Shure SM58 User manual
SM58 -- Vocal Microphone
General Description
The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone for professional vocal use in sound rein
forcement and studio recording. A highly effective, builtin, 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 steelmesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Out
doors 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 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.
1/5
Shure Incorporated
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this will adversely affect microphone perfor
mance.
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
Vocals Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the
windscreen, on axis to microphone.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, just
above nose height.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth,
slightly off to one side.
90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away. Thinner, distant sound; notice
Robust sound, emphasized
bass, maximum isolation from
other sources.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
Natural sound, reduced bass
and minimal “s” sounds.
able 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 be
fore 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
closeup use, the bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advan
tage of proximity effect.
2/5
Loading...