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

[@taketwo-e5u]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.😅😅

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@socratestolentino9557]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@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.

[@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!✌👍

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@RemyRAD]

What? Nobody's commented other than myself in the past six months? Sheesh? I can only say. This is an, insightful video. And you can't go wrong. With any of these, SM-X series microphones. But really the only one to own are the 2 to own. The SM-57 & 58. Both are identical.. One simply has a metal ball with some foam inside. The other has no metal ball and no foam. So easier to use on,, bass, guitar and drums. The 58 with an additional. Note! An additional, large foam, pop filter. As this then increases the distance. Between your lips and the diaphragm of the microphone. And keeps the Proximity Effect under tighter control. So as not to give you a lead vocal. Sitting in a muddy hole. And with pops and blasts, abound. I always put in extra large foam pop filter. On my lead vocal, SM or Beta, 58's. Since I own all three types. 57-58 and SM versus Beta. I have both. And I pretty much use them interchangeably.. But when I want a more condenser like microphone sound? I will definitely use the Beta. All other times. The SM-5X's. I find are just great on vocals. With an extra large foam pop filter. To increase the distance between lips and microphone diaphragm. To better control Proximity Effect. And which will also make it sound. Nearly indistinguishable. From the $400, SM-7B. Because this is a misnomer. That the, 7B is a superior performing microphone. Since it costs $300 extra. Yeah well no it's not. No. In fact! The model nomenclature is confusing. It says 7B. Giving one the impression. That it is an improvement. Over the original, SM-7. But it does not. It is not. It is the same microphone cartridge capsule. As is used. In the, SM-57 & 58 and the earlier 56. The same capsule. Because the senior SHURE Application Engineer. Told me so. Because that was my question for my client. He said the B designation on the 7 simply indicates, Broadcast, version. With additional, radiofrequency shielding. And did not, denote. The Beta series. And so that is terribly confusing on their part. You think they could've done better? But oh well. My information is accurate. Because I have to be. When I am writing up a, technical proposal. And after being management for the now-defunct and legendary, Scully studio tape recorders. And record cutting lathes. All the American record labels were using. Except those that had Presto's. Change-O's. They later were the guys that designed the transistorized electronics for, Scully's! Ta-da! After the Presto Corporation was absorbed by another corporation. And they discontinued making tape recorders. So they went to work for Scully. When Jimi Hendrix and the Beach Boys were recording upon them. You will see them in all historic pictures from the control rooms. Yup and there's the tape recorders I made. Imagine that? I'm a high school dropout with only a GED. Ha ha ha! I am a mad scientist genius! I am Scotty from Star Trek! And always have been since 1966. When I was 11 years old. And planning my career. As a professional Recording Engineer and Broadcast Engineer, FM Rock Jock. And Mega Live Recordist and Mixer. With 4 Major Music Awards, nominations and making history getting those. After having designed, built, fabricated, maintained. Numerous other recording studios and FM radio stations. As I really wasn't attracted to the, garbage of am radio. I mean it was fine in the 1960s. Before we had FM radio proliferate. While it was designed in, 1949 by Jack Armstrong. Who created, Frequency Modulation. When the original FM band was between 40 and 49 MHz. Later moved to between 88 and 108 MHz that we know today. As FM radio. And it was high fidelity, low in noise. And no fading and hetrodyning. Which can drive you nuts listening to! Fine for the shortwave. Not fine. For high quality sound listening. That FM beats, hands down. But for much shorter distances. Oh well! In fact. When I make my rock 'n' roll recordings for live albums and Radio and TV, live broadcast. Which I have been doing for over 30 years. I actually prefer using nothing but, SM-56-57-58 and my singular, SM-7, original. With no RF shielding. Just like 56, 57 and 58's also don't have. Oh well! Maybe you don't want to use those? If you are sitting next to an FM transmitter and under its antenna tower? Then maybe you don't want that? So just stay away from the transmitters and antenna towers. Where you might be receiving a born-again Christian station. In some of your microphones. It's very funny when that happens. I've got some recorded examples of that. The rock band finishes the song with a cold ending. And you are hearing hellfire and brimstone come through the speakers. Because the song was posted and, cold. And it ended with hellfire and brimstone. It was very funny. The rock band laughed. The audience laughed. And they said if they could only have it pick up a better station? It would have been much better. And you capture a great performance with some comedy. At the end. And that makes it a very special cut. It's that kind of spontaneity. That lets you know. This was no phony studio production. This was the real deal. This was a live band. With actual talent! What a concept! You think maybe it'll catch on? It doesn't seem to be? Because now everybody thinks that computers are great composers. Whoops? So the next thing you know? We will only be listening to completely, self generated, self synthesized. Rock bands. In quantum, AI computers. In a couple of years time. And we won't need musicians or singers anymore. Because they are all a pain in the Ass! And ultra neurotic!. Which I, frankly. Can do without. I mean once I even had, Adam Duritz. Of the Counting Crows.. Actually yell at me. In my control room. Before his concert. When we did an actual, 10 minute sound check. Before the audience rustled in. And he told me he wanted no, Reverb. On anything! He wanted it totally dry sounding. And so on the playback of the sound check. Adam heard gobs of, reverb. Coming off the outdoor stage of the,, Meriwether Post Pavilion in, Columbia, Maryland. And there were gobs of reverb. On stage. And he yells at me over that. And I simply looked at him and said, Adam. All of my digital reverb devices are turned off. You are listening to the reverb come from the stage of the Meriwether Post Pavilion. As he was raised, himself in, Columbia, Maryland. And it was his birthday. And his entire family, mom and dad. Were in the audience. And he never had heard reverb on stage there before? And he said oh ? Really? I said yeah Adam. I didn't add any! And he got real quiet after that. Went to his dressing room. And 10 minutes later we started. Now here's the funny part. So the radio station. Had given me their latest album. And yeah. Everything on it was dirt dry. And mine certainly wasn't. It was the opposite. It was very live sounding. Because it was. And so… Since many of the numbers he performed live, were also on the album. There was this 1 cup that I liked a lot. And I did a funny edit job. Later, after the fact. So the cut starts with my recording. And about one, third period of the way in. I cut to the album track. And that continues on for another, third of the time. When I then cut it back to my, live version to the end. And I play it for a bunch of people. And I asked them what they think of my mix? The response is always funny. They liked the beginning and the end better. The way it sounded. And they told me it sounded very lifeless in the middle. Bah ha ha ha ha! So funny. Yes my track sounds a lot better. Because it does have some reverb! And I found out shortly after this live broadcasts with the Crows. Adam had some kind of, nervous breakdown. And pretty much disappeared out of sight. And so I guess this is what happens to, control freaks? That have problems with their OCD. As he must've gotten quite frustrated? Over something supremely neurotic? And nearly totally burnt out. Because he just does not want to allow the magic to happen by itself. He's got to be under total control! I guess? And that is not good for your health. And I hope he straightens up his act? But he likely won't. Because it's his creation! And it must be just so! Yeah and maybe not? At least Adam put on, a good show. And good showing. And I enjoyed the concert. RemyRAD

[@MrMindlink]

Thanks for sharing, very insightful/interesting.

[@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 ;)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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. :)

[@ColocasiaCorm]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@paulreddy5452]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@mathewjohn8126]

Thanks Dear Brother. Am gonna purchase the SM 58 A this month itself. Am the lead singer in our Church.

[@thorssensgamesNCC1701]

Perfect for the personal intimate feel of a spiritual experience

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@esteladelmar-tango]

I don't go anywhere without my Beta58. Great video, thanks a lot!

[@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?

[@mr_tw]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@odiecoyote106]

If I could I would only buy B58's. After switch our two main worship mics in our church especially quieter female vocals are a major improvement with the B-58. It requires less compression to balance out the sound. Amazing mic. The SM58 I would still use for certain situations like a guitar cabinet isolation box or a lecture mic because it doesn't reject so well off axis. Great video and loved the presentation of comparing these two mics.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@DimebagDarrenLowe]

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

[@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. 😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@solkatze5588]

Prefer my beta 58 compared to the 58. Cuts through in the band better, also better recording mic

[@KandMe1]

I like the beta better in theory but no matter which you choose it seems to be that you got to tweek the signal either way in one way or another. If I had a lot of mics I would definitely get at least one 58a.

[@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).)

[@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.

[@mudsh4rk]

It's weird, the 58 has stayed about the same in unadjusted price since the 90s (I got my first '57 in may e '95 for just under $100; the only '58 I've ever bought was $10 but that doesn't count), which means that after inflation a 58 in the late 90s cost at least as much as a beta 58 today. I wonder if there has been any cost cutting in the manufacture of the newer ones.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@johnsheard7470]

I like the beta 58a I have 2 off them but I like the sm58 as well I think the beta is more crispier and the sm58 is more bassie love both off them

[@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!!!!

[@BryanLuckey1]

Nice video, very informative with no fluff.

[@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

[@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

[@LesArtsdelaParole]

I hesitated for such a long time... Watched many comparisons, and yours was the final point for my decision and I got the sm58. I had the extra money for the Beta58, but in the end, for my "a bit" high pitch voice, the sm58 come flatter the medium and give some "deepness" (big word...) to my voice. Thank you for you reviews, it is high quality content you're doing !

[@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.

[@thomasbushnell884]

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

[@Phill_Ashley]

Good job. I might just buy the Beta 58A. My SM58 is probably 25 years old.

[@trippingjune]

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

[@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.

[@billvillamusic3625]

Great review man! I’ve been using a beta 58 for years, very happy with it.

[@amberwoodstudio]

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

[@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

[@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

[@thebrasskeyrealty4432]

I really like the bata, you notice the punch though, with loud amps and drummers. I think it's a big step up and well worth the extra cash. I have two lol.

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

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

[@qddk9545]

I have both of them, and I like the Beta the best. Maybe it is the proximity effect, but I sound better thru a Beta 58.

[@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.