As a podcaster, one of the most important things you must consider is the type of mic that you use.
Shure is one of the most well-respected microphones, headphones, and audio equipment manufacturers in the entire world.
Two of the most popular products offered by Shure include the Shure SM58 and SM57 microphones which, for a low price point, have some truly incredible features that make recording audio an absolute breeze.
Though they have some similarities, they are not the same mic. These two microphones are also very different. We’ll discuss more in the article below.
Keep on reading to find out more information!
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| Primary Rating: 3.5 | Primary Rating: 3.5 |
| $124.00 | $99.00 |
An Overview Of The Shure SM58
The SM58 is a dynamic microphone commonly used for live performances either in concerts or in studios by rock and pop stars, comedians, and other professionals who frequently perform in front of larger audiences.
ALSO SEE: Best Dynamic Microphone For Vocals
Its constructions allow the user to handle and control their voice with lots of clarity and care and clarity, which helps to accentuate your unique voice while also boosting your performance.
Specifically, this Shure product has an impressive inbuilt spherical wind and pop filter that works to reduce undesired popping noises that will be picked up by the mic, something sound engineers really love.
These will usually either originate from wind gusts during live performances or your breath.
The Shure SM58 has a frequency response of 50 Hz – 15 kHz and an additional output impedance of around 150 Ohms. This allows it to handle loud sound sources.
The Shure SM58 typically comes with a zippered pouch and a stand adapter.
You also have the option to purchase an additional XLR-to-USB signal adapter, a mic stand, or even a foam windscreen (also see, ‘XLR Interfaces‘).
An Overview Of The Shure SM57
The SM57 is an instrument microphone normally used to accurately reproduce acoustics and also musical instruments including trumpets, saxophones, and acoustic guitars (especially those with guitar amps and in a guitar cab).
Unlike the SM58, the SM57 doesn’t feature a pop filter.
If you are planning to buy it and then use it for studio or onstage performances, it’s in your best interest to purchase a separate pop filter. We’d recommend sticking with Shure for this.
The Shure SM57 has a frequency response is 40 Hz – 15 kHz. This means the mic can effectively recreate sounds in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 15,000 Hz.
The fundamental frequencies for the snare occur in the 150-250 Hz range. As a result, the snare drum makes for the perfect SM57 pairing.
The SM57 could be used to capture these key frequencies as they appear without having to cut or boost them.
Its frequency response also makes it a good fit for speeches.
The SM57 mic bundle features a useful XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter, a foam windscreen, a single USB cable, a clamp-on gooseneck pop filter, an adjustable desktop stand for convenience, and an anti-roll mic device.
Similarities
Price
Both the Shure SM58 and the SM57 dynamic microphones come with the same sort of price tag. You can expect to pay somewhere around the $100-$150 price point for either of the microphones (also see, ‘ Best Dynamic Microphones‘).
This price will increase if you opt for more features.
This is a pretty big relief considering they both offer a similar sound quality in terms of the production that they yield.
Build And Design
It’s important to note that both Shure microphones tend to work well together. Plus, both mics are made from sturdy materials, with the body constructed from hard and highly durable plastic.
The SM57 and the SM58 both weigh exactly 10.1 ounces (286 grams) which makes them easy to move about and position when necessary.
Polar Pattern
A polar pattern describes how a mic picks up sound and how sensitive the microphone is to sound waves from different directions.
Unidirectional microphones are used in applications where the target sound source to be recorded is directly in front of the microphone.
The SM57 and the SM58 are both unidirectional microphones which makes them brilliant for vocal applications.
Warranty
Both products have quite a limited warranty that only extends for a maximum of two years from the date of the original purchase.
It covers many errors in workmanship and even material defects which is quite useful.
Accessories
Both the Shure SM57 and SM58 come with a variety of accessories that can help you kick-start a recording.
With both of these mics, you will receive a storage bag and a swivel stand adapter. This allows you to get to work as soon as you open your box!
Difference between the SM58 and SM57
Connectivity
The SM57 operates solely with a wired connection while the SM58 can work with or without a cable. You will need additional equipment to make this work.
Fortunately, Shure has several systems that best complement the SM58.
If you’re looking to freely move about during a speech, recording, or another live performance, the SM58 is the best microphone to choose from.
You simply cannot put a price on the freedom that a wireless mic experience provides!
Although the quality of sound is great, the SM57 features an immobile design that may disturb the overall quality of the sound performance you are recording.
Design
A large reason why the SM57 and SM58 are so different in terms of their overall applications revolves around exterior design (also see, ‘Mic Aesthetic‘).
Both of the microphones feature a grille. The SM57 and the SM58 are loosely based on the same cartridge design, however, a core difference is the grille design.
The SM58 has a much bigger ball grille that more effectively captures the roundness of vocal performances. It also features a built-in pop filter to minimize unwanted sounds.
The SM57 has a smaller grille as it was designed for recording instruments such as an acoustic guitar. With this mic, recording winds and pops are of no concern.
The distinct grille designs of both mics place the diaphragm in different locations. This optimizes the acoustic range before a single second of audio is recorded.
Our Final Thoughts: SM57 vs SM58
You cannot go wrong with either of these mics for podcasting as they are both very budget-friendly.
If you want to record more instrumental sounds, the SM57 is a bit more versatile and will fit the bill perfectly.
But if you are looking for a similarly priced mic to record vocals without any surrounding noise, we’d strongly recommend opting for the SM58.
