Shure SM58 vs SM57 vs SM7b: which microphone to choose

Three legends from Shure

The Shure SM58, SM57 and SM7b are three of the best-known microphones in the world. All three are from the Shure brand, all three are dynamic and all three are practically indestructible. What sets them apart is what they are built for. One is for the stage, one for instruments and one for the studio. It is almost never about which one is better, but which one fits your work.

How do the three microphones differ?

In short: the SM58 is for live vocals, the SM57 for instruments and amps, and the SM7b for studio vocals and podcasting. The SM58 and SM57 share almost the same capsule and differ in the grille and the use. The SM7b is another league, built for recording and broadcasting. All three are dynamic microphones, so they need no power and handle loud environments.

Shure SM58: king of stage vocals

The Shure SM58 is the most used vocal microphone in the world. You find it on every other stage. It has a ball grille with a built-in pop filter, so you can sing into it up close without popping. The sound is tuned for the human voice to cut through the band. It is rugged, cheap and plug-and-play. If you are looking for a microphone for concerts and the rehearsal room, this is a safe bet.

Shure SM57: a microphone for instruments and amps

The Shure SM57 is the twin of the SM58 without the ball grille. That lets it get closer to the sound source and sound sharper. It is the standard for miking guitar amps, the snare drum and brass, in the studio and live. Many people use it for vocals too. If you record instruments or drums, the SM57 is the first choice.

Shure SM7b: the studio and podcast standard

The Shure SM7b is another category. It is a studio microphone for vocals, podcast, streaming and voiceover. It sounds warm and full and beautifully rejects room noise. Legendary vocals were recorded on it, including Thriller by Michael Jackson. It has one catch: it needs plenty of clean gain, so you want a good audio interface or preamp with it. The newer SM7dB version has a preamp built in.

SM58 vs SM57: what is the difference?

The difference is in the grille and the purpose. The SM58 has a ball grille with a pop filter and is tuned for vocals. The SM57 has an exposed grille, gets closer to the source and is built for instruments. The capsule is almost the same, so both sound related. Simply put: you sing into the SM58 and mike an amp or a drum with the SM57.

Which Shure to choose by use case?

Choose by what you do most. For live vocals and a band take the SM58. For miking instruments, guitar amps and drums reach for the SM57. For podcast, streaming and studio vocals the SM7b is the clear choice, or the SM7dB with a built-in preamp. If you are just starting to record, how to record vocals at home will help.

Frequently asked questions about Shure microphones

What is the difference between the SM58 and SM57?

The SM58 is for vocals and has a ball grille with a pop filter. The SM57 is for instruments and amps and has an exposed grille, so it gets closer to the source. The capsule is almost the same; the grille and use differ.

Is the Shure SM7b good for podcasting?

Yes, the SM7b is one of the most popular podcast and streaming microphones of all. It greatly suppresses room and keyboard noise. It just needs enough clean gain from an audio interface or preamp.

Are Shure microphones dynamic or condenser?

The SM58, SM57 and SM7b are dynamic microphones. They are rugged, need no phantom power and handle high noise levels. The difference between the types is explained in the article condenser vs dynamic microphone.

Do I need an audio interface or preamp for the SM7b?

Yes. The SM7b needs more gain than an ordinary dynamic microphone, so you want a good audio interface or preamp with it. The alternative is the SM7dB version, which has the preamp inside.

Which Shure microphone for vocals?

For live vocals the SM58 is best, for studio vocals and recording the SM7b. Both are dynamic and differ in their use and in how much gear they need around them.

Choose your Shure

Three microphones, three sure things. The SM58 for the stage, the SM57 for instruments and the SM7b for the studio. With any of them you cannot go wrong. Have a look at the whole Shure brand, dynamic microphones and studio microphones. To get recording going, how to set up a home studio and how to start music production will help.