Certainly – But Not Everyone Agrees…
Having said that, there’s always someone around with a contrary view…Guess what mic Bruce Swedien used to fatten up Michael Jackson’s vocals on the Thriller album? Yes, it was an SM58 ® in that studio.
Evergreen?
So what’s kept this mic in the lead for so long? I guess its the distinctive upper-midrange presence peak that ensures an intelligible, lively sound, combined with the tough durability proven over decades of live use. I’ve seen the Shure durability myself in action for 40 years! I had, until very recently, a Shure Unisphere B (forerunner of the SM58 ®) which I bought when I was a teenager in the ’60s! Like the Unisphere model, the SM58’s characteristic “ice cream cone” appearance is formed by a tough, built-in spherical filter, highly effective in minimizing wind and breath “pop” noises. This cage also keeps an inch or so between the vocalist’s lips and the mic’s diaphragm, and so limits the proximity bass boost effect from becoming excessive.
Here’s how the manufacturer puts it:
“…the legendary Shure vocal mic is tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals. Consistently the first choice of performers around the globe.”
Should it be your choice too?
Probably yes, if you need it for:
- live vocal use
- hand held comfort through a long set
- hammering in the nails as you build your stage!
