Best Shure SM58 Alternatives

Based on reviews from amazon.com, https:, guitarcenter.com, goknight.com, and more.

Things to consider when looking for the best Shure SM58 alternatives

When comparing reviews for products, these are the top things reviewers talk about:

  • Quality: 99 mentions
  • Durability: 13 mentions
  • Compatibility: 12 mentions
  • Microphone placement: 9 mentions
  • Noise cancellation: 8 mentions
  • Price: 4 mentions
B

Based on 17 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality and authentic reproduction of vocals
Off-axis rejection in noisy environments
Favorite among professionals for live performances and recording
Does not generate build-up in low frequencies
Natural and warm sound throughout
Not affordable for everyone
Requires phantom power
Not as rich and full-bodied as some high-end condenser microphones

Verdict

Overall, the Shure KSM9 receives high praise for its outstanding sound quality, authentic reproduction of vocals, and off-axis rejection in noisy environments. It is a favorite among professionals for live performances and recording. Some reviewers note that it is expensive, but worth the investment. There are no significant negative reviews or concerns about the product's quality.

B

Based on 28 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great presence and clarity in live performances
True-to-voice sound
Supercardioid pickup pattern for better side rejection
Not ideal for those with poor mic technique
Tendency for feedback in certain situations
Stronger boosting may not be suitable for all voices or preferences

Verdict

The Sennheiser e945 is a highly recommended dynamic microphone for stage use, with its ability to cut through the mix and capture warm nuances in a loud environment. It has been praised for its true-to-voice sound and superior quality over other handheld microphones. However, some users have noted a tendency for feedback and a need for good mic technique. The e945 has a supercardioid pickup pattern, which offers better side rejection but requires the user to stay on the mic. Overall, the e945 is a popular choice among musicians and sound engineers for its clarity and presence in live performances.

B

Based on 57 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality for its price point
Sturdy build quality
Supercardioid pickup pattern
Aesthetically pleasing design
Affordable price point
Not ideal for those who have pronounced plosives
Microphone choice is highly personalized to the voice and style of music
Not a diamond in the rough deal where you are getting a crazy value or mic that punches above its weight

Verdict

Overall, the SE Electronics V7 is a strong contender for the best sub-$100 handheld microphone. Its sound quality is subjective but many reviewers believe it to be above competitors at this price point. The mic's build quality is comparable to competitors and it has an aesthetically pleasing design. The SE V7 is a great alternative to the popular Shure SM58/57, with a supercardioid pickup pattern and better sound quality. It is also affordable and comes with a soft carrying case, adapter, extra windscreen, and sticker. However, some reviewers note that the plosives can be pronounced and that microphone choice is highly personalized to the voice and style of music. Overall, the SE V7 is a solid choice for live vocals and a good value for its price.

B

Based on 19 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great noise rejection and feedback reduction with supercardioid polar pattern
Brighter and more transparent sound compared to classic SM58
Durable and reliable option for live performances and recording vocals
Not ideal for recording instruments compared to other options like the SM57
Requires proper positioning and angling of floor monitors for optimal performance
Debate over the need for a cloudlifter with some users stating it is not necessary for the Beta58A.

Verdict

The Shure Beta58A is a highly recommended dynamic vocal microphone that offers a supercardioid polar pattern for noise rejection and feedback reduction. It is often compared to the classic SM58 but with a brighter and more transparent sound. It is a popular choice for live performances and recording vocals. Some users recommend angling floor monitors to compensate for the rear pick-up point. The need for a cloudlifter is debated, with some users stating it is not necessary for the Beta58A. Overall, the Beta58A is a durable and reliable option for those looking for a reasonably-priced supercardioid handheld microphone.

B

Based on 47 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great noise rejection and feedback resistance
Durable and well-built
Good value for the price
Recommended for live performances and podcasting
Can be a good alternative to the Shure SM58
Not ideal for metal vocals
Some users have noted sibilance and may require a de-esser
May require extra power to get the volume loud enough without introducing noise

Verdict

Overall, the Sennheiser e835 is a well-built and durable microphone with great noise rejection and feedback resistance. It is recommended for live performances and situations where multiple people are speaking on separate microphones. The sound quality is generally good, but some users have noted that it can be sibilant and may require a de-esser. It is also recommended for podcasting as it only picks up the user's voice and reduces unwanted room noise. Some users have compared it to the Shure SM58 and found it to be a good alternative. It is a good value for the price and can be found on sale at Sweetwater.com. However, some users have noted that it may require some extra power to get the volume loud enough without introducing noise.

B

Based on 38 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great clarity and sensitivity
Versatile option for vocalists and musicians
Comparable to the Shure SM58 but with better sound quality
Can be used for vocal recording in a home studio
Well-liked by many musicians and vocalists
Not the most universal mic to own
Sensitive to plosives
Needs warm-up time to avoid being too crisp

Verdict

The Sennheiser e935 is a popular dynamic microphone that is well-liked by many musicians and vocalists. It is often compared to the Shure SM58, but many reviewers feel that the e935 offers better clarity and sensitivity. Some reviewers note that the e935 can be sensitive to plosives and may require a foam windshield to mitigate this issue. Overall, the e935 is considered a versatile and high-quality option for vocalists and musicians.

C

Based on 9 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great frequency response and detail
Authentic sound
Tight pickup pattern
Made in the USA
Not recommended by one reviewer who suggested the Audix OM7 instead
May not be suitable for all vocalists or situations
Price may be higher compared to other dynamic vocal microphones

Verdict

The Audix OM5 is a highly recommended dynamic vocal microphone by reviewers who have tried various other options. It has a tight pickup pattern and provides authentic sound with good frequency response and detail. Some reviewers suggest trying it out alongside other popular options like the Shure SM58 to compare. However, one reviewer did not find it to be a great option and suggested considering the Audix OM7 instead. Overall, the Audix OM5 is a popular choice for live sound and music performances.

C

Based on 3 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great for live sound reinforcement and recording of amplified and acoustic instruments
Supercardioid pickup pattern effectively isolates main source while minimizing background noise and preventing feedback
Very versatile microphone that can be used to mic absolutely anything
Adapter screw allows for easy conversion of microphone clip's threading
Warranty and safety instructions provide added peace of mind
Not ideal for capturing vocals in a studio setting
May require additional EQ adjustments to achieve desired sound
Can be more expensive than other microphone options on the market

Verdict

The Shure Beta 57A is a highly versatile microphone that is widely used by industry professionals in touring sound and recording. Its supercardioid pickup pattern effectively isolates the main source while minimizing background noise and preventing feedback. The microphone is particularly well-suited for capturing the detail of amplified and acoustic instruments, including drums, guitars, vocals, brass, and woodwind instruments. The adapter screw allows for easy conversion of the microphone clip's threading, and the warranty and safety instructions provide added peace of mind. Overall, the Shure Beta 57A is a top choice for those seeking high-quality sound reinforcement and recording capabilities.

C

Based on 5 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great for live performances with loud bands due to its super-cardioid design
Provides detail and clarity for spoken word performances with its 9 kilohertz boost
A must-have for any microphone collection
Not ideal for all voices and may sound thin without utilizing the proximity effect
Price may be a bit high for some users
Requires phantom power to operate, which may not be available in all settings

Verdict

The Shure BETA 87A is a highly recommended microphone for both studio and live performances. Its super-cardioid design helps to reduce feedback in loud environments, making it a great choice for vocalists in bands. The microphone also has a 9 kilohertz boost, providing detail and clarity for spoken word performances. However, it may sound thin on some voices unless the proximity effect is utilized. Overall, the Shure BETA 87A is a must-have for any microphone collection.

C

Based on 3 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great sound quality reminiscent of a condenser mic
Extended high frequency response with presence boost
Ruggedly durable for stage use
Unparalleled off-axis rejection
Studio-worthy detail and clarity
Not recommended for spoken word due to lack of warmth in low end
May not be suitable for all vocal performances
Price may be a barrier for some users

Verdict

The Telefunken M80 is a dynamic stage microphone that offers a sound reminiscent of a condenser mic with extended high frequency response and a presence boost. It is available in numerous colors and head grill designs and is ruggedly durable for stage use. While it may not be recommended for spoken word due to a lack of warmth in the low end, it offers unparalleled off-axis rejection and studio-worthy detail and clarity for vocal performances. Overall, the Telefunken M80 is a highly relevant and coherent choice for those seeking a dynamic stage microphone with exceptional sound quality.