Shure SM48From real comments

Verdict distilled from 44 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment77%
PROS 77%
CONS 23%

Rank based on 44 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want SM58-like sound on a tighter budget
  • You need a rugged mic that survives drops and rough gigging
  • You're podcasting or just starting out with XLR mics

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong acoustic guitar pickup (better to get an SM57)
  • You're sensitive to handling noise, plosives, or background hiss
  • You want easily sourced replacement grilles

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Budget
Shure SM48
Close to SM58 sound qualityExcellent value for priceGood for vocals and podcastingBackground noise / hiss issuesRequires more gain than SM58Price has increased over time
Shure SM48
Close to SM58 sound quality
Excellent value for price
Good for vocals and podcasting
Background noise / hiss issues
Requires more gain than SM58
Price has increased over time

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sounds remarkably close to the SM58 for a fraction of the price. Multiple commenters directly compare the SM48 to the SM58, estimating it delivers 85-90% of that mic's sound quality. Several bought the SM48 after watching reviews and were pleasantly surprised, calling it an amazing value and even mistaking it for the 58 in live gig settings where 'no one could tell a difference'. This makes it a popular entry point for people new to XLR microphones or on a budget.

Versatile enough for vocals, podcasting, and even guitar cabs. Users report success using the SM48 for singing, band rehearsals, podcasting, streaming, guitar amp miking, and even ham radio audio, consistently getting positive feedback on their sound. Some specifically praise its guitar tone, with one user buying three more used units after the mic was discontinued because the guitar tones were so good. However, a few note it struggles to pick up acoustic guitar, preferring an SM57 for that purpose instead.

Needs more gain and can suffer noise issues compared to the SM58. Several commenters mention needing to increase gain significantly more than with an SM58, with some reporting background noise, white noise, or a 'wavy robotic sound' when using certain audio interfaces. One user couldn't reach 0dB gain without noise appearing, and handling noise plus plosives were called out as weak points, though overall sound quality was still considered acceptable for spoken word and vocals.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?