Shure SM58 vs Beta 58A vs Beta 87A Vocal Mic Comparison

Sam and Meg take a look at the differences between the iclassic Shure SM58 and Beta 58A dynamic vocal microphones, and the condenser Beta 87A...is it worth upgrading?
Check out each of the mics here:
Shure SM58: www.pmtonline.co.uk/shure-sm5...
Shure Beta 58A: www.pmtonline.co.uk/shure-bet...
Shure Beta 87A: www.pmtonline.co.uk/shure-bet...
The Shure SM58 has been the industry standard vocal microphone for many years now, renowned for great sound and super tough construction...but also available is it's bigger brother, the Beta 58A, so is it worth upgrading?
Whereas the SM58 has a traditional Cardioid polar pickup pattern, both of the Beta 58 and Beat 87 mics are super cardioids, meaning they offer a narrower pickup pattern with excellent sound rejection from the sides, so they’re better at isolating vocals and less susceptible to feedback on a busy stage. The two Beta’s also offer extended frequency response ranges, an Sm58 has a frequency response of 50hz to 15Khz, but with the Beta 58 the high end response goes up to 16Khz and the 87A, being a more sensitive condenser mic, responds right up to 20kHz.
The Beta 58 also features a Neodymium magnet, resulting in greater sensitivity and more output volume, 4db hotter than sm58 with higher signal to noise ratio. Overall this increased sensitivity and a extended frequency range generally offers a cleaner, more detailed reproduction of your voice. Not only that, the Beta 58 also offers reduced handling noise thanks to it’s advanced internal pneumatic shock mounting design, minimising vibrations.
The Beta 87A though is a completely different microphone. As mentioned earlier, it’s a condenser mic so it’s easily the most detailed sounding mic of the 3, with it’s super smooth frequency response and wide dynamic range. But being a condenser does however mean that it’s also going to be a bit more fragile that the dynamic 58s, and the increased sensitivity and wide frequency response means it’ll be a bit more prone to feedback on loud stages. Finally, being a condenser microphone, the Beta 87A also requires 48v phantom power.
Watch our comparison video and try these mics out for yourself at your local Professional Music Technology store...
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[@lrodriguez34]

Loved the Christmas joy at the end! Thanks for the video!

[@TheRealDanNguyen]

Thanks for the great review on these three mic, just what I was looking for.

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

Very helpful. Good man. Keep making videos. Seriously. Well done.

[@marioortega7218]

Lovely! Thank you and happy holidays.

[@muzikogretmeni2872]

when the singer singing different part to microfon comparison we cant recognize anything.

[@Dzeroed]

I thought exactly the same thing, it has to be the same phrase or the volumes and ranges are so different we can't compare. Science 101, experiments have to be recreated exactly the same way or as close as possible or the results are meaningless.

[@SirSelby]

I came to the comments to write the same thing. Kind of a stupid way to do a comparison.

[@thelatindivos_fernando]

Agree

[@sammclachlan851]

I feel like you can definitely hear the difference between the mics. All y’all are deaf

[@SirSelby]

@@sammclachlan851 I don’t think anyone is saying the mics don’t sound different. The issue is that the same phrase is not being sang through each mic, which would make it easier to determine the precise qualitative differences. Using different phrases means that there will also be differences in the singer’s voice. Using the same phrase means that almost all of the difference you hear is from the mic, because the singer’s voice is removed as a variable. That’s simply the right way to do a sound comparison.

[@UCS0608]

Nice and very informative clip. I own a lot of SM58's, a couple of Beta58's that I use primarly on stage and a couple of Beta87's (some early types and some A's, the latter with a slightly modified shaft), mostly used in my studio when live recording vocalists that also play acoustic guitar. For me the Beta87 is without doubt the winner and I love the built in proximity compensation (bass roll off) and the presence of the mike. And that Christmas-song (even be it late April when I write this) makes me happy! 😀

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Just what I was looking for! Thanks a lot!

[@ImATreeHuggerSoWhat]

Ha ha! First time I've watched a technical review that made me smile and laugh! Great job you two, great information and a great way to start my day! I'm subscribing to see what y'all come up with next!

[@mixville2]

Great, informative review ... and wonderful talent and humorous spirit! Bravo!

[@taurus3973]

Wonderfully entertaining and informative. Sometimes mic comparisons feature voices and songs that blur the differences between mics. Not so, here. The performances showcased the diffs between the SM58 and Beta58. Well done.

[@safetyofficer7759]

Love the clarity of both betas... Although sm58 is already good enough

[@juanmanuelcabrerapauli9507]

I really like this review!!! Original and funny! great voices!! I used to have a beta 58 (maybe 15 years and then broke :( ) now I use the sennheiser 945, but I miss the warm of the beta 58, for male singer, or rock I prefer, the 945 it is really good but the beta 58 it is more warm I think.. The beta 87 excelent for acoustic perfomance because the detail, and great choice for female singers.

[@tourinojacks5844]

GREAT comparison video of these mics. Love it!

[@plotakiotrionqui2116]

Best review comparison ever. At first I thought the guy couldn’t sing. Then he showed off, I am very impressed!

[@dfrasu]

The vocals were stellar! Thanks for the vid. Very helpful. I have a 58 I use for my harmonica work. I snapped it in half right after I got it. (Not on Purpose). I taped it back together and I have used it on countless gigs. Amps, boards, you name it. It’s about 25 years old and has seen it all. They don’t die!

[@melsonic1463]

Thank you for this excellent, informative and heart warming performance ...

[@f8274]

Great comparison between the most popular shure Mics, very good and charming video. Thanks a lot. The Beta 87 with his details sounds best for my ears. Disadvantage is his little more feedback susceptibility.

[@heddysings]

Perfect timing! I was just at the local music store, today, trying to decide between these 3! Great video! And superb performance 😍👏

[@user-pg2fx1hx1r]

May I ask what did you buy?

[@heddysings]

@@user-pg2fx1hx1r I bought the Shure Beta 58A 😁🎤🎶

[@user-pg2fx1hx1r]

@@heddysings which one did you buy? 57? 58? i can't determine what should I buy T.T

[@heddysings]

@@user-pg2fx1hx1r yeah I fixed my comment. I'm sorry. I bought the Beta 58A. I've only used it a couple times, but it was wonderful for what I need. 🤗

[@user-pg2fx1hx1r]

@@heddysings you're a big help!!! thank you so much! have a nice day 😄

[@Purple_Pixel]

Your videos are informative and excellent and your hosts are excellent as well. Subscribed.

[@anthony78yt]

Awesome. I heard clarity difference going up

[@paweplinta1565]

Solid microphones. A spectacular and informative presentation! Thanks

[@vincewright4207]

Meg and Sam sound great together.

[@shaman7764]

Loved the Pogues cover! Well done and informative.

[@FcCopa90]

FINALLY! Found the video i needed to make a final decision Thank u!!!!

[@momixmoo7857]

Which one did you choose?!

[@petermcdonna4160]

Which one then?

[@MrPrincebass99]

I have all three. The Beta 58 is used for outdoor/ larger-room gigs. It's a bit ringy in smaller rooms. SM 58 for those gigs, and rehearsals. Just add a bit of EQ around 2.5k. B87 for recording.

[@mavm6876]

which one of the mics will u recommend to have a good experience of karaoke at home?

[@LiveFromPFD]

@@mavm6876 Original 58 for karaoke, and/or less experienced singers.

[@ZiggyAndTheSpiderFromMars]

Beta 58a certainly beats the sm58 for recording indoors, as shown in the op's video where it almost matches the condenser's sound quality.

[@glenconmc]

Great video. I am a singer with a baritone voice, so it is fairly smooth, deep and strong. I sing mostly Swing/Sinatra or Show tunes and I like to sing out loud as well as quiet intimate moments. Can anyone suggest a good mic for me? I work alone with backing tracks, I was thinking of a condenser vocal mic maybe?

[@vl292]

Good comparison and very much in-line which the testing done with a female singer in my band. B87 is head and shoulders above sm58, b58 somewhere in the middle, maybe a tad closer to 87. Beta 87 offered also better balance between guitar and vocals, both had sufficient frequance range available to sound decent.

[@kites4121]

Best comparison video out there. Thanks

[@Skijumptoes]

Aww nice surprise at the end - good sports! All those mics sound good, Beta 58A was nice on Meg's voice though, i felt.

[@ilblues]

Length and girth are important considerations in a microphone. Very entertaining and informative video. Would be nice if a bass or baritone had sang a few lines - you know - a Johnny Cash or Roger Whitaker type of voice. For that, I'd probably grab the SM58. While I don't have experience with the Beta's, the few neodymium and condenser mics I've tried with my bari voice have various degrees of "sizzle" the way they hype the mid to upper freq range.

[@nahoga]

EXCELLENT review for singers!

[@Stepinto]

Beta87A ... the more detailed and presenenced vocal microphone ... imho. I've been using one for 6 years now in my 60's..70's band. Sometimes i play my harmonicas over this mic, and that sounds amazingly good. I'am very satisfied with the overal sound of the Beta87A... and i'am a malesinger. 🎶🎙😎👍

[@niteshades_promise]

def going with the beta 58. thanks i needed this video rite now.🍻🍻🍻

[@ah.kamal.official]

for Christmas day so sweet :)

[@EdwardPCampbell]

I bought a Shure Beta 87A with a DLXD24UK digital base transceiver in April 2018 for Katherine Lupino’s Cyprus tour on Facebook and featured on You Tube. It cost £560 but worth every penny. Much lower noise, cleaner, crisper and less distorted voicing than her old SM58.

[@soulrebelno1]

The Beta 58A stands out by a country mile! It has great definition and the sound is well balanced. What really hits you is the improved bottom end response and overall output. It would be a great microphone for any occasion, but especially when playing in a crowded pub or club because of the better definition and clarity. It just sounds more alive compared to the others.

[@bluezy710]

Funny 'cause I absolutely hated the 58A haha It compresses the vocals too much, it removes the silkiness of it by bringing up too much detail.

[@ZiggyAndTheSpiderFromMars]

@@bluezy710 I think the SM58 made her sound weak and nasaly compared to the Beta 58a, sounding much fuller, professional and detailed. The Beta 58a pretty much matched the Condenser Beat 87a, which is amazing. I own both these mics and also find this, and add that I don't have to work so hard when using the Beta 58a to get the sound I'm looking for.

[@phildann9225]

Decided to go out and upgrade my sm58 to a beta 58 after watching this. Best, decision, ever!

[@phildann9225]

@D&HProductions sounds alot clearer with less low end. And is also abit more powerful. Always had trouble being heard with a regular 58

[@tatasailormercury]

0:55 Her voice sounded so clean and crystalline on the beta 87A. This microphone must be wonderful for recording and live performance!🎤🙆💖

[@UCS0608]

It does, been there, done that! 😉

[@mikeexits]

Condenser mics tend to be much more sensitive, so it's not really a 1:1 comparison. Plus the 87A costs twice (or nearly 3x if used) as much as the Beta 58A. 58A is great for live use and 87A is great for studio use, generally speaking. But I've heard about some people using condensers onstage. I wouldn't personally want to risk the feedback and would only use dynamic mics, but maybe I'm paranoid and/or uninformed.

[@tedlovejesus]

I saw on Japanese annual singer competition, they used beta 87a on female singer (diva) performance, While beta 58a for other more normal singers Unfortunately, 87a isnt as great as other condenser mic which has the studio mic look

[@jasonbodden8816]

I hope you're not basing the quality of the mic on the fact that it doesn't look like a typical studio condenser mic. @@tedlovejesus

[@TrackItRight]

loving the air on the Beta 87A. sounds like there may also be a 4-8K bump. I'm about to upgrade all of my wireless mics. Currently, I have 6 Beta 87Cs and 2 Beta 87As. I was thinking about Beta87 heads but I think I gotta have the air and presence so I'll probably go with 2 KSM9s and 6 Beta 87As.

[@artysanmobile]

Andre Lamb The KSM9 is a much more flexible diaphragm, certainly Shure’s best in that regard. Since you obviously have the budget, give a tryout to the Neumann KMS105. It has a beautifully balanced tone right out of the box.

[@tmthanhable]

Nice and fun review !

[@johnspencer5690]

Great review. Every voice is different and each mic will compliment each individual differently From this review I would pick the Beta 58a for the male voice and the Beta 87a for the female voice. Big difference in vocal quality from SM58 to Beta 58a for the male. Not so much a distinguishable jump if any at all from Beta 58a to Beta 87a however. For the girl a massive jump in quality going up to the Beta 87a not so much moving to the Beta 58a. It’s evident that the Beta 87a is geared more for higher pitched voices like a female and truly shines in that area. The clarity of the Beta 58a for the male voice in the mid range really stands out. Both are big steps up from the SM58 from what I hear. I am currently looking to purchase either the Beta 58a or Beta 87a in wireless for playing live with my band. My mind is now made up solely on this comparison video listening with headphones. The Beta 58a for male voice. Also read that with this mic being a dynamic mic in regards to live bands scenarios it can be better for feedback issues as supposed to the Beta 87a which is condenser and more fragile as as a result. I already own Shure SM58, Rode M1 and Shure KSM9 which is mainly use for live acoustic and recording (fantastic mic but pricey) The way you EQ the mics and experience of doing so makes all the difference when it comes to making any voice sound awesome live. SM58 is still a great mic when done properly. It’s all about trial and error + experience. As always I will go into my local PMT Nottingham store to test out in person as well but this was a great comparison video. Good job! 👏🏻👏🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻👏🏻🔥🔥

[@CarlosCaffy]

OMG, I loved to much the comparison! You Sam and Meg are beautiful 🎶🇧🇷💫

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Great video

[@dougmarshall5324]

Excellent review wanted to know the difference.

[@kaschbowman]

Question: In terms of being right up against the mic and NOT getting the muffled sound, which is best?

[@garyshirinian]

I've made comparison between beta58 and senheissor 935 . You will see the distortion in beta 58 . Senheissor was crystal clear. And I love Christmas and Christmas songs thx for the song it was a Joy to listen.

[@mikeexits]

Distortion? Did you maybe peak your audio by accident? Mics don't just "distort" on their own unless the sound they pick up is too loud, or perhaps if there's something seriously wrong with them.

[@garyshirinian]

@Mikeureko thx for replying, When we listened to them, the senheissor was clear sounding vs the beta.

[@BarnabY07]

Hey, is it possible to hear you both again ? I'm still listening this video from time to time, so beautiful.

[@milcoisas8955]

Congratulations for the vídeo!!!! The Shure sm 58 and beta 58 the best

[@melodychest9020]

Best demo of these mics ever and sweet singing! My thoughts: SM58 - Standard and fine for all. Beta 58A - Hotter, more bass response and great for male bass voices and female voices which are not thin. Beta 87A - Crispy, light and less muddied ("more detailed" cos of bass taken out!). Great for female vocals and for male singers who do not have a heavy bass voice. Thanks, enjoyed it a lot .. great video.

[@jasonbodden8816]

I would think it would be the opposite. The more crisp ones with less bass response would be better for bigger, rounder voices with more bass in them' and the hotter mics with more bass response would be better for thinner voices to make them sound a bit fuller. Interesting take, though.

[@mikeexits]

@@jasonbodden8816 Well, the opposite perspective here is the mics accentuate what's attractive about one's voice rather than reduce it, hence people generally preferring the Beta 58 for the guy's vocals and the Beta 87 for the girl's vocals. You pick up more *relevant* detail and it can make a vocal just sound "better." You can always EQ from there (if you're recording that is, or with a live EQ applied in realtime) if you think it's unbalanced.

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

Agree with JM s coment but great video never the less well done lads

[@570films]

Fabulous! I listened very careful. And the SM58 stills sounds the best. Sorry...merry Christmas to you.

[@coreyfreeman6226]

Get your ears cleaned. Beta58a sounds much better and deeper. 87a isn't good for a loud stage but it's dope

[@pedr0p0lis]

Hahaha "cockroaches and SM58's", man thats a classic line, i found the beta 58A to be the most pleasing of the three. Great reveiw..

[@philpants44]

its christmas time again and i'm once again microphone shopping. Not surprised i'm back here again haha

[@OnlineMD]

Greetings from the USA! I just returned a Shure Beta 58A back to Sweetwater as I found it pretty unexciting, and I also have two Shure SM58 mics. (the Beta 58A was on sale for $135) So I took a chance and ordered, unseen, an AUDIO TECHNICA AE6100 which just came today. WOW, MAN! WHAT a difference! Dramatically better sound volume and no pops and bops because of the built-in pop protection. I am so pleased. With my Bose S1Pro PA speaker, the volume was pretty piss poor with the Shure Beta 58A but the AE6100 is like, um, a breath of fresh air! :)

[@fernoediaz9911]

Jajaja te fijaste si era el original creo no sabes lo que dices

[@SergiyHavriluk]

Fantastic, Thank you

[@jimj3031]

The most noticeable differences seem to be with the male vocal range - I am listening on a Mac laptop so that will impact things, also, but, I could hear a difference between each mic only when the male would sing.... from the 58 to 58A there was a more "crisp" sound and even more from the 58A to the 87A! I own a few 87A's and was wondering about getting a 58A. Thanks for your help and advice! Great video - stellar performances, too! :-)

[@MitsuMetal]

Dude you have a fucking amazing voice. You gave me shivers. Shit. Good job.

[@Tank1]

😂

[@alby69able]

great review Pogues made it special

[@SM57]

Great video)

[@flmoto2381]

Could you please do one on the Shure 565sd?

[@jessrittgers841]

Well done, thank you.

[@ambesa1]

Im digging the B87a.

[@leonheartgaming6356]

The Beta 58 sounded amazing on him, and the 87 sounded AWESOME on her.

[@boothbuster]

Leonheart Gaming yeah but she was singing one octave up on the 87!

[@yasminecherif265]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaceybear3155]

Me super confused because they sound the same.

[@KumarDarnal]

Right

[@nikosnikolaoumusiclife1251]

Nice! Thanks!

[@anvil777]

great video!

[@MrPorter7]

I guess I'm just old, but the standard SM58 still sounds best to my ears. Great video. Well done!

[@clementnade972]

Depends on the singer too. SM58 has boosted mids and has less highs so it may miss out certain great vocal qualities if the singer has a very distinct voice.

[@joy1ess]

agreed. without a doubt the sm 58 is the winner

[@zengoryla5069]

i have 2 of 3..sm58 & beta 58A both of that is good.

[@sfrerku]

The beta 87A brings out the "disney princess" like tone to it

[@neerajkashyap-bg6fe]

Bells are ringing for Christmas Day ... 🎄

[@WillieMCruz]

I recorded a vocal just today with the sm58 I did it also with the beta 58 and with the beta 87 before. really like it the SM 58 but it could be because i use a si expression sound craft mixing board it might be also the sound of this mixing board

[@ah.kamal.official]

what's reverb are you using its soft and warm

[@lowered18]

love the song choice

[@flmoto2381]

Can you review a 565sd and do a sound comparison, I can’t find a single video on it.

[@gonzalopenafernandez1368]

Lovely video.

[@AsianBlackR3501]

I have SM58 and Beta 87A. I love Beta87A.

[@bgoumas]

Great choices of songs

[@JebJulian]

vibe on the beta 58A (through mackie studio monitors *not saying much) over the SM58. A pop filter might have helped (If your not using live) so I dig not using. Thankyou for the comparison video. The 87 and the added pain of phantom isn't worth it in my price point...Also I drop the mic (and the ball) on a regular basis.

[@alexcabrallive]

Beautiful voices

[@donaldfewell8908]

Does Shure make a condenser mic or ribbon vocal mic that's rugged enough for stage use?

[@Jonmpan]

I just love Beta 87A the mic of life after so many mics through all these years it is so light and nice in my hand and make my song so craft full and the best mic I have ever had❤

[@Jonmpan]

I have a bit of dark voice and beta 87A make my song detailed and clear in my mixes

[@nowthenad3286]

The problem I have here is that when you switch From the SM58 to the Beta 58A, there is a jump in volume and maybe distortion. I am not able to compare. Other than that, it was a really useful review. Thank you

[@micconiko]

Sm58 all my life

[@alexcabrallive]

Are all of these good for podcasting ? What do you recommend ?

[@kikomi888]

Beta 87 prone to hisskkkkk... sound.... But more clarity Still prefer sm58 :)

[@samuelsalins8309]

Thanks 🎤🎶👌

[@sparklingcupcakeps]

okay now where do i get cords to connect mic to speaker ??? what speaker should i get to project sound ... HELPPP :(((

[@delivrance3961]

excellent!

[@agostinogabriele4867]

That girl has a very great voice!!! 🤩

[@micaelavanderham1116]

which speaker can you use well with the beta 58a? (to sing live)

[@Clipper_Dames]

That was... much, much more than I could ever have expected when I clicked on this video. Absolutely brilliant!

[@Mr.Altavoz]

I ned a mic for flute , hamonica and singing. NOTHING fancy . I'm in between Shure beta a 58 and Sennheiser e945. Had a Shure sm 58 before ( got stolen) , it worked fine but would like to try something a little better .Thanks in advance for any answer.

[@olivierespinar1549]

Le 1er micro 🎤 en partant de la gauche, je l'ai eu à mon anniversaire 🎉

[@jasonbodden8816]

Her highs had a slight sizzle on the 87A that I feel would be more balanced on the 58A But that can easily be remedied by very slight roll off on the top high frequency. But as I've said before, she can sing me the phone book. What an incredible voice.

[@nelson1953]

One year ago I ordered a Senheiser mic from China but they send to me a Beta 87 A ..😂😂..but it looks ok, pretty decent.

[@michaelkarpen]

i'd still prefer the SM58 by far! Sounds the most natural and organic for me! Not only in this demo. Besides that, it has much less proximity effect. You hear big volume drops in this demo while Beta58A or 87A is used. Not so withe the SM58. When you stand in front of a mic stand and move a bit, the SM58 is still (for me) the best of those three. and fortunately also the cheapest... Had also Beta57 for my guitar amp cabinets but sold them immediately and went "back" to sm57s. Much better to my ears.

[@UCS0608]

You're right about moving while using the Beta's. But that's obviously because of the pattern. And that's the reason I use the Beta 87 fixed in a stand in the studio. And I also use a small screen, just to make sure a great take won't be spoiled by a huge "plosives". But I absolutely beg to differ about what you say about the proximity effect of the SM58. I don't like singing too close to a mike anyway. I don't like that low end and the roll off of the top end.

[@sesa1076]

Lovely.

[@rangersmith4652]

You two really click on the unisons--well done! The 58A is his mic--the 87A is hers. I have both Betas and which I use depends on the density of stuff on stage; just me and a piano, 87A. Choir in back or full ensemble od any sort, 58A.

[@skakdosmer]

Who's that super cute girl? And she sings really well too! I sadly liked the 58 beta best. Sadly because ... I don’t have one.

[@truthyoucanterase6984]

I’m so confused do I need a specific kind of Shure sm58 for wireless systems or is there an additional piece to make it wireless or what idk?

[@coltonkrokroskia1044]

There is an additional piece shure provides but it’s not cheap. It’s best to buy wireless mics as a package with the transmitter already with it to be cost effective.

[@philspill6854]

Meg❤

[@tonyadams6985]

unfortunately audio vocal test wasn't consistent, so couldn't get an indication of variables!