Choosing between the Shure SM58 Vs Beta 58A can be a daunting task for musicians and audio professionals. Both microphones are industry staples known for their durability and sound quality, but which one is right for you?
The SM58 is a reliable workhorse praised for its versatility, while the Beta 58A offers enhanced sensitivity and a more refined sound. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, performance features, and use-case scenarios to help you make an informed decision.
Read on to discover which microphone suits your needs best and avoid common pitfalls when selecting the perfect mic for your setup.
Key Differences Between the Shure SM58 vs Beta 58A
- 🎤 Polar Pattern: Shure SM58 is cardioid, whereas Beta 58A is supercardioid for better isolation.
- 🔊 Frequency Response: Shure SM58 has a range of 50Hz-15kHz, whereas Beta 58A has 50Hz-16kHz with more sensitivity.
- ⚙️ Build: Beta 58A includes a hardened steel grille and blue ring, whereas Shure SM58 has a steel mesh grille.
- 💰 Price: Beta 58A is more expensive but offers advanced features, whereas Shure SM58 is budget-friendly.
Shure SM58 Overview
The Shure SM58 is a legendary microphone renowned for its unparalleled performance in vocal applications since its introduction in 1966.
The SM58 is a dynamic microphone, sharing its heritage with the Shure SM57. While the SM57 excels at capturing instruments with its flatter grille and smaller size, the SM58 is specifically tailored for vocal use, thanks to its tailored frequency response and built-in spherical filter that minimizes wind and breath noise.
Decades after its debut, the Shure SM58 remains a top choice for vocalists and performers. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its exceptional durability, reliable performance, and the consistently high-quality sound it delivers in a wide range of environments.
Pros
- Extremely durable construction
- Excellent sound quality for vocals
- Reliable performance in various settings
- Effective wind and breath noise reduction
Cons
- May require a preamp for optimal performance in some settings
- Limited versatility compared to specialized microphones
Specs
- Sensitivity: -54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV)
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-15kHz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Output Impedance: 150 ohms (300 ohms actual)
Shure Beta 58A Overview
The Shure Beta 58A is a high-output supercardioid dynamic microphone designed to deliver superior sound quality for professional vocal applications.
The Beta 58A features a rugged construction with a hardened steel mesh grille, ensuring durability and reliability even in the most demanding conditions. Its neodymium magnet ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio, while the advanced pneumatic shock mount system minimizes handling noise.
Despite its robust build, the Beta 58A is engineered for refined sound quality. It offers a smoother, extended frequency response compared to the SM58, with a presence boost for clarity and detail in the vocal range. This makes it a favorite among professional singers and sound engineers who require precise audio reproduction.
Pros
- High-output, refined sound quality
- Superior feedback rejection
- Rugged and durable construction
- Enhanced sensitivity and presence boost for vocals
Cons
- Higher price point compared to the SM58
- Less versatile for non-vocal applications
Specs
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-16kHz
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
- Output Impedance: 290 ohms
- Sensitivity: -51 dBV/Pa (2.8 mV)
🛠️ Build and Design
Both the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A are renowned for their rugged construction and durability, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of frequent use in various performance settings.
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is celebrated for its robust build and simplicity. Its classic design has remained largely unchanged since its release in 1966, featuring a durable steel mesh grille and an integrated spherical filter to reduce wind and breath noise.
The SM58’s construction is specifically tailored for vocal use, making it a reliable choice for live performances and public speaking. The microphone’s durable body can withstand rough handling, and its built-in shock mount system reduces handling noise, ensuring clear sound capture.
Shure Beta 58A
The Shure Beta 58A, while sharing similar dimensions and weight with the SM58, incorporates several enhancements. It features a supercardioid polar pattern for better isolation of the main sound source and reduced background noise.
The distinctive blue band around the grille not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also indicates its upgraded performance. The Beta 58A’s hardened steel mesh grille offers increased durability, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
🎤 Sound Quality
Sound quality is a critical factor in choosing a microphone, and both the SM58 and Beta 58A deliver excellent audio, though with some differences.
Shure SM58
The SM58 offers a tailored frequency response of 50Hz to 15kHz, optimized for vocals. Its cardioid polar pattern isolates the main sound source effectively, reducing unwanted background noise.
Known for its warm and clear vocal reproduction, the SM58 is a staple for live performances and public speaking.
Shure Beta 58A
The Beta 58A extends the frequency response to 50Hz to 16kHz, offering enhanced sensitivity and a presence boost for more detailed vocal performances.
Its supercardioid pattern provides superior feedback rejection and better isolation from ambient noise, making it ideal for loud environments and complex stage setups.
🔌 Connectivity and Compatibility
Both microphones are designed for easy integration into various audio setups, ensuring seamless incorporation into any performance or recording environment.
Shure SM58
The SM58 connects via a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. Its straightforward design allows for quick and easy setup, making it a user-friendly option for both beginners and professionals.
Shure Beta 58A
Similarly, the Beta 58A also uses an XLR connector, providing the same level of compatibility and ease of integration. This ensures that whether you’re using a mixer, audio interface, or other professional audio equipment, the Beta 58A will fit seamlessly into your setup.
📦 Features and Functionality
Both the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A come with features that enhance their functionality, catering to different vocal performance needs.
Shure SM58
The SM58 is equipped with an internal pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes handling noise, making it ideal for live performances where the microphone may be handled frequently.
The built-in spherical wind and pop filter effectively reduce plosive sounds, ensuring clear vocal reproduction without additional accessories.
Shure Beta 58A
The Beta 58A includes a more advanced pneumatic shock mount system, further reducing handling noise and vibrations. Its supercardioid pattern offers better off-axis rejection, making it suitable for louder and more challenging environments.
The distinctive blue rubber ring around the grille provides additional grip and stability, preventing the microphone from rolling off flat surfaces and potentially getting damaged.
🏆 Performance
Performance is a critical factor when choosing a microphone, as it determines how well the device captures and reproduces sound. Both the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A are renowned for their high-quality performance, each offering unique benefits.
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 excels in providing consistent, warm, and clear vocal reproduction. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively captures sound from the front while rejecting background noise, making it ideal for live performances and studio recordings.
The tailored frequency response enhances midrange vocals, ensuring that voices cut through the mix with clarity. The SM58’s robust performance in various environments has made it a trusted choice for decades.
Shure Beta 58A
The Shure Beta 58A stands out with its enhanced sensitivity and supercardioid polar pattern, which offers superior feedback rejection and better isolation from unwanted sound sources. This makes it particularly well-suited for loud environments and complex stage setups.
The extended frequency response and presence boost provide clearer, more detailed sound, ensuring vocal clarity and projection. The Beta 58A’s performance is ideal for professional singers and speakers who demand precise audio reproduction.
💰 Value for Money
When evaluating microphones, considering value for money is essential, encompassing both the quality of features and performance relative to the price point.
Shure SM58
The SM58 is an excellent value for those seeking a durable, reliable microphone at a budget-friendly price. Its consistent performance and industry-standard status make it a solid investment for vocalists and performers.
Shure Beta 58A
The Beta 58A, while priced higher, justifies the cost with enhanced features and performance. Its superior sound quality, better feedback rejection, and robust build offer significant value for professionals who demand more from their equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A be used for instruments as well as vocals?
Yes, both can mic instruments. The SM58 handles loud sources like guitar amps and drums, while the Beta 58A offers better isolation, suitable for close-miking in live settings.
How do the internal shock mounts of the SM58 and Beta 58A affect their performance?
Both minimize handling noise. The Beta 58A’s advanced shock mount provides additional vibration reduction, making it ideal for dynamic stage environments.
What are the best practices for maintaining the durability of Shure SM58 and Beta 58A?
Handle with care, clean regularly, check and replace the internal foam windscreen of the SM58, and store in a padded case.
How do the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A perform in outdoor environments?
Both perform well outdoors with durable construction and effective wind filters. Additional wind protection, like external foam windscreens, is recommended for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it boils down to how you use it and how much money you are willing to spend.
If you perform load, and fast music, the extra dB and detail on the Beta 58A may bring out certain nuances you don’t need.
Alternatively, the increased volume and bass roll-off may be just what you need to elevate your performances to the next level, allowing you to be heard with live sound on stage.
If you are a newbie, it is best to go for the SM58 to get the most out of your money.
However, if you’re seeking a recorded sound that you can utilize with other instruments, Beta 58A is the way to go.
