SM58 vs Shure Beta 58a | Which Should You Buy?

[@djxhakaza1827]

I have been using SM58 for the past 85 years and still going strong, probably i will still use it in the next 85 to 90 years to come

[@skettdog]

this guy is like 115 yrs old

[@JonAnderhub]

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

[@gaffle-411]

He’s talking dog years…

[@66fitton]

🤣

[@Fiveash-Art]

When 900 years old you reach, ... Look as good, you will not.

[@taketwo-e5u]

SM58, had one for 22 years gigging and its never broke and its been dropped many times and sounds great live.

[@scottbrown4205]

Depends on the application and where the speakers and sound sources are. The side rejection of the beta works better if your mains are near the stage. The 58 works better if you have foldbacks in front. I use the beta for my drummers that sing. Sound’s much better than a headset. There is less snare bleed due to the pattern. Point being it’s all about polar pattern.

[@JonAnderhub]

Using the Beta 58 for a drummer and the rejection of the snare is a great point!

[@glennh7297]

Great point on the bleed. I have used a Beta for 30 years, but I still carry a 58 in my trap case for a backup/extra mic. Near bombproof units.

[@66fitton]

100%! Only thing I would add is that putting foldbacks off at 35 degrees instead of directly behind the mic when using Betas is how to deal with the foldback issue. All due to the POLAR PATTERN of the Beta. Stick it in that dead spot lol!

[@aranajagger5946]

As a sound tech myself, i prefer the sm58 over the beta. The Boost in the highs of the beta tend to feedback with the monitors. It's a great mic but the sm58 is more reliable

[@cblade007]

I couldn't agree more. You have to know the problem frequencies of all mics to make it easier to use. I carry 10 58's because it makes soundcheck faster to set up because I am familiar with those frequencies in the monitors.

[@videoclip1324]

Hello, I wanted to ask a question that I have wanted to ask for a long time: I have the sm58 microphone that I bought about a year ago. The whole time I use it, I have 3 problems. 1. The volume is very low even when I'm close to the microphone. 2. When I speak, a weak "white noise" starts playing in the background, which is only disturbing when speaking. 3. Even if I connect it to phantom 48v still remains the same. Do you know what to do in such a situation? I would be happy to answer if you can.🙏 Thank you in advance.

[@cblade007]

@@videoclip1324 Is this the only mic that you use on your system? If so, the problem could be from your console or amplifier.

[@ratedepth]

@@videoclip1324 Check your gain staging from the mic all the way through wherever your output is. The white noise is likely distortion happening somewhere along the way. Dynamic mics do not require phantom power. You can leave that off for the SM58 (or any dynamic mic).

[@videoclip1324]

@@ratedepth Thanks. So you mean it could be because the sound card is of poor quality? (because really the sound card is not that professional) I will only add (if necessary) that my microphone is not original (in my opinion according to the price I bought it for).

[@66fitton]

I don't mind the Betas as long as singer doesn't mind monitor off at 35 degrees. Putting a monitor directly behind a Beta can cause issues due to the polar pattern. There's a bump directly behind on the Beta that isn't there on the regular 58.

[@GenuineHeather]

I agree with your conclusions. Like most people, my experience with the SM58 goes back years. It's a solid, dependable workhorse. But the Beta 58 is a cut above. It's been my go-to live vocal mic for about seven years and it's never let me down. For me, it just sounds better.

[@bosselof1341]

I often use Beta 58 for girls and SM58 for boys when mixing vocals live. But both works very well at stage. Once I was mixing the Swedish famous singer Charlotte Perelli and she didnt want to do a soundcheck just step up on stage and sing and that time the Beta 58 solved the challenge just a few adjustments from my own Voice and it was excellent sound. So Shure SLS with Beta 58 was My choice. Charlotte did Her gig and she and the crowd was happy.

[@jrv65]

Aí vc acordou 😅, e ficou doido 😂

[@brucewales5965]

I thought that would make sense.

[@chriskettlewell801]

The up close sound of the Beta 58A was definitely a lot better to my ears, and the significant reduction in what it picks up from the side and back is really noticeable to. Could make a big difference with feedback.

[@discodd94]

you need an ear test ASAP

[@ChristianDLucas]

You probably got them backwards.

[@SUSANBAR31]

Thank you for this! I just bought the BETA A using your Amazon link... on sale for $128.00 so I bought an additional 25 ft cable! Rock on!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers Susan! Thanks for supporting the channel!!

[@tommydplayskeys]

My wife and I both sing. She has a really bright voice and mine can struggle to cut through. To begin with she had the Beta and I had the SM58. It got a whole lot better when we swapped! Much less EQ needed. So I'd say it depends on the voice. The polar pattern isn't something I think too much about - we stopped getting feedback when we switched to IEMs. Though minimising drum spill into our mics is still a factor.

[@boomerbutler7569]

I just bought three Beta 58a's for our worship team and I'm really thankful for this comparison video becuase we have feedback issues with our SM58's and we don't have a need for that much lows. I really like how you showed the proximity of the mircophones and this will be very helpful to our vocalists!

[@all4christ1]

How have you found it? I just bought to 58a's for our church it arrives next week.

[@boomerbutler7569]

@@all4christ1 The most noticeable difference is the clarity in the mid range with the Beta 58's. They sound crystal clear when compared to the SM 58's. It was a noticeable difference with our church members and I'm glad we made the purchase.

[@daviddesmond2143]

Why would the Beta get less feedback?

[@mtsugarcan]

@@daviddesmond2143 because of the polar pattern. Beta 58a is super cardioid, which means more directional, so it is relatively less affected by the stage monitor speakers. But there is no huge difference though. Proper microphone Handling is more important.

[@66fitton]

@@mtsugarcan Actually you have that wrong. Look at the polar pattern of a Beta58 and you'll see it picks up more directly behind it than a regular 58. There are more feedback issues with the Beta than the regular 58. Answer is to put the monitors in the dead spot if you're using Betas, not directly behind the mic. It's the 35 degrees that was mentioned in the video. Bottom line is if they had problems with feedback already, going to Betas is not going to help.

[@boddumblues]

i used a BETA for years. It didn't fit my voice that well, but it was a workhorse. Today I'm into the 87A, and that's a better match for me, but nowadays I do mostly harmonies, so that's a different situation also. For big choirs having the BETAs for soloists and 58's for the background singers makes FOH work easy!!

[@SavoxYT]

Things that would survive a nuclear apocalypse: 1. Cockroaches 2. Keith Richards 3. SM57s and SM58s

[@GoodlyRogue]

Damn, didn't expect you here? I really like your videos. As for you, what's your mic?

[@cmcg5788]

Thanks for the video. I'm a vocalist. The SM58 is smoother/warmer with my voice (tenor). When you do the proximity test in this video, the SM58 sounds more natural, without too much "wool" in the low-end. The Beta's sound reproduction seems artificially boosted in the highs in all scenarios (maybe they killed the warmth with the low-end roll-off). Anyway, the SM-58 is my pick any day of the week for singing or speech.

[@thorssensgamesNCC1701]

I use it for gameplay videos and I like the warm, personal, intimate feel I get from the SM58 and I am a tenor also. I like to have my viewers feel like they are here with me sharing in the experience.

[@davebooth5847]

I'm a baritone and I gotta admit I USE the proximity effect on the SM58. Getting just into the edge of it gives a fatter and warmer sound to my lower notes. Even without that I'd much rather have the frequencies there coming from the mic where if I want 'em gone I can EQ 'em out. If the mic doesn't send 'em to the board you can't put 'em back in

[@dandillon2163]

If you only get one wedge at 12 o'clock right in your face the 58 works great. Very good gain before feedback. It has a great null spot back there. If you have the luxury of two wedges though, one at say 10 o'clock and the other at 2 o'clock the 58a has its best nul spots there (even better than the absolute rear of the mic) as you can see from the posters polar pattern demonstration. So you get a wedge aimed basically at each ear and the perception of much more volume. Inverse Square Law: double the number of speakers, double the perceived volume. So if price is no object, the 58a is only slightly more money when you consider the cost of adding that second monitor wedge to get the most out of your foldback situation.

[@paulswartz9104]

I created a Beta 58a by 4:12 replacing the grill on a Beta 57a with a grill from a Behringer XM 8500.The threads on XM 8500 are a bit larger so I built up the threads on the Beta 57a with pipe thread tape wraping them till the tape was flush with the OD of the mic.Screw the new grill on and you're done,works great! Made a great change in the performance of this michrophone for vocals.😅😅

[@johnalles6760]

I have one of each. The SM 58 I use for practice by myself and it is fine however when I play out I like the Beta 58. It just sounds a little better to me and goes over other voices better if you are the lead singer.

[@WilsonPhotography1]

I use two mics for my vocal from a keyboard rig. I have a wireless headset and a Beta 58A. I run the Beta 58A through a vocal processor that’s connected via midi to my keys rig and produces my voice in 5 parts. I love the Bets58A for this setup.

[@bfrank3468]

In my opinion, one is not better than another. They both have their place in the audio tool box. I have used both mics live for many years. Examples for the 58 is a violin player that doubles the mic for vocals and acoustic violin, the lack of rejection allows for a generally much fuller sound with less location precision required… same goes for acoustic resonator guitars where sound is coming from every direction. However as mentioned the rejection of the 58 beta is seriously usefull as well. Good informative video. Enjoyed, thanks! For myself I use Telef M80’s, but thats a different story

[@LorneVignettes]

They both sound great. I would pick the SM58 for streaming or podcasting. Live sound the Beta 58 would be first choice in my opinion. This was a good test.

[@socratestolentino9557]

Yes.. Jus bought lately beta 58a.. Its a big leap of upgrade from sm58fora period of15 years

[@KillTuco]

I found the 58a picked up my lower and quieter notes really well, and seemed to not get overloaded by my really loud notes. Almost like a subtle and natural compression kind of effect

[@andrewray2507]

Wow being in a loud live music setting, I would love the tighter pattern on the 58a. Anything to cut down on that feedback. I didn't expect the noise rejection to be that much better.

[@ButeSound]

Beta all day. I use a beta58 in my studio - always live through monitors! for vocal lessons so students can hear themselves really well without the isolation effect of headphones. Perfect. The rejection and quality means any recordings are very usable and in a controlled space I get no feedback with loud monitoring. I liken the recorded sound to be more "condenser like" than the regular 58. Recommend. Also was good enough for Bjork in her hayday ;)

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I think the wider pickup pattern if the sm58 sounds more natural and better. Captures a bigger picture of the voice

[@BaldPerspective]

I preferred the sound of the SM & I also like how it cuts off at a lower frequency than the Beta, giving me the choice to cut those other frequencies out with an EQ. But, that's for recording. If I were the lead singer in a band, I'd prefer the Beta. Each would have strengths over the other depending on the context of how they're being used.

[@yardstickwhack]

A scenario where I would recommend the SM58 over the beta is karaoke. Now sure, most karaoke is done with 30 dollar microphones, but I like the sm58 for the ruggedness and the occasional American Idol. Replacing 30 dollar mics every week adds up. The reason I say not the beta is because a lot of karaoke people, even those with amazing voices, will wind up holding it incorrectly.

[@saltydog805fishing]

I've used one of my 58s since 1970s still gigging with it today 3-4 days a week. own many more. they ARE the work horse of the industry.

[@66fitton]

Karaoke with a 30 dollar mic... 🤣 My ears hurt just reading that! lol

[@yardstickwhack]

​@@66fitton lol... although karaoke with a 58 still hurts the ears... just more clearly.

[@dallon5]

This was a common topic with a sound crew I worked for. When people say SM 58s sound “natural” it tends to mean “familiar” or “typical”. Because 99% of the vocal mics on stage are SM58s it becomes second nature how to get the sound we think is normal out of them. It also meant we needed to change the EQ on channels when a singer brought their own Beta to the festival. The “Handheld Stage Mic” that really opened my eyes was the Heil PR35. It was so surprising how clear the sound was without fighting feedback.

[@aeonianmachine]

The Heil Mics really are so much better. I still dislike that i wasted so much time trying to make the SM58 i had 20 years ago sound good. Back then, i thought it can not be the mic because the SM58 is praised everywhere... So i thought it was the room acoustics or the preamp, or my settings... I wasted so much time with this stone age mic. Then i bought a Heil PR20 and all problems were gone. Over the last 20 years i have tried dozens of dynamic microphones. Today i use the PR20, the more expensive PR40 and the SM7B in my studio.

[@notwaiting-vs9jb]

@@aeonianmachine u use pr20 for singing or what?

[@JBearwa]

Excellent review! Logical and useful points. In short I completely agree with this guy! I’ve used both of these mics for years in my professional karaoke shows. In my experience, definitely for singers the beta - specially with male voice - is so much better! And I totally agree SM 58 is an incredible mic … If you need to get something for talking buy it with the on off button. For band members it’s also a wonderful option to have the owner off button on the microphone. However for doing karaoke you may not want to have the on off button unless you tape it on people continually switch it and it takes way too much to explain how to do that during a show.For the SM 58 is an incredible value and microphone with great feedback control. But the beta has better feedback control and for singers is much better. Both Rugged both are fantastic

[@juderandall703]

Hi, have used both. I prefer the SM58A, I find the SM58 quieter, definitely more clarity with the 58A & less feedback problems. Thanks for the review, it's very helpful 😊

[@stephensams709]

The weak spot on the Beta 58a wireless mic is the on/off switch. I haven't used the wired version. Being an electronic tech, I have replaced tons of these switches. It's not a hard job, but they are so tiny. I do love the sound of the mic. I've used both of these mics and I like them both.

[@davewestner]

Thanks for the history lesson on 58a. Didn't realize that the beta58 came out in 89. I thought it came out in the mid-90s, but didn't realize that it was the 58a that was new at the time. I don't think I've ever seen an original beta58

[@tonictonetomrockstar1931]

I've used the beta for years and recently found I like the sm58 a lot more than I ever expected. I have both wired and wireless versions.

[@simonclepkens7862]

Same here ...

[@therealredmoney]

for recording use...does it have any high end or is it dull...the sm58, that is???...also, does it have a warm tone or harsh?

[@daviddesmond2143]

Great video on great mics. I bought my Shure SM58 in 1972. I have played hundreds of gigs and toured in the Eastern 1/3rd of the USA playing 6 nights a week on the road and never had a problem with the mic. Mine has an on/off switch and if I ever bought a new 58 I would get one with a switch-not only is it handy but you are far less likely to buy one of the many counterfeit SM58's.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That's a great point about the switch! Never thought of that. That said I only buy my 58s from physical retailers.

[@jrv65]

E eu que achei que só no Brasil tinha falsificado, agora até nos EUA aí para tudo em .

[@cliffschannel2521]

I used the 58 for years as a stand up lead vox in rock bands but when I started playing guitar and singing I went to the beta as I cant control the mic distance to control the prox effect . With the roll off of the lower frequencies of the beta and the fact that when playing the guitar while singing I sing right on the mic I have a crisper vox than the 58 would deliver singing right into it , it would be to boomy . The extra mid and high boost also cuts through a loud mix better and it sizzles more than the 58 almost like a bit of saturation which again works better for heavy rock . I still use 58's for the rest of the band though and carry as my spare along with 57's . The lack of the prox effect just makes it cut better. Im a very loud singer so feedback isnt much of an issue .

[@cobass1840]

I have had both and to me the biggest difference is the feedback on stage. The Beta seems to help somewhat. Thanks for the review.

[@DanielNylandKollstrm]

Our guitar player just got me the beta with our band funds! I’ve been using the sm58 for 5 years now and after our other singer joined the band, I’ve started to notice that it doesn’t pick up my whole range. After watching this video, I can’t wait to try the beta out later tonight at band practice! Thanks man. :)

[@VVhinchi]

Yeah that extra noise from the LC was definerly noticeable at higher levels. L5ickily my local shop had a beta 58A used in the back for 90$. That bass differencenis definitely more prominent with the Beta compared to the LC in a live setting

[@charlessmyth]

I bought the beta 58A for its tighter polar pattern and increased sensitivity compared to the SM-58. I use it to record audiobooks, and for the time that they take to record and process, and for what I don't have to do and spend to treat the room, for to suit a cardioid condenser, the cost difference isn't an issue :-) I added the proper Shure foam windscreen. It doesn't seem to have any benefit for the sound, but it adds a finish to the look of the microphone.

[@totallyfrozen]

I also use an SM58 in my voiceover studio. I had a large diaphragm condenser, but with the 20Hz to 20kHz response and super sensitivity, there was always a need excessively treat the room and to clean up the audio with EQ, etc. So I put the condenser away and now I use the SM58 with a metal mesh pop filter. Sounds perfect! The design of the SM58 already does all the EQ necessary for human voice that you’d have to do in your software using a condenser with a flat response. Why reinvent the wheel for spoken word?

[@iRevolVeR21]

My experience at rehearsal with two live mics... 58 wins over beta 58. 58 more low end and rejects feed back better. I got my beta 58 in a box.

[@jayneubauer3401]

as a backup singer in bands that started on drums, went to rhythm guitar and most recently (late 80's) keyboards, I have been using a 58 since the late 70's until it finally quit (rain storm at a festival) in the late 00's. Same one!! I switched to the Beta 58 and noticed immediately that the off-axis rejection was MUCH better. Then, switching to IEM it didn't seem to matter, but I already have my Beta, so I will use that for the rest of my life, then give it to my daughter.

[@Greenjeans2020]

Just purchased the Beta 58A from Amazon for $137. I already have an SM58 so thought I'd give it a try.. SM58's are $99 almost everywhere, so only $38 more seemed like a deal. This will replace my Audio Technica ATM27HE which died and Technica discontinued it and will not even repair it. Great mic when it worked but very bad customer service. Mic was never abused either.

[@TrueShayari]

Hi, I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me a good audio interface and microphone. But my room is not sound proof. The sound from outside comes inside our room. If I use Audio Technica 2035 mic and Shuru SM 58, then what will be the difference between the two? And which audio interface would be better for ShureSM 58. In which there is no noise and the quality is also good at the time of recording.

[@djeondj]

The At-2035 is a condenser mic. Meaning it’s going to pick up everything. A dynamic mic, will be the Shute sm58. It won’t pick up background noises, rustling papers, etc.

[@steelcantuna]

The original 58 just sounds more "natural" to me. Pretty simple.

[@saltydog805fishing]

especially at close proximity

[@kusholhumedeo7851]

Both are 58 hence how can others know which one do you mean?

[@Norrad01]

@@kusholhumedeo7851 The SM58 (“original 58”) was introduced in 1966 and the Beta series was introduced in 1989.

[@Dunnowhatimdoing]

Very good point. The 58a sounds like you’re talking into a microphone, whereas the sm58 sounds like you’re talking in a room with someone. The 58a has that more, polished and cleaned up finished product sound

[@jespurrier]

I gig at least three times a week and would never use an sm58 for small gigs without a sound engineer. The feedback issues would be a total nightmare. The difference using a beta58a is night and day. I don't have to really worry about it.

[@phrankus2009]

THE most important justification. for the cost, would be any, discernable attenuation of room reverb (especially when Vocal FX, vocoders, etc., and smaller venues, are a prime consideration. ... No? (So .. This review did not answer my main question, regarding Feedback Attenuation (remediation).)

[@blueheron5232]

Excellent job, man. Frankly, I was surprised that the two were so very similar in terms of performance characteristics. My takeaway is the Beta 58a is something of a luxury that's more easily justified for a Lead Singer or Front Man, or possibly for use in a solo act... As an aside, it's the only live stage mic Susan Tedeschi ever uses.

[@J.C...]

Oh yea? I'll have to look next time I'm jamming to them. 👌 Lifelong Allman Brothers fan here. Literally from day 0. Have you heard Duane Betts new solo stuff? He has one song with Derek called Stare At the Sun that's pretty dang good! Johnny Stachela and Berry are with him, too. TBH, I think Dickey might be playing on it, also. That's what the paragraph read like in the article I was reading.

[@JoseAngel-iv5eu]

Good teaching, the problem on the singers they have no idea how to property use the microphone , because they cover the screen changes of the resonance the frequencies, drown out the mic close to the monitors causing feedback , and to avoid feedback we have to use a good equalizer before they damage the horns or damage completely the monitors. or lower the game into the mic.

[@muziky2k]

You're right. I couldn't hear the difference on my Macbook Pro. However, I think there were enhancements to the Beta58A that would definitely benefit some over the SM58.

[@JozeatTxb]

Great video, thanks. I had a Shure beta 58a, didnt know much about mics, and lent I it to someone, it was neveer returned!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol...never lend mics...especially the beta58

[@thebrunoserge]

Thank you for this! I used to own a Beta 58A and it was great. This time it was a no brainer - I went with an Audix OM5

[@paulreddy5452]

I can hear the difference, I like the SM 58 better. Been using that Mic for 40 years anyway

[@KenTeel]

Microphone choice is an interesting thing in that, generally, lots of them sound very similar. However, each mic add a small amount of color to the sound, and generally, the more expensive the mic, the more clarity you get right out of the box. That being said, I kind of, at this point, view the subtle differences in mics as sort of like spices in food. The difference in sound, between mics can be subtle, but it can be just enough to color the sound, like you'd add a tad of spice to your food. And you have to listen carefully to your own voice and see which mic, adds the kind of "spice" that you like to your voice. Less expensive mics can kind of smooth over unwanted details in your voice (kind of like a soft focus lens on a camera.) Some mics can add a slight nasal tone (think Jim Morrison when you think of nasal tone.) That may be something that is desired,.... or not. So you match your voice to the mic that adds the particular "spice" that you like, or the clarity or lack thereof (think old Bing Crosby recordings) that colors your voice to your preference. If you're curious, my favorite mic, at this point in time, is the GLS Audio ES57. These are dirt cheap. They don't have a transformer. I can EQ them to sound pretty clear, with decent detail. Here is a link to a song where I used the ES58 (I thinned the vocals with EQ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZCcaaiAa5ermsU

[@jmm8229]

Great video. I'm a drummer that does backing vox so buying a beta 58 (replacing a 57). Thought a SM58 might pick up too much drums & cymbal swell so let's see if Beta works better with the reduction & dead zone etc? (Did think the SM58 sounds warmer in this video though).

[@gearmoe9066]

Good job on the common sense approach to a review. Over the years I have come to realize the psychology behind vocal mic discussions. Although there are differences, there human conditioning to consider. For the most part, we are attuned to the sound of a vocal through the curve of an SM58. Our heads expect it. You can deviate a little, but only a little, then we judge as odd or wrong. To bring a SM58 (et al) into use all you typically have to do is back off the 80hz a bit as well as the 12khz and you are there. I like many of you have likely tried to find a more crisp mic only to return to the 58 because there was an edginess or crackle in the high end we just did not like.

[@BojanBojovic]

For live singing there is no contest if the conditions are not perfect, Beta is simply stronger and brighter which makes a lot of problems for the SM58 when someone comes with it, there is no way it can be made to sound as good as Beta without entering some nasty feedback. For studio though, I like the SM maybe more because it is a darker microphone.

[@markfisher1392]

I used wireless SM58's (because they were the "standard") but switched the capsules to Beta58a's a couple years into using Bose L1's for our duo. It made a big difference in our gain-before-feedback as we use the L1's behind us as Bose originally designed. (Yeah, I bought the hype, but it really has been successful for us.) I have a wide vocal range and my wife is a low alto, so the bottom roll-off makes it easier to manage the proximity effect and keep low notes clear.

[@nicolasrr3477]

Cual me recomiendas amigo, canto en un grupo donde hago la voz grabe, me puedes ayudar plis

[@notallprincessesacoustic7641]

I play guitar and sing in an acoustic duo. I use the sm58 and the singer has the beta in wireless version. I totally get the lower frequency difference for which it is great but it does seem to have a much hotter signal that can be problematic for feedback when we’re wedged into a corner in a small venue and the singer is holding the mic as opposed to using the mic stand. Great comparison though. 😀

[@Rancherinaz]

I’ve used both for lead vocals and to be truthful , I prefer the SM58 . I was disappointed by the Beta58a . At least for my voice and experience in using mic technique . I’d rather have the greater proximity effect . It’s all about knowing how to use it . Like with anything else though , YMMV .

[@marcelbeaulieu3982]

Great video, very helpful.... I am professionnal signer and own both and been using them for quite some times. I préfer using the Beta 58A when I am confident that my signing pitch and voice tonality, on a particular song, are excellent and that I want to put it out very clearly. I will use the SM 58, for the other songs. The Beta 58A will pickup every little mistake that you do on the stage or recording. If you are an excellent signer, you will really notice the difference and appreciate the Beta 58A. Marcel Beaulieu, QC, Canada

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Hey! Fellow Canadian! In fact...I am in QC too...just across the river from Quebec!

[@johnroseman9087]

That's why I'm here. Just bought a Beta 58A. Wanted to get a review on it. The salesman recommended it over the SM58, and I liked the sound in the store. Nice review .thanks!✌👍

[@joevining2603]

The 58 might be okay for live acoustic guitar, guitar cabs, drums, etc , but the Beta 58 is going to be much less hassle for vocals because of the more focused mid-range and roll off of the low end.

[@cliffschannel2521]

@@TheJeffbarrett All 3 are dynamic and do not require nor use phantom power.

[@charliezxi]

I used a BETA 58M for 10 years, in a hard rock band, and that thing got dropped, thrown, kicked and many a beer spilled on it. And kept on kicking ass. Could get a lot more sound out of it before feedback, and it took a lot of abuse. I would always have to tell the sound guy to go ahead and turn up my monitor, it won't feed back.

[@ZackPomerleau]

Big thing I notice is that the rear hotspot super cardioids are supposed to have don’t really seem that different but the cardioids definitely have a lot of sound from the sides.

[@darrenhunt7838]

I got an SM 58 as a free bonus when I bought a pair of KRK powered studio monitors and I can’t fault it. I only use it in my studio so for me it’s perfect.

[@depush]

... there's the old joke you can use an sm58 as a hammer or a mic and alternate with equal effectiveness. But more seriously, as a working FOH and monitor guy, the biggest thing for me is I can get a beta much louder in the monitors. The beta also reaches out further which is helpful when you're working with unfamiliar vocalists, or at festivals for instance, where you're not sure of their mic technique. Stage noise is generally lower in the beta, though not always depending on positioning relative to the drums. That reach on the beta can pick up more cymbal wash when the vocalist steps away from the mic. Both have the classic dynamic Shure sound. Given a choice I generally prefer the beta. .02

[@DarkCornerStudios]

That hammer concept is a future video...just saying

[@counterfeitselfband]

I've always apreciated them more on stage or live situations. Sometimes I prefer a Beta57 in the studio when I want more presence. Likewise, sometimes when I want it dumbed-down a bit I like the originals. Tough to say what people should do but to me, if you have better S/N or feedback resistance, it's a no-brainer.

[@kausthubkrishnamurthy2410]

Pretty good review but it's missing the impact of polar pattern. The Beta58 allows me as a vocalist to use the range to the mic as a part of the sound production to complement the intensity of my singing. The SM58 having a less sensitive front address doesn't give me a much performance flexibility. The trade off? The Beta58 being a super cardioid has its rejection access at 120° so if i have a monitor right behind it, or if there's a stage with many many monitors and sound sources, the rear address complicated the set up and movement freedom. The SM58 on the orbs hand has its rejection axis aligned with the rear address so it's much less susceptible to feedback. It's a marginally more reliable mic on a noisy stage. It's also a very intuitive mic to use (face the back to the monitor) so even novices intuitively know how to deal with noise on stage. So when I'm running sound tech as long as they're comfortable being quite close mixed i prefer they use an SM58. If they really know what they're dying or need a little more distance to the mike then i nudge towards the beta.

[@twisted2291]

I like them both and used both of them for live sound. If the lead singer had a bass heavy voice. I would use a beta to clean up muddyness in the lead vocals. The beta's are also great at micing up acoustic guitars in a small pub. But if the guitar sounded like a tin can on stage. I would swap it out to the classic 58.

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

I don't know if the upgrade makes a lot of sense. The extra boominess of the proximity effect of the sm58 can be dealt with - a small distance using a foam windshield (also a good shock preventing idea), and eq. The extra power of the beta is cool, but the extra bass roll off sounds a little too much, - to sound balanced, it seems one must be touching the grill, and if you want to get closer, it might lack something.

[@ternitamas]

sm58 does sound warmer I guess it's because the beta has that bass roll off. Both sound great I think it's a question of what your preference is in terms of sound color.

[@maartendehoog8527]

Beta58 makes a hammer or doorstop, regular sm58 is fine like a swissknife will always be your perfect backup for almost everything. The grill of the beta should be on e regular sm58, cause is it near bullitproof and the standaard grill of the sm58 just isn’t. Do you take your vocal performance serious? Then grind the extra money and buy a Neumann KMS105, Sennheiser MD431 or cheaper a Sennheiser e935(cardoid) or e945(supercardiod) Most people do not want a supercardiod, period, they cant handle the peak in high respons with monitors.

[@philipdussor3595]

I'm a death metal singer with the habit of cupping the mic (yes I know lol) I was suggested to get a beta 58, for the price I want to make sure it can handle the intensity of shows and the moving around.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yes...in fact it's the best mic possible

[@philgreco7037]

I use the SM58 on the lower end of my Leslie. So perfect for that, and still only $99 like it was when I bought my first one in 1968.

[@nathanjames4242]

I used to LOVE the Beta58A until I heard the Sennheiser e935 and e945 at a small acoustic show. Absolutely superior mics in every way in my opinion.

[@cally0553]

Hi there. So which one is the best generally? For vocals. Appreciate ur opinion

[@trippingjune]

You said less gain is never a bad thing. But doesn't the beta have more gain?

[@Pucis666]

As a Death Metal vocalist, I can say, Beta made my voice more colorful, and growls sounded more precise than with a normal 58. I am without a band for 3 years now, but still refuse to get rid of the mic :)

[@mr_tw]

For me, Beta all the way... but mostly because of my day to day needs. When I'm running live sound, >>ALL

[@dannypgrizzle]

Though I work sound for video, I’m not as hyper critical about microphones as most people doing videos about the topic on KZbin. Two observations: 1) I have come to regard microphones like I would a musical instrument. Serious guitarists have serious opinions about guitars. 2) For whatever reasons, professional singers often have fixed stipulations about microphones in their concert contract riders. I know this from experience after assisting with a number of nationally known artists. I’m the tech guy who reads the contracts, and in a number of cases, the artist specifies a SM58 and specifically excludes the Beta. I personally own a number of alternatives, including highly regarded Heil dynamics. But the fact remains that many artists know and prefer the SM58, which I attribute to their comfort zone of working with an instrument without any distractions of modifying their mic technique to an unknown alternate.

[@OliverWoodphotography]

The thing that would sell the b58 to me is the higher output level (-51dBV) I'm keen to keep the noise floor way down low with dynamic mics.

[@GregJDaigle]

Great video! Something that I've experienced, (and why I actually roll with 58's for my SLXD systems) is that the beta58a is amazing at rejecting monitor feedback *IF* they are on a stand parallel with the stage, putting the monitor in the dead spot. When the singer goes handheld, or grabs the mic and tilts it upward, they're super likely to put the monitor right in the slightly live rear of the polar pattern. My personal band uses in-ears, so that wouldn't be a problem, but I do a fair amount of wedding and cover-band sound with rotating singers and high stage volume. I find that the "fine all around" 58 is often preferable to the "great in most areas, but tricky in some" beta58.

[@mpinzo0098]

Agreed!

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

I like the Beta sm 58a when speaking through it @ 4" distance

[@natron1908]

I have both. There is significant difference between the two, and the last thing he said is important: get one for the lead vocals at least.

[@rickmac06]

On axis at 3-4 inches I prefered the sound of the 58 on YOUR voice. That being said, on someone else I might prefer the 58a. They are both great live vocals mics and the company that I mix for has plenty of both.

[@1loveMusic2003]

What are your thoughts on the Beta 57? I like it for guitar cabs mixed with a condenser and it's great for a harsh vocalist.

[@portnoy256]

My experience in shorts: Beta for recording (with headphones/in ear), SM58 for high volume rock live shows with feedback risks.

[@Theweeze100]

The feedback issue alone is enough to cause me to shell out the extra cash. The little extra “ump” when I’m right on the mic, is a bonus! We’ll done comparison!!!

[@jayjacqueline615]

As a vocalist who mostly croons and only belts when it adds dynamically to the song, I am considering buying the BETA. I have an SM58 which I've owned for several years. I was hoping your demonstration was going to WOW me in favor of the BETA. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I like them both for different reasons. Sometimes I want the highs, sometimes I want the lows. So I've decided to have one of each. Thanks for the comparison!

[@fremountstsongsrich2453]

You can take the wind screen from a Beta 58 and you can bounce it off the floor and it will not smash up!!!!! As the sm will dent up very easly!!!!

[@artokujala]

For live use I like the Beta better 👍🏻 especially for me with low growling vocals from close in front of the mic that low cut is crucial.

[@windomearle2932]

How about factoring in wireless?

[@fescolfaro]

IMPE the beta is just a better mic altogether (the price difference should tell it). Besides the high-mid bump (which should be treated with care with some singers), it's more sensitive, has better rejection, and has distinctly more open mids. It's safer to use if you mix in several different venues (because of the improved sensitivity) and doesn't need that massive 1kHz cut that almost everybody needs with a 58 to not sound nasal. Beta all the way.

[@jsalvatori]

Since I do mostly live, I prefer the B58A. The off-axis rejection is the main reason. So much easier to ring out a Beta over the original

[@GeorgiRusev]

Which one is better for vocoder singing?

[@christian_blass]

sI just like the Beta 58a. The higher gain fits better to any preamp. But in front of a guitar amp I would prefer a SM58. I think it sounds more like rock n roll 😄

[@NHfiddle]

For all intents and purposes, I'll stay with the SM58, thank you very much. Never cared much for the Beta 58, but it's an affordable luxury.

[@jayjacqueline615]

I thought the BETA was a bit poppy up close. Maybe I heard it wrong.

[@geezergeek1637]

Stumbled across your video looking for information on an "on-hand" c608. No luck. I like your presentation, and you make a good use case argument. For my needs... not "handheld"... no monitor speakers... I think the sm version would be fine.

[@DimebagDarrenLowe]

i have both, thanks for the run down of these two great mics

[@amberwoodstudio]

Been gigging for years the sm58 is awesome and tuff as nails

[@koshersalaami]

Aside from basic sonic preference there are two significant differences in usage. In terms of intelligibility at high level, you will get higher levels if you get close but with too much proximity effect the bass will muddy your clarity. If you’re in a really noisy environment and screaming, the Beta is probably a better bet. The second difference is the polar pattern and that depends on where your monitors are, what other noise is on stage, and whether you ever have two people singing into the mic at once.. If you’re using a wedge monitor it is never directly at the rear of your mic. Even if the monitor is right in front of you rather than off to the side, no one points their mic up enough to get the tail to point into the monitor. Vertically alone it’s going to be close to 35 degrees off axis. Putting your monitor in the null of the mic will reduce your feedback risk. If two people are going to sing into the mic simultaneously it helps to have a wider polar pattern to cover both and that means cardioid or the standard SM58.

[@66fitton]

YES! All this! So many factors involved and without knowing them many wrong decisions lol. I've seen people turn away from the Beta because they have feedback issues when they have two big monitors directly behind it. 35 degrees off and the Beta is a different story. Excellent advice!✌

[@thomasbushnell884]

I have both ..do mostly solo stuff. It seems to cut better