Shure SM58From real comments

Verdict distilled from 48 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment79%
PROS 79%
CONS 21%

Rank based on 48 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a rugged mic that survives drops, spills, and decades of hard gigging use
  • You need a vocal mic that any sound engineer already knows how to EQ and mix
  • You're singing in a loud rock/country/blues band mix where mid-high presence cuts through

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want the cleanest, least sibilant sound and are willing to pay more for newer dynamics like the e835 or Beta87a
  • You're recording quiet or delicate material where the noise floor and 'podcasty' character are noticeable
  • You're on a tight budget and open to near-identical-sounding clones like the Behringer XM8500

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
31Mid
Shure SM58
Exceptional durabilityGood value and long lifespanUniversally known and easy to mixOutperformed by newer dynamics for some voicesSibilance and dated tonal characterNeeds a gain boost or cloudlifter
Shure SM58
Exceptional durability
Good value and long lifespan
Universally known and easy to mix
Outperformed by newer dynamics for some voices
Sibilance and dated tonal character
Needs a gain boost or cloudlifter

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Its durability is treated as almost mythical by commenters. Multiple users describe the SM58 surviving being dropped, knocked out, run over, beer-soaked, smashed against stands, and used as an improvised weapon, then still working perfectly. Owners report using the same unit for 20, 30, even 50+ years on thousands of gigs. This reputation for toughness comes up constantly as a core reason people trust and recommend it, even to newer engineers picking a first mic.

Its sound is polarizing between 'legendary standard' and 'a bit dated'. Many praise its clarity, fuller tone, and how it sits well in a mix with electric guitars, drums, and keys without needing much EQ or compression. Others, especially engineers who've compared it to the e835, Beta87a, V7, or Telefunken M80, describe it as sibilant, mid-scooped, common-sounding, or podcasty, preferring newer dynamics for a cleaner, more neutral tone on vocals.

Value and pricing draw mixed but mostly positive reactions. Buyers in the US, UK, and EU report paying roughly $99-130 and generally feel it's worth it given the mic's lifespan and universal usability, with some getting bundled stands or cables. Others counter that budget clones like the Behringer XM8500 or XM5800 sound nearly identical for a fraction of the price. Counterfeit risk in some markets, like Korea, is also raised as a purchasing concern.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?