Mic Check: Mic Shootout AKG D5 vs Shure SM58

[@casadoseventos]

I worked 20 years with SM58. The old ones, are nice and still working today. The new ones are...ok. But last year I bought 10 AKG D5 and believe me, I prefer the AKG. Thats for sure! ;-)

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

So you prefer the new AKG D5 to the old SM58 as well? I found an old SM58 on Craigslist and I'm tempted to pick it up. I just want to use it for podcasting and the occasional guitar recording.

[@iamalittleboat]

I think the D5 is best cause I own a D5, and I would hate to admit I ever made a bad decision.

[@larryhinze8658]

Champion is right because I just bought the Cardoid version.

[@DJSidhu24]

😂🤣😂

[@matoni69]

@@larryhinze8658 Is the cardioid version any good?

[@Better_Armello]

Yeah it's pretty good

[@FabioxARG]

I support you for your peace of mind =)

[@Gigatless]

Thanks I got akg d5 many years ago and everyone loved my voice through it!

[@lundsweden]

I had the SM58 for about 20 years, used it but never loved it, yeah I thought it was a bit muddy. The AKG D5 might be the right mic for me, I'm going to check it out!

[@RoadToSalvationX]

Thanks for the comparison, definitely feeling the D5. You should back off of the mics a little bit though (2"-5"). Since you're so close they sound really bassy and muddied.

[@JeffreyMiddelveld]

I think that the D5 has more low output, but a different frequency compared to the Shure. Also a lot more high output, which makes the vocals extremely clear in mixes. I definitely prefer the D5

[@deetgeluid]

Because it's a hypercardioid.

[@CT79chroma]

Just bought myself a D5 and after that watched this vid. Nice to know that I have chosen the right mic! :D Nice video with good examples!

[@mikkywhalan]

D5 microphone for me, more clarity and I've used one for Guitars (acoustics and Electrics) and even better for vocals

[@kaleidophonemedia]

I have 5 x D5s, i use them live a lot. Mainly in a loud live full band situation with brass and all sorts. I found them to be ok but a little harsh, i prefer the SM58 for the smoothness and more natural sound they offer. Now, recently i've bought a couple of AKG D7s, these are in a different league. The clarity and feedback rejection is great and they sound almost condenser quality.. The vocals just sit on top of the mix effortlessly. D7s are worth a try guys..

[@plasmapaul69]

HeyCarl, Finally someone that agrees with me and has proof to back me up. I have back in the UK a small Live Performance Video company working with local live bands. I have been using the D5 for a few years now and produces a far superior recording especially for female artists. Well Done mate :-))

[@Rickholly74]

I do like sound of the AKG but I wonder how that extra high end works in a live situation. Shure Sm 58's are frequency curved with a slight upper mid peak for vocals but a roll off at 15,000 hz. to help cut feedback. Have you tried the AKG in a live situation? I'm curious about that. Thanks for the review.

[@TheNaekid]

Very informative video! I liked the D5, but I dont want to have to buy an audio interface, is there any way they (THe D5 or SM58) can be made to plug into the line in or USB?

[@prodigalson56]

The D5 sounds excellent, does it feedback alot? I've been using Behringer mics and am looking to upgrade... I think I'll be buying the D5.

[@CurranLong]

I've heard that due to the tighter pickup pattern, the D5 is very resistant to feedback

[@keef3po]

Thanks for doing a comparison, but when you're comparing different mic's with different eq and gain settings, it's probably more helpful to first set up each mic and then see how they compare. Also, don't get right on top of the mic like that -- it over-emphasizes the bass response. For what it's worth, I play with a group and we use two D5's, one SM58, and one Beta 58. The D5's are nice, but they do tend to feed back more quickly. My preference is the SM58, but the best test for anyone considering which mic to buy is to try as many out as you can and just see what feels best and listen to what others think.

[@DrSparrowShrike]

As a amateur musician whose just started full-time vocals this has been very educational as ive been trying to choose a decent microphone for a modest price so ty dude =D

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Liked the shoot out. Good review.. It's funny how the SM58 still stands the test of time. Vocalism is changing. Vocalists now have access to a range of on stage processing and effects and mics are becoming more important than ever but people are not realising it. If you want to show off your vocal talent, my advice with a mic that is "road worthy" as an SM58.. But is super responsive.. get a Shure KSM9. Yes is more expensive, but there is a reason for that and the sound is on a different l

[@evenfallingintothesun]

You do a good job here. 👍 Voice is comforting man. Chills me out. 💯

[@vernal6944]

Wow...as soon as you switched to the D5 I'm sold. Much clearer. Nice job man 👍

[@Max10_B]

58 sounds like a flatter response which to me equals easier to work with live or in a mix. the d5 has more presence but its easy to add presence and harder to cut harshness. plus i like the smoothness of the 58.

[@fromthesilence9583]

Agreed we want a flat sound most of the time for recording. I always associated AKG with Metal and harsh sounds because they seem to change my voice in that present and harsh direction, outside that I find them very difficult to record with. I prefer the warmer, smoother and ok duller SM58 90% of the time (if am not using a condenser).

[@JoshNecto21]

Totally Agree 👍

[@thebipolarbearmusic.5079]

glad i came across this video, i have both these microphones both donated by my grandfather :D both exceptional

[@MARIO.GUITAR]

The D5 is amazing. AKG dynamic mics are amazing for the price, highly underrated.

[@MARIO.GUITAR]

Not my experience at all. It's not the right mic for everyone but I've gotten great results with AKG, maybe it's luck or I just like how they sound.

[@javo_roma]

In my opinion, AKG D5 sounds much more clearer and better, it might fit very well for vocals, snare drums, bongos and maybe trumpets.

[@qwertyuigr]

it's good for live record ? For vocal record ?

[@javo_roma]

@@qwertyuigr I can´t tell, I have never tried one, I just make my opinion based on this video... Have a nice day.

[@mikkywhalan]

@@qwertyuigr yes

[@RagnorBC]

1:00 A frequency response of 50 to 15.000 kiloHertz, ey? So what are they for? Recording radiowaves?

[@DJSidhu24]

😅🤣😂

[@Alexander-mk4qf]

human ear hear any boost eq mic that goes even to 24k ..not hear 24k..but shelf that go there hes hear till the end

[@Life_Bot]

Radio wave is an em wave, not a sound wave.

[@2asantosdrums]

Hi. I'm a drummer and i'll start to do back vocals while playing. For singing while playing drums, should i buy a cardioide (sm58), a super-cardioide (D5) or an hyper-cardioide (audix om2)? Witch one will capture less sound of the drums? Hope you can help me.

[@evenfallingintothesun]

Really helpful! Getting a D5. Thanks man! 🎤😊

[@onedreamis4eyes]

I've been using either my beta 58a or a sm58 for the bulk of my live shows. Recently I decided to change things up and search for another mic to use in the mix. I didnt want to break the bank. I came across the akg's. I debated long and hard between the d5 and the c5. I went the c5 only because I was hoping I could add into my recording arsenal. It's an awesome mic. So far, I've favored the akg over my shure mics. Again, I can't comment on the d5 but I really love the sound

[@alexistinsleypope7096]

Thanks for the comparison, I prefer the AKG. What microphone do you use for your announcement?

[@DrAudioBot]

the level difference between the akg and shure could easily fool the ears. i believe he used an sm57 for the "announcement"

[@FOHFILMS]

My school has two AKG D5's and they do sound quite brilliant! Also have a nice look and feel to them, with a bit of weight (Personally i think they are better that the SM58 but that is just me)

[@dietersdawgs]

No it's not you...the AKG is better

[@alansilveyra]

What of these mics would fit better for a kind of not so strong voice and mid/treble voice tone for live performances? Akg D5? Or even Shure Beta 58A??? Thanks

[@shaundegracia]

@WorkingManStudios You might find yourself disappointed in it's gain before feedback ratio when comparing it to other mics but it's a defenitely good sounding mic for vocals, very full and natural sounding when pointed correctly at the source.

[@generatrix999]

The Shure has a proximity effect, too close= more bass, which if you're a pro, you can and know how to use that feature. The 58 is clearer. AKG, no P effect

[@alpao74]

I also prefer the D5. Having said that, it would have been fair to set both microphones at the same volume :)

[@coffeehigh420]

you will fight to protect all names !

[@JaviSuena]

Are you using a Senheisser e835 in the beginning of the video?

[@sanjxpali]

Thanks for the review. Really helpful for me and my band.

[@Robin_Martin]

Brilliant. Thanks @WorkingManStudios

[@unsinkableheart]

the D5 has a supercardioid pickup pattern and the sm58 is cardioid. this largely accounts for the differences in tone. the D5 sounds brighter and picks up more breaths and pops. it will also pick up more ambient noise, and perhaps feedback easier on stage. they have different uses, and each is a useful mic. deciding which is "better" is an exercise in futility, as there is no objective measure of this. each has its uses.

[@Zkidoo]

nice vid! what do you think about the akg d7? is it much more better then the d5? i had the sm58 for a while but.. i agree..is muddy in the low mid frequencies..and i was looking for something clearer and more defined...

[@lawrencerasmus]

If you are using a line array pa you can't use a vocal mike that goes below 70 Hz or it sounds to base, got to keep frequency from going to the sub

[@heikoyh]

great review!! the sm 58 sounds too muddy, if you don 't have the high voice, which can penetrate the crowd of audience, the sm 58 will be useless for you. but the D5 sounds quite clear, high presence, i think that*s the one which i prefer!

[@SteveWB75]

Great review and thank you, however you should shown the PA settings to confirm that both microphone where set identically. Someone could suggest that the 58 was set with more bass and less treble.

[@jose11032]

Which is best for singing? Rock, pop, Jazz, all kinds of styles? Thank you

[@selwynmason457]

The best thing is to try different microphones to see which suits your voice, I would certainly recommend the Shure SM58 for Rock, pop and jazz and also for male and female vocals. A very versatile microphone.

[@hectorzarate8580]

I know this video was uploaded long time ago, but does anyone knows what is the microphone this guy using at the beginning of the video? Please let me know, thanks

[@planettyro]

Agreed! we have 3 D5's - also the SM58 is starting to have more fake clones out there so i wouldn't even risk it and save the money on a D5 - if i was travelling and doing more on field recordings then i would probably lean to the SM58 mostly based on durability but in studio work means thats not a consideration i have to make - good video

[@AssiieJj]

I switched my Shure SM58 for the Shure Beta 58a... Best change ever. Sm58 has a coat over mic idea....

[@supersonicdrawer]

considering i have a high voice, do you think i would be better buying a shure 58 or AKG D5?

[@iawhitaker]

Both mics are excellent. I chose the d5 because it gives my voice more depth whereas the 58 is quite thin - although very clear - in its sound.

[@maximizesuccessacademy7341]

Great explanation Thanks buddy Going to get Akg d5

[@wtfhb07]

Those 2 mics are not EQ'd the same, or your 58 is broken or damaged. Or maybe I own the ONLY magical 58 with nice top end?

[@MrAnswerification]

One thing to consider is that lots of times SM58s are used by pub bands with vocalist screaming into them and you want that soft sound.

[@dingaling2567]

cool for the mic check....but, it's in the "live" application that i think the shure sm58 excels, because it doesn't fight with cymbals n such in the mix......yes the D5 sounds great for a more controlled environment like what you have going on here, but out on the road, in the many diferent sized rooms and outdoors events....the SM58 has always cut through when T.S.H.T.F. cheers

[@himhimchan1988]

Akg D5 is louder than Shure Sm58?😊

[@lidbass]

Sorry, but BreathDoctor has a point. As an ex-professional singer, I had two AKG mics, sounded fantastic, slipped out of my hands during sweaty gigs, within a month went from two mics to none. Bought an SM58 (and a wireless at that), worse sound, dropped out of my hands I don't know how many times, I still have it. Later passed back to a cable SM58, still a bad sound, still have it and use it. Mind you, I haven't dropped that one - yet!

[@RandyCamper]

What mic are you speaking into? it sounds awful

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

What was the handheld in your opening? I like that better. ; )

[@Thrasher1131]

Hey, Which of the two microphones would you suggest for screaming vocals? My band and I are looking for a microphone to use for our recordings, and in a possible live setting. Btw, very nice video, out of sheer luck i found a video with the exact to mic's my band was debating haha.

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Which one rejects more feedback ? The one with lower gain

[@mickeydw]

I have a deep baratone voice & sing lead vocals. What would you suggest for someone with my voice ?

[@UKBalance]

As you can see i'm a beat boxer, and in competition these are the two most used. This is beacuse when close to your mouth making loud sounds they sound clear, a matter of preference, but for the price the AKG would be the best :)

[@0x12d3]

Couldn't ask for a better review. To the point and exactly what we wanted to see (hear). A-1 !

[@nataliep100]

So which one is better for recording a song

[@badmaker77]

still LOVE my SM 58

[@nicksonthevet]

just like me

[@deetgeluid]

Wich one? Compare a few, youll be amazed how different they sound.

[@ozgurayvaz1731]

Victor Tapes 👍👍

[@mayoorify]

which one is best sm58 or sm57 ?

[@MtkGascoOliag]

@@mayoorify They are the shame but sm57 is for guitar or vocals, anda recording in studio, and sm58 is more for shows, but like i have said before, they are the same mic

[@PaperClipFlip]

I'm new to this. I heard that dynamic mics come with built in pop filters. But I have also seen videos of people still using an external pop filter when using, say, the D5. Should I buy a pop filter when these mics are already dynamic? Does it improve the recording quality at all? I am trying to record some a cappella singing at home.

[@krish2542]

Get a cheap sponge pop filter to avoid pops as well as static electric shock to lips.

[@TheDarkRainbowSide]

If I would be creating my own studio, and I really needed a microphone... What microphone should I choose? My category is rap. Please answer.

[@ReadingPlayerJon]

What microphone are you using with the windscreen at 00:20?

[@GregBatt66]

i recently purchased a D5 as a backup mike. I ended up using it instead of the sm58. The front of house with the d5 was better quality and i found the d5 actually seemed clearer and louder. This is great when trying to keep up with a crazy assed lead guitarist who has his volume on speed dial.

[@MegaAluchi]

are you using a preamp for both? if yes, which one? i tried the SM58 with a Roland interface, but the sound is a little low output, since my interface does not have a preamp for mic. And if i crank the gain on the interface to full, I get peak red light unless I stay like 4 inches or so away from the mic. I m also considering at the moment either to get an ART preamp, or get another mic that is more sensitive like the Blue Encore 200 that is dynamic but uses phantom power. Feedback is appreciated thanks for the help

[@klefroid]

It's just to use for a couple of times in a pub as we want to create a karaoke night. But i wanted to sound not to bad as a cheap philips or some like that... Is it still the sm58 you prefair? Btw sorry for my bad language as i am a duth guy

[@bke1j1h]

Could that muddiness of the Shure be that "warm" sound people always say it has? And would the comparison between the mics change at all if you were to test it with Live sound rather than recorded sound? I don't mean to be fending for Shure or AKG or anything. I'm just curious.

[@ElegyForTheMasses]

@WorkingManStudios Thanks for the reply. I actually found the D5 with a mis-marked price at Guitar Center yesterday for $60 so I bought it instead. It sounds great! Thanks!

[@isobelfielding8898]

I'M SO HAPPY WITH MY D5

[@josemanuel2244]

How well the akg do when your grab it compare to the Shure?

[@FreonUWP]

That's a tough one. For the same price, I want the mic that the cord won't fall out of. No matter how good it sounds, if you use it in a rough environment, a little quality loss may be worth it for 100% reliability. I saw a couple reviews that the D5 isn't quite as sturdy, and the 58 never dies. Ever. I have a pretty responsible theater so I just bought 4 D5's. I also work setting up tradeshows and conventions. That side as more SM58's then I can count.

[@Rickholly74]

Not a fair comparison.The AKG here is a hotter mic so at the same levels it sounds better and more sensitive but every mic has a different output so to be fair adjust your preamp gain should match the volume level matches for a good comparison.I have three Sm 58 mics that are still working great after almost 40 years and lots of abuse.AKG makes great mics, especially their condensers.Right now I am using two Shure 87A mics.The best live mic I have ever used but they are condensers so no comparison.

[@colinohare]

Good review though I've used a SM58 for years and it's very robust, time will tell with the AKG. Resileience to feedback on stage and handling noise you'd have to check out. In the Studio it's easy to hear the difference and the AKG sounds better asuming you have the same Eq on each Mic .Then again you can clean up the sound of the 58 with a bit of Eq and if your singing live against the backdrop of a band theres no way you'll tell the difference in the two in my opinion. Interesting though.

[@bryankeller3492]

For the same money the EV ND76 and the SE V7 blow both the 58 and D5 away. The D5 is actually closer to a 57 replacement. I caught a deal on Amazon and got two (wish I'd had enough for a half dozen) at $57.22! And as far as a female voice, if you can find a deal on either an EV ND 86 or ND 96 (B-stock/slight blem) you will be extremely pleased. OR, a Sennheiser E945.

[@alinutzalin6346]

The Shure has much better plosive protection shield than akg's. The AKG sounds fuller compared to Shure tho. Still, Shure sounds professional, maybe because it's for spoken words as you said. I picked the AKG tho, was much cheaper than Shure and it's great !

[@thisisawesome3501]

I love that this is from 2010.

[@klefroid]

@WorkingManStudios It's just to use for a couple of times in a pub as we want to create a karaoke night. But i wanted to sound not to bad as a cheap philips or some like that... Is it still the sm58 you prefair? Btw sorry for my bad language as i am a duth guy

[@beakf1]

ok so reveiws help me so this is me giving back.i was set on getting this mic but the sales man asked me to try this make and model ev n d767a.If you do some research and go listen to the 2 mics together in the shop you might be as suprised as i was.highly recommend this mic.wasnt impress with the sure after hearing this new mic.hope this helps.and i desperately wanted the shure to because so many people seem in its favour but i went on good sound and every musician in the shop recommended it

[@AAABeatbox]

The only reason (I think) that the ShureSM58 is most popular and forever depended on is simply because of it's history. It has been the most reliable microphone on earth. I heard this from a manager who owns equipments. He told me he had an SM58 that got bent, then he decided to play around with it, busted it with a hammer, droove it off a muddy road and abused it to the max. After a while of trying to connect the wires together, it still worked. So that's why. It's just DEPENDABLE is the word.

[@Heartzelbeatbox]

Sm58 is super clean !

[@antonioeguia4096]

You should compare SHURE BETA 58A vs AKG D5 both mics are supercadioid, however I prefer SM58.

[@CaptainApurva]

hi, could you tell me which mic would be better AKG D5, RODE M1 or EV N/D 767a? Thanks!

[@MBAentertainmentbd]

I bought an AKG D 5 this month from guitar center usa & it's a damaged mic & doesn't work.. AKG sucks when they starts making their mics in CHINA.. I totally brand new mic totally damaged & no sound @ all.. Shame on AKG.. I live in Bangladesh so I can't change it now.. Why do they make mic-s in CHINA now ? What's wrong ?

[@dietersdawgs]

Yours may have been a fake...mine was made in Poland

[@OutLassn]

@@dietersdawgs Mine's genuine- bought directly from the AKG site and it has Made In China written on it, have no problems with sound though, works fantastically.

[@ElegyForTheMasses]

Is a Shure SM57 any good for vocals? I found one on clearance for $58 at a local music shop

[@tapanirauha]

The SM58 is supposed to be eq'd. Or used by pro singer with volume. The greater distance which a pro singer can use due to proper volume gets rid of the mud. After that there is no contest.

[@mikejleemusic]

@BreathDoctor ive took the D5 everywhere dropped it thrown it stood on it and its stood the test of time. both good mics tho !!

[@stutteringbums]

Hi there, thank you for this. Makes a sense and answered some questions. However how would you compare the Rode M1 to the AKG D5? (Struggling to choose) Thanks

[@garyvanbuskirk7014]

what type of amp should be used with these mics voice only (gary) thanks

[@triplecrestproductions9895]

***** Get some PreSonus preamps. Just about any of the pre's they make will sound great in most situations.

[@mr.capomusicstudios]

The Shure SM58 microphone is not bad, but in my opinion, the AKG D5 from the start and you deliver clarity, and so I like most. And here the console or sound equipment also play an essential to have a good sound, because if it's good, I can get all the juice to an SM58, or empower you the clarity of a paper AKG D5.

[@JDProductionsTM]

hows the d5 for feed back? thinking of buying one for using when i DJ in clubs

[@abrahamflako11]

I´m still prefering the SM58

[@rebel2xtreme]

I have both and prefer the D5

[@rockingrandy1]

Have you ever done a comparison with the Sure sm 58 compared to an Electrovoice N/D967 as its seems on paper to be similiar to the Sure Beta 58 and with that being said what is your experience with that ,Thankyou I look forward to your response.

[@SuperSaiyanScandinavian]

these reviews are definitely good to show you how the mics sound, but technically there's no "better mic". it all depends on the singer. i've used a lot of nice mics that sounded bad on me, cos there's something about my voice that pushes the high frequencies and gives a very unpleasant sound. also i have a lot of sibilance. the SM58 has always worked really well for me. all i need to do is roll off the lows and give a subtle presence boost. the SM58 helps make my voice warm and smooth

[@Amotaraso]

Really nice review. So far I have been using a RODE NT1-A. But I just do not have the correct environment for condenser recording... So I looked up good "stage" mics which could also be used for recording. Now to my question. I sing and play rock. My voice need to shine through the deeper voice part. That's what I like and what the feedback have told me. But I also tend to sort of "scream" with distortion. Do you think the D5 would give me that? Unsure on the 68 after watching this. Thx ! :-)

[@catsven1973]

Got them both and the D5 is superior in many aspect

[@CamBuckmaster]

Which mic is better live? I already have a CAD C195 for recording use.

[@nicksonthevet]

No mic surpasses sm58 for price, quality, durability and design