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)
 Shure Incorporated

Table of Contents
SM58 Specifications 4
SM58 Vocal Microphone 3
Accessories 6
General Description 3 Furnished Accessories 6
Features 3 Optional Accessories 6

Replacement Parts 7
Placement 3

General Rules for Use 3 Additional Resources 7

Applications And Placement 4
Certifications 7
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources 4

Proximity Effect 4

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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

Robust sound, emphasized bass,

Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the wind-
maximum isolation from other
screen, on axis to microphone.
sources.

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

Natural sound, reduced bass.
above nose height.
Vocals

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.

Thinner, distant sound; noticeable

90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.
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 Ω

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

SM58 Wiring Diagram

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Typical SM58 Frequency Response

Typical SM58 Polar Pattern

Accessories
Furnished Accessories
Microphone Clip for SM58, SM57, SM87A, BETA87A, BETA87C, PGA57, PGA58,
A25D
PGA48, PGA81

Carrying/Storage Bag 95A2313

Optional Accessories
Foam Windscreen for all larger Shure "ball-type" Microphones available in black,
A58WS
blue, gray, green, red and yellow

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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 RK143G

Cartridge for SM58 R59

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: [email protected]
www.shure.com

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