Hey there, podcast producer! If you’re looking for a rock-solid microphone that won’t let you down, let’s talk about the Shure SM58. This mic has been around since 1966, and there’s a good reason it’s still the go-to choice for podcasters, musicians, and broadcasters worldwide.
Bestselling Dynamic XLR Mic, Ever!
The SM58 is an XLR microphone. That means you can’t just plug it directly into your computer’s USB port. You’ll need an audio interface or a mixing deck to connect it to your computer.
Don’t let that scare you off, though! This setup gives you more control over your audio and room to grow as your podcast grows.
Let’s dive into why the SM58 might be your new best friend in the studio.
This dynamic microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which is a fancy way of saying it’s great at picking up what’s directly in front of it (your voice) while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
This is perfect for you if you’re recording in a less-than-ideal acoustic environment—may be your spare room or a noisy office. The SM58 will help keep the focus on your voice and minimize those unwanted background noises.
Durability
One of the biggest selling points of the SM58 is its durability. Seriously, this thing is built like a tank.
There are videos out there of people running over it with trucks or using it as a hammer, and it still works afterward. While I’m not suggesting you try this with your own mic, it’s reassuring to know that it can handle being tossed in a bag for on-location recording or survive an accidental drop.
Sound Quality
Let’s talk about sound quality. The SM58 has a frequency response that’s tailored for vocals, giving you a warm, clear sound that flatters most voices.
It will not give you that ultra-crisp, hyper-detailed sound of some high-end condenser mics, but for most podcasts, that’s actually a good thing.
The SM58’s sound is robust and professional without being overly sensitive to room acoustics the way condensor mics do.
The SM58 uses the same microphone capsule, to capture audio, as it’s big and four times more expensive sibling the Shure SM7B. With a bit of EQ, your listener might be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Now, here’s something you need to know: the SM58 isn’t the most sensitive microphone out there. This means it requires a fair bit of gain from your preamp or audio interface.
You’re going to want a device that can provide at least 55-60dB of clean gain. Some sources suggest up to 60-65dB, but in my experience, 55-60dB is usually sufficient for the SM58.
If your interface is struggling to give you enough gain without introducing noise, consider using a mic activator like the Cloudlifter CL-1. This nifty device uses phantom power to give you an extra 25dB of clean gain, which can make a world of difference.
Speaking of phantom power, here’s a bonus: the SM58 doesn’t need it! As a dynamic mic, it’ll work just fine without that +48V, which can be handy in certain situations.
Top Tips
Let’s talk about how to get the best sound out of your SM58.
Mic Position
First up, positioning is key. You’ll want to be about 4-6 inches away from the mic, speaking slightly off-axis – that means angling the mic about 45 degrees off to the side of your mouth.
This helps reduce plosives (those popping ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds) while still giving you a full, present sound.
Plosives & Pop Filters
Now, about those plosives – the SM58 has a built-in pop filter in its grille, but if you’re an energetic speaker or you like to get up close and personal with your mic, you might want some extra protection.
You’ve got a couple of options here. You can use a traditional pop filter that sits a few inches in front of the mic, or you can look into foam windscreens that fit over the SM58’s grille.
The Shure A58WS is a foam windscreen designed specifically for the SM58. It’s great for reducing plosives and can also help if you’re recording outdoors and need to combat light wind noise.
Just keep in mind that any windscreen will slightly reduce high frequencies, so you might need to adjust your EQ accordingly.
EQ
Speaking of EQ, while the SM58 sounds great out of the box, don’t be afraid to tweak it a bit. A slight boost in the high frequencies (around 5-8kHz) can add some extra clarity and “air” to your voice if you find it needed.
Here’s a pro tip: pay attention to the proximity effect. This is the bass boost you get when you’re close to the mic.
Some podcasters use this creatively to get a deeper, more “radio-like” voice. Just be consistent with your distance from the mic to maintain a uniform sound throughout your recording.
Mic Technique.
The SM58 is pretty forgiving, but you’ll still want to maintain good habits. Try to keep a consistent distance from the mic while you’re speaking. If you move around a lot while you talk, consider using a boom arm to keep the mic in a consistent position relative to your mouth.
Maintenance.
The SM58 is tough, but it’s not indestructible. Clean the grille periodically to prevent buildup of saliva or debris that could affect sound quality. You can unscrew the grille and wash it with mild soap and water if needed.
Pros & Cons
Let’s wrap this up with a quick pros and cons list:
Pros:
- Built like a tank – this mic can take a beating
- Affordable – usually around $100, great for multi-mic setups
- Versatile – works well in the studio or for live recordings
- Good at rejecting off-axis sound – helps in noisy environments
- Flattering sound for most voices
- Industry standard – it’s a mic that engineers everywhere know and trust
- Doesn’t require phantom power
- Built-in pop filter and shock mount
Cons:
- Requires a decent amount of gain from your preamp
- Can pick up handling noise if not properly mounted
- Proximity effect can be pronounced if not managed properly
- No built-in switches for bass roll-off or presence boost
Additional Equipment You Will Need
- XLR Cable
- Mic Stand or Boom Arm
- Audio Interface Or Mixer
- Foam wind shield
Optional Equipment
- In-line pre-amp or mic activator to provide additional gain.
- Pop filter
- Shock mount
Bottom Line
In the end, the Shure SM58 is a workhorse that can serve you well as you build your podcast empire.
It’s a mic that you can rely on, whether you’re recording in a professional studio or in your bedroom closet.
Sure, it might require a bit more gear to get the most out of it compared to a USB mic, but the versatility and reliability you get makes it a solid investment for any serious podcaster.
Remember, the best microphone is the one that helps you consistently create great content.
The SM58 has been helping people do just that for over half a century. So why not give it a shot? Your listeners’ ears might just thank you for it.
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