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MODEL SM58
UNIDIRECTIONAL DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
The Shure SM58
is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vo-
cal microphone designed for professonal vocal use in sound re-
inforcement and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in,
spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop” noise. A cardi-
oid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while mini-
mizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored
vocal response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged
construction, a proven shock mount system, and a steel mesh
grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will per-
form consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing or speech—the
SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals worldwide.
Features
S Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened
midrange and bass rolloff
S Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound
source and minimizes background noise
S Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
S Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter
S Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180_
S Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness, and reliability
Variations
SM58
SM58S (With On/Off Switch)
PROXIMITY EFFECT
When the sound source is less than 6 mm (
1
/
4
in.) from the
microphone, the microphone boosts bass frequencies (by 6 to
10 dB at 100 Hz), creating a warmer and richer bass sound
than when farther away. This effect, known as proximity effect,
happens only in unidirectional dynamic microphones like the
SM58. The SM58 low-frequency roll-off provides greater con-
trol, allowing the user to take full advantage of proximity effect.
APPLICATIONS AND PLACEMENT
The SM58 is ideal for close-up vocals and can be held in the
hand or mounted on a stand. Some of the most common applica-
tions and placement techniques are listed in the following table.
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
Lead &
Backup
Vocals
Lips less than 150 mm (6 in.)
away or touching the wind-
screen, on axis to microphone.
Robust sound,
emphasized
bass, maximum
isolation from oth-
er sources.
Speech 150 mm (6 in.) to .6 m (2 ft)
away from mouth, just above
nose height.
Natural sound,
reduced bass.
200 mm (8 in.) to .6 m (2 ft)
away from mouth, slightly off
to one side.
Natural sound,
reduced bass
and minimal “s”
sounds.
1 m (3 ft) to 2 m (6 ft) away. Thinner; distant
sound;
ambience.
STAGE MONITOR & P.A. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
Place the stage monitor directly behind the microphone (see
Figure 1). Locate the P.A. loudspeakers so that they point away
from the rear of the microphone. With the speakers located in
these positions, the possibility of feedback is greatly reduced.
Always check the stage setup before a performance to ensure
optimum placement of microphone and monitors.
180°
90°
0°
90°
STAGE
MONITOR
P.A.
LOUDSPEAKERS
MICROPHONE
SOUND
SOURCE
RECOMMENDED LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
FIGURE 1
GENERAL RULES FOR MICROPHONE USE
1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and
away from unwanted sources.
2. Locate the microphone as close as practical to the desired
sound source.
3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
4. Use only one microphone per sound source.
5. Locate microphones at least three times as far from other
microphones as from the sound source.
6. Use as few microphones as practical.
7. Place microphones far from sound-reflecting surfaces.
8. Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors, for
closeup speech, or vocals.
9. Avoid excessive handling to minimize mechanical noise.
Model SM58
User Guide
27A2902 (AH)
E2001, Shure Incorporated
Printed in Mexico