Need a Mic Upgrade? Check out These Awesome Alternatives to the Shure SM58
For decades, the Shure SM58 has been one of the most popular microphones on the market. But today’s technology has created more options to choose from—options that are even better than the SM58! With just a little bit of research, you can find a microphone that’s perfect for your needs and budget, whether you’re recording or performing live in front of an audience.
Learn about some of our favorite microphones that are alternatives to the Shure SM58 below!
- Telefunken M80
The Telefunken M80 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a tight, focused sound that is perfect for live vocals. Plus, it can handle high volumes without feedback. If you’re looking for an upgrade, the Telefunken M80 is a great option. It’s priced similarly to the SM58 and produces a really crisp sound with low-end frequencies. A downside of this mic is that it doesn’t have as much character as some other mics so if you’re looking for something more nuanced then this isn’t your best bet.
- Features
The Telefunken M80 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a frequency response of 50Hz-18kHz, making it great for capturing both low and high frequencies. Plus, it has a built-in pop filter and shockmount, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted noise or vibrations.
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- sE Electronics V7
The sE Electronics V7 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a similar look and feel, but with some added features that make it ideal for live use. First, the V7 has a built-in pop filter that helps reduce plosives and other unwanted sounds. Second, it has a supercardioid pickup pattern that helps isolate your voice from other sounds on stage. Third, it has a rugged metal construction that can take a beating.
- Features
The sE Electronics V7 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a similar look and feel, but with some added features that make it ideal for live use. For starters, the V7 has a frequency response that extends beyond the standard 58Hz-15kHz of the SM58, giving you richer, fuller sound. Plus, its supercardioid pattern helps reduce feedback and bleed-through from other instruments on stage.
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- Sennheiser 945
The Sennheiser 945 is a great alternative to the SM58. It has a similar frequency response and can handle high SPLs, making it ideal for live use. Plus, it has a built-in pop filter and comes with a carrying case, making it even more convenient for gigging musicians. Instrumental to its design are four permanently attached feet that not only protect the mic’s delicate diaphragm from shocks, but also provide extra stability when used on unstable surfaces such as speaker stands or drums. Finally, it’s also considerably cheaper than an SM58 so you can buy two of these bad boys instead of one.
- Features
The Sennheiser 945 is a great alternative to the SM58. It has a similar look and feel, but with a few key upgrades that make it better suited for live use. For one, it has a higher max SPL, meaning it can handle louder sounds without distorting. It also has a wider frequency response, giving you richer, fuller sound. Plus, its cardioid pattern helps isolate your voice from other onstage sounds, making it ideal for use in live settings.
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- Heil pr35
The Heil pr35 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a wide frequency response and can handle high SPLs, making it great for live use. Plus, it’s rugged and built to last. If you’re looking for an upgrade from the SM58, the Heil pr35 is a great option.
- Features
- The Heil PR35 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58.
- It has a wide frequency response and can handle high SPLs, making it great for live use.
- Plus, its low-mass capsule and shock-mounted cartridge minimize handling noise.
- If you’re looking for an all-around great mic for live use, the Heil PR35 is a great option.
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- Sennheiser e 835
The Sennheiser e 835 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a slightly wider frequency response, which gives it a bit more presence and clarity. Plus, it can handle higher SPLs, so it’s great for use on stage. The only downside is that it’s slightly more expensive than the SM58.
- Features
The Sennheiser e 835 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It has a frequency response of 40Hz-15kHz, which gives it a full, rich sound. Plus, it has a cardioid pick-up pattern that minimizes background noise and feedback.
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- Neumann TLM 102:
The Neumann TLM 102 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It’s a large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser mic that delivers clear, detailed sound. Plus, it’s rugged and built to last, making it ideal for live use. If you’re looking for an upgrade from the SM58, the TLM 102 is definitely worth checking out.
- Features:
The Neumann TLM 102 is a great alternative to the Shure SM58. It’s a large-diaphragm condenser mic that delivers clear, detailed sound. Plus, it has a switchable low-cut filter and -10 dB pad, which can come in handy when recording louder sources.
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Things to consider:
- Focus on sound quality
If you’re in need of a mic upgrade, there are plenty of great options out there that will give you much better sound quality than the Shure SM58. Here are just a few of our favorites.
- Pick something versatile
The Shure SM58 is a versatile mic that can be used for live vocals, instruments, and more. However, there are some great alternatives out there that may better suit your needs. For example, the Sennheiser e935 is a great option for live vocals, while the AKG C414 XLII is perfect for instruments. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great option that won’t break the bank.
- Look at durability
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a live microphone is durability. The last thing you want is for your mic to die in the middle of a show. The Shure SM58 is a tried and true option, but there are plenty of other mics out there that can take a beating and keep on going.
- Consider if it comes with features you might want
When looking for a mic upgrade, it’s important to consider what features you might want. Do you need a mic that’s wireless? One with a built-in preamp? Or maybe you just need something that’s more rugged and can take a beating. Whatever your needs, there’s sure to be an alternative out there that’s perfect for you.
- Consider budget options
There are plenty of great mic options available that won’t break the bank. The Sennheiser e 835 is a great option for those on a budget. If you can spend a little more, Sennheiser 945 is an excellent choice. For those with deep pockets, the Neumann TLM 102 is hard to beat.
