The Sure SM58

Eric Marquette

Welcome to Future Frequencies, where we delve into the world of sound and explore the tools that mold our performing experiences. In our first episode, we're going to look at maybe the most iconic microphone ever produced, the Shure SM58. For decades, this microphone has been the No. 1 choice for vocalists of all kinds, from professionals to beginning home artists. Known for its durability, versatility, and sound quality for the package, the SM58 has been used on almost all venues you have visited. But what could make this microphone stand out in such a crowded market?

Eric Marquette

The Shure SM58 is the world's most popular vocal microphone by far, and rightfully so. It's legendary status comes from not only miraculous marketing from the engineering team, but also it's unique combination of durability, quality, and simplicity that separates it from the rest of the studio-grade microphones. Now, to delve into the dirty details.

Eric Marquette

The durability of the SM58 is paramount to live settings as it allows singers to focus on the performance instead of the health of the microphone. This drastically increases the quality of the performance. Simplicity also improves the quality of performance, of which the SM58 shines as well. The microphone greatly avoids unneeded complexities like a built-in amplifier, effects built-in, or any other sort of clunky add-on. The only feature the microphone have is an on-off switch, and that is optional. In almost all cases the SM58 is bought without the on-off switch because an audio engineer at the mixing console is already controlling the microphone.

Eric Marquette

The Grille: The first layer is the most visible, the ball-shaped grille at the top of the microphone. It serves as crumple protection for the element, absorbing impacts while also minimizing the distortion of the grille against the sound going into the microphone.First Pop Filter: Just below the grille, is the first pop filter, made of foam and designed to absorb sharp bursts of air made from plosives, sounds like "b," "t," and "d" sounds that can cause the puffs of air to create distortion. The filters can also absorb a small amount of moisture to protect from spills to a degree, but when something is spilled on them the filters both need to be replaced to prevent mold.

Eric Marquette