SHURE SM58 Vocal Microphone User Guide

: August 31, 2024
: Shure

Table of Contents

SM58 Vocal Microphone
Specifications:
Product Usage Instructions:
Placement Techniques:
Avoiding Unwanted Sound Pickup:
Proximity Effect:
- FAQ:
Q: What are the furnished accessories for the SM58
Q: Are there optional accessories available for the SM58

SM58 Vocal Microphone

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Specifications:

Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Output Impedance: 300 ohms
Sensitivity: -56.0 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz, open
circuit voltage (1.6 mV)
Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm
produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight: 0.33 kg (0.72 lb)
Switch: SM58S, SM58SE – On/Off Switch
Connector: Three-pin professional audio (XLR),
male
Housing: Enamel-painted die-cast metal with
spherical steel mesh grille

Product Usage Instructions:

Placement Techniques:

Microphone placement is crucial for optimal sound capture. Here
are some common placement techniques for different
applications:

Tone Quality: Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.)
away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone.
Vocals: Place the microphone 15 to 60 cm (6
in. to 2 ft.) away from the mouth, just above nose height for a
natural sound with reduced bass.
Instruments: For instruments, place the
microphone 20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from the source,
slightly off to one side, for a natural sound with reduced bass and
minimal s sounds.
Distant Sound: For a thinner, distant sound,
place the microphone 90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away from the
source.

Avoiding Unwanted Sound Pickup:

To avoid picking up unwanted sound sources like monitors and
loudspeakers, place the microphone so that these sources are
directly behind it. Test microphone placement before performances
to minimize feedback and ensure optimal sound rejection.

Proximity Effect:

Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones boost bass frequencies
when placed close to the sound source. This proximity effect can
create a warmer, more powerful sound. To control low-frequency
sound during close-up use, the bass response gradually rolls
off.

FAQ:

Q: What are the furnished accessories for the SM58

microphone?

A: The furnished accessories include a microphone clip
compatible with various Shure microphones and a carrying/storage
bag.

Q: Are there optional accessories available for the SM58

microphone?

A: Yes, optional accessories include foam windscreens in various
colors suitable for larger Shure ball-type microphones.

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SM58
Vocal Microphone
User guide for the Shure SM58, our legendary dynamic cardioid microphone. Find the frequency response, specifications, placement tips, and more. Version: 6.4 (2024-F)

Table of Contents
SM58 Vocal Microphone General Description
Features
Placement General Rules for Use Applications And Placement Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources Proximity Effect

SM58 Specifications

3 Accessories

3

Furnished Accessories

3

Optional Accessories

3

Replacement Parts

3

Additional Resources

4

Certifications

4

Shure Incorporated
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Shure Incorporated
SM58 Vocal Microphone
General Description
The Shure SM58® is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone for professional vocal use in sound reinforcement and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop” noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shockmount system, and a steel-mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing or speech, the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals worldwide.
Features
· Performance tested, industry standard · Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum gain before feedback and excellent rejection of off-axis sound · Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass roll off to control proximity
effect · Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration · Steel-mesh grille and enamel-coated metal construction resist wear and abuse · Effective built in pop-filter reduces undesirable wind and breathe noise · Furnished with zippered storage bag and break-resistant stand adapter · On/Off switch (SM58S and SM58SE only) · Extremely durable under the heaviest use · Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability
Placement
General Rules for Use
· Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
· Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source. · Work close to the microphone for extra bass response. · Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source. · Use the fewest number of microphones as practical. · Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the distance from each microphone to its source. · Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces. · Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors. · Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and vibration. · Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone performance.
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Applications And Placement
The following table lists the most common applications and placement techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position.

Application

Suggested Microphone Placement

Tone Quality

Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the windscreen, on axis to microphone.

Robust sound, emphasized bass, maximum isolation from other sources.

Vocals

15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, just above nose height.

Natural sound, reduced bass.

20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, slightly Natural sound, reduced bass and

off to one side.

minimal “s” sounds.

90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.

Thinner, distant sound; noticeable levels of ambient noise.

Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a performance.

Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close-up use, the bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
SM58 Specifications
Type
Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response
50 to 15,000 Hz
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Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Output Impedance
300
Sensitivity
at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage
-56.0 dBV/Pa [1] (1.6 mV)
Polarity
Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3
Weight
0.33 kg (0.72 lb)
Switch
SM58S, SM58SE
On/Off Switch
Connector
Three-pin professional audio (XLR), male
Housing
Enamel-painted die cast metal with spherical steel mesh grille.
1 dBV/Pa= 94 dB SPL

Shure Incorporated

SM58 Wiring Diagram

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Shure Incorporated

Typical SM58 Frequency Response

Typical SM58 Polar Pattern

Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58, PGA48, PGA81
Carrying/Storage Bag

A25D 95A2313

Optional Accessories

Foam Windscreen for all larger Shure “ball-type” Microphones available in black, blue, gray, green, red and yellow

A58WS

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Desk Stand

S37A

Shock Stopper® Isolation Mount

A55M

Shock Stopper Isolation Mount

A55HM

Over/Under Dual Mount for two microphones: SM57, BETA57A or 545 Series micro A26M phones

25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex® Microphone XLR Cable with Switchcraft connectors

C25E

25 foot (7.5m) Triple-Flex Microphone XLR Cable with chrome connectors

C25F

Replacement Parts
Grille for Wired and Wireless SM58 Cartridge for SM58

RK143G R59

Shure Incorporated

Additional Resources
· Shure Knowledge Base FAQs · Training from the Shure Audio Institute · Microphone Techniques for Recording · Houses of Worship Systems Guide · Shure Performance & Production YouTube channel · Shure Creators YouTube channel
Download Shure Software
· Software and firmware archive
Certifications
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking. The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance Authorized European representative: Shure Europe GmbH Global Compliance Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12 75031 Eppingen, Germany Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0 Email: info@shure.de www.shure.com

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