3
Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone
General Description
The Shure SM58
®
is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone
for professional vocal use in sound reinforcement and studio recording. A
highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pop”
noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while
minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal
response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a
proven shockmount system, and a steel-mesh grille ensure that even with
rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors,
singing or speech, the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals
worldwide.
Features
• Performance tested, industry standard
• Uniform cardioid pick-up pattern for maximum gain before feedback and
excellent rejection of off-axis sound
• Tailored frequency response specifically shaped for vocals, with
brightened midrange and bass roll off to control proximity effect
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission
of mechanical noise and vibration
• Steel-mesh grille and enamel-coated metal construction resist wear and
abuse
• Effective built in pop-filter reduces undesirable wind and breathe noise
• Furnished with zippered storage bag and break-resistant stand adapter
• On/Off switch (SM58S only)
• Extremely durable under the heaviest use
• Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability
Placement
General Rules for Use
• Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source (such as the
talker, singer, or instrument) and away from unwanted sources.
• Place the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source.
• Work close to the microphone for extra bass response.
• Use only one microphone to pick up a single sound source.
• Use the fewest number of microphones as practical.
• Keep the distance between microphones at least three times the
distance from each microphone to its source.
• Place microphones as far as possible from reflective surfaces.
• Add a windscreen when using the microphone outdoors.
• Avoid excessive handling to minimize pickup of mechanical noise and
vibration.
• Do not cover any part of the microphone grille with your hand, as this
will adversely affect microphone performance.
Applications And Placement
The following table lists the most common applications and placement
techniques. Keep in mind that microphone technique is largely a matter of
personal taste; there is no one “correct” microphone position.
Application Suggested Microphone
Placement
Tone Quality
Vocals Lips less than 15 cm (6
in.) away or touching the
windscreen, on axis to
microphone.
Robust sound,
emphasized bass,
maximum isolation from
other sources.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.)
away from mouth, just above
nose height.
Natural sound, reduced
bass.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.)
away from mouth, slightly off
to one side.
Natural sound, reduced
bass and minimal “s”
sounds.
90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.)
away.
Thinner, distant sound;
noticeable levels of
ambient noise.
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
Place the microphone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors
and loudspeakers, are directly behind it. To minimize feedback and ensure
optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement
before a performance.
Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Cardioid Microphones
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones progressively boost bass
frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100 Hz when the microphone is
at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This
phenomenon, known as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer,
more powerful sound. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during
close-up use, the bass response gradually rolls off. This provides greater
control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
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