I should buy a Shure SM 58 Microphone for recording solo-voices.
2 questions :
-Which connections are the best ?
I have XLR connections on the Mix-Table and on the M-Audio Soundcard. This should be the way to go ?
I don’t know that much about balanced and unbalanced....

-I heard also that SM 59 should be a better option.

Any opinion ?
Thanks
Paul

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

use the balanced (XLR) connector.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

....and make that a Beta 58. You’ll be glad you did.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

I second that on the beta 58.  Also, the beta 87 is a nice mic as well.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Does the MAudio device have phantom power?  If the answer is yes, I’ll also add that I might consider a large diaphragm condensor microphone especially if you’re recording vocals.  There are several inexpensive starter options including an Audio-Technica 3035, Rode NT1A, CAD M179, etc.  I would definitely use a balanced XLR cable as well.  I have started making my own and it’s the way to go.  There are good videos on YouTube describing the process. 

If I was going to purchase a dynamic microphone like a SM58 for recording, I would actually probably go with a SM57 as it is a little more versatile.  Complete records (good records) have been recorded with 57’s only.  I have 3 large diaphragm condensors in my mic locker, but still go back to the 57 on vocals at times when someone needs a little more edge......

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Thanks for the reply.
I summarise :

SM58 Beta (Why is Beta better ?)

SM57 (which is the difference ?)

Paul

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

The Beta 58 has a better capsule in it; it has a different “bump” in its response curve compared to a standard SM58 and has a tighter pickup pattern.  The Beta 58 is the mike I use when I sing live, but if a venue has a Beta 87, I’ll use that instead.
The SM57 is really more of an instrument mike, but I know several singers I work with like it.  The SM57’s response curve is flatter compared to the SM58, which is why it is desired for instrument work.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

I agree with Max on this.  I assume Max would also agree that if you are purchasing with the intent to use the mic to record and not for live work, a large diaphragm condensor is likely a better option for you.  If you need it for live work the Beta58 would be fine.  I think Tom Petty still uses a SM57 for his live vocals....

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

The 58 has a standard Cardiod response pattern. The Beta 58 has a Hypercardioid response pattern.

It also has a brighter sound compared to a standard 58.

I am with the others - if you are intending a mic for recording work, you are probably better served by a condenser of the types mentioned by the others - there are plenty in that budget range (in the UK of around £100) which would give good results.

That said a 57 or a 58 of either type (Standard or Beta) woudl give stirling service over a long period and woudl remain a good investment if you are intending building a mic collection.

Cheers

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

I see on
[url=http://www.turnkey.co.uk/product.php?itemid=2700]http://www.turnkey.co.uk/product.php?itemid=2700 [/url]

that SM58 beta is a condenser (in the title)
further in the text I find the word dynamic ????
How do I have to understand this ???
Paul

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

That’s a typo. The SM58 and Beta58 are definitely dynamic mics and not condensers.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Wellie : I am with the others - if you are intending a mic for recording work, you are probably better served by a condenser of the types mentioned by the others

+1!  I use a Rode NT1 for studio vocals - great mic.

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Some decision and new questions :

Reading the comments and reviews I should go for the
SHURE BETA SM58 for 155 € at Thoman-Germany

Beside this I did not forget your advice for condensers.
Can you help me with this ?
If I add a second mic (condenser), what can you advise ?
I will use this max 20 days per year, can afford all the prices below and it must not be the deepest professional specs.

-Oktava MK319 for 129 € at Thoman-Germany
- Mod Floating Dome for 270 $ in US or 210 €
- Mod Flat top +prem electr for 270 $ in US or 210 €
- Mod standard+prem elect for 219 $ in US or 170 €
[url=http://www.oktavamodshop.com/index.php?cPath=1_22]http://www.oktavamodshop.com/index.php?cPath=1_22 [/url]

RODE NT-1A for 155 €
RODE NT-2A for 270 €

AUDIO TECHNICA 3035 for 177 €
STUDIO PROJECTS C1 for 189 €

CAD M179 ?? cannot find immediately.

Thanks for your advice.
Paul

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Sorry, just checked the Oktava prices and they are not correct on my earlier reply.

You can buy Oktava MK319 complete modded with floating dome in US for 549 $. This is far more than the mic of 129€ + mod 269 $.

Difficult to understand ! (transport was not added yet)

Paul

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

I’d vote for Rode NT-1a
the quietest microphone in the planet

Re: Shure SM58 and XLR

Shure SM and Beta series mics are THE most OVERRATED mics on the planet! Try an Audix OM2/5 side by side with ANY of the Shure mics, and you’ll hear warm, robust tone that doesn’t feedback as compared to the Shure mics, which are tinny sounding, and tend to feedback because they run so hot.

-Terry