

Thank you very much for this review! Very helpful! Even though the SM58 is said to be more suited to vocals, i'm actually liking the sound of the SM57 on vocals better.

[GLBProductions]

- Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback :) I'm from Singapore. There is no compressor in the signal chain, but the video camera does do some automatic gain adjustment, which is probably what you are hearing.

[GLBProductions]

- You're welcome, glad the video was helpful. The SM58 can be used very successfully at a distance of several inches from your mouth, so I would try one before considering condenser options. They are very common microphones so it should be easy for you to borrow or rent one to try.

[matrixate]

5:50 - 6:12 : This was probably the most valuable information for me regarding the SM58.

[GLBProductions]

- Thanks for the question. I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with USB mics - I'm primarily a live sound engineer, so when in the studio I bring my live mics and plug them into a recording interface. If you like the Blue Yeti I suggest going with that, as it has a good reputation and the company Blue microphones was a pioneer in the area of USB mics.

[NWGR]

Amazing comparison, many thanks for this video.
I currently use the 58 for voice overs, but I think I like the sound of the 57 with the wind screen a tiny bit more.

[joshwadsworth]

I think a 57 with the wind screen would be an all around better deal, if you needed more top end you would have it. If you needed a warmer sound, than you install the screen! I own each of these mics and I love both of them! You cant go wrong with Shure mics! Great Demo!!

[GLBProductions]

- The recording setup in this video is the mics into a Mackie 1202 VLZ Pro and then directly into the video camera, which has a limiter circuit to prevent the audio from distorting.
In your situation, I suggest that you use a bit less gain - try setting the gain at 75% of total, or about 3 o'clock on the gain knob. This is because many of the lower cost audio interfaces become disproportionately noisy at higher gain levels.

[Squidward_Tikiland]

dude, this guy is hella funny. i thought he was gonna be all serious the whole time, then he starts cracking jokes in a hella serious voice! good review too :)

[GLBProductions]

- You're welcome, thanks for watching! There are a number of professionals who use the 57 as a vocal mic live, so your opinion is shared by many :)

[GLBProductions]

- I suggest using some sort of USB recording interface rather than the mic input built into your computer. Computer sound cards are often very noisy, especially at the gain levels required to bring a dynamic mic up to a usable level. Something like the Presonus Audiobox USB would be fine.