Shure SM58 LC

The SM58 is Industry standard fo dynamic handheld mics for a reason. Maybe the Beta58 suits you better, though. A short omparison:

1) Beta58 Hypercardioid, SM58 Cardiod - so the Beta58 shows a significantly more directed pickup pattern, which can be good or bad, depending on how much you can control your mic positon and how the monitors are set up (cardioid is least sensitive on the rear, hypercardioid is least sensitive on the sides).

2) Beta58 has a significantly higher output level at similar SPL - if you are working with less expensive preamps this can be a big advantage. With the SM58, it depends a lot on the preamp used if you get pro level results or not.

3) Beta58 has an extended high frequency response, it's high mids / low highs ('presence') are a little faint, but can be easily EQed in, as it takes EQ very well.

4) Overall built quality is better at the Beta58: Hardenend grill, better damping of handling noise. In combination with midrange gear (Focusrite Scarlett series interfaces for example) I prefer the Beta58, as the missing mid / presence peak (it's only 'disadvantge' compare to the SM58) can be EQed in easily, but the higher output level is a real advantage: It gives you a better signal to noise ratio. If you use high end gear with good preamps the SM58 can deliver excellent results, too, though when the budget is big enough you'd rather go with a high-end handheld condenser instead (for example Neumann KMS105), unless you are very loud on stage...

Personally I don't think a review is required for a SM58, but for those of you who are fairly new to the game, and are not just simply looking for a mic, but looking to invest in a piece of equipment that will be with you for MANY years.......... Read on!

As far as I'm concerned, if you had to look up the word "microphone" in the dictionary, it would say "See Shure SM58"
The SM58 has just about been around since the beginning of time. It's the ultimate vocal microphone. It's not only extremely robust, but is able to transfer all the vocal frequencies you throw at it though to your mixing desk, whether it be soft female vocals, or loud male vocals from a thrash metal band, so it can really take a beating on being shouted into and doesn't distort.

In an emergency you can use it pretty much across the stage, it will even handle the sound pressure from a snare drum, but there are better mics suited for that.

I have just purchased another two from Thomann, not because my others wore out, but just to add to my mic collection. I have got one particular SM58 that is 20 years old this year, and as expected, there is no audible difference between that one and the new ones I've just bought. The only thing I've done to the old one, eight years ago, was replace the grill, because many years of abuse being dropped by various musicians along the way.

So if you're still trying to make up your mind about whether to go for a SM58 or not, just buy one anyway, and make up your mind later.
Thanks to Thomann again for having them at such a good price!!

SM58 is probably the most used microphone for vocals (and not only), and for a good reason. Incredibly sturdy, with great sound, and very affordable as well. Once you learn how to handle it as a vocalist, it's a reliable companion you'd want to take with you to ensure quality in your recordings and/or live performances. I really can't think of anything negative to say about this gem. It has been a global favourite for decades, some of your most favourite artists and bands have probably recorded on it, and it's all for a good reason! I'd highly recommend it as a priority to anyone building their home studio.

Even amateurs know that this is the best all around mic for live performances and recording.

This is my second Shure SM58. The first one I bought 10 years ago and used it for vocals for band practice. I didn't take much care of it to tell you the truth and still works today!

It's really well made and it comes with a small storing back, which should be enough if you're not touring.

You really can't miss with this mic, if music legends use it for live performances it's good enough for you. Not to mention it's really not that expenside. A huge value for money in my opinion!