Using a Shure SM58 microphone effectively centers on proper placement and gain management to capture clear, professional-quality audio. This iconic dynamic microphone is renowned for its durability and vocal clarity, making it a staple in live sound and studio settings worldwide.
Understanding Your SM58
The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic microphone, meaning it primarily picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This characteristic is crucial for minimizing background noise and preventing feedback, especially in live environments.
Setting Up Your SM58
Before you can use your SM58, you'll need to connect it correctly:
- Cable Connection: Connect a standard XLR cable to the microphone's base and the other end to an input on your mixer, audio interface, or PA system. Ensure the cable clicks firmly into place on both ends.
- Input Selection: On your mixer or interface, select the correct input channel that your SM58 is connected to.
- Gain Staging:
- Start with the gain (preamp level) on your mixer/interface turned down.
- While speaking or singing into the microphone at your normal performance volume, slowly increase the gain until the input level meter shows healthy signal levels, typically peaking around -6 dB to -3 dB. Avoid letting the signal consistently hit red (clipping), as this will cause distortion.
- Note: The SM58 does not require phantom power, as it is a dynamic microphone.
Optimal Microphone Technique
The most critical aspect of using an SM58 successfully is proper microphone technique, particularly concerning proximity to the sound source.
The Sweet Spot: Proximity is Key
For the best sound quality and to leverage the SM58's characteristics, hold the microphone directly at your mouth. This optimal placement ensures that your voice is captured clearly and powerfully. Using the microphone too far away, such as holding it down near your chest or placing it on a stand two to three feet away, will significantly diminish its performance, resulting in a weak, distant, and unclear sound.
- Proximity Effect: When held close, dynamic microphones like the SM58 exhibit a "proximity effect," which naturally enhances low-frequency response (bass). This can add warmth and fullness to vocals, especially for speaking or singing.
- Consistent Distance: Maintain a consistent distance from the microphone to ensure a steady and even vocal level. Moving closer will increase volume and bass, while moving further away will decrease both.
Angle and Placement
- Directly Into the Grille: Speak or sing directly into the top mesh grille of the microphone.
- Slightly Off-Axis (Optional): If you experience excessive "plosives" (harsh P and B sounds), you can angle the microphone slightly off to the side of your mouth. This allows the air blast to pass by the capsule rather than directly into it, while still keeping your voice within the pickup pattern.
Handheld vs. Stand
Whether you're holding it or using a stand, the principle of close proximity remains paramount.
- Handheld Use: The SM58's ergonomic design makes it comfortable for handheld use. Ensure your hand doesn't cover the grille or the capsule housing, as this can affect the sound quality and feedback rejection.
- Microphone Stand: For speaking engagements or when playing an instrument, use a sturdy microphone stand. Position the microphone so it remains consistently directly at your mouth or the sound source, regardless of the stand's distance from your body.
Common Applications
The SM58's robust design and clear sound make it suitable for various applications:
- Live Vocals: Its primary use, excelling on stage for lead and backing vocals due to its feedback rejection and mid-range presence.
- Speech and Presentations: Ideal for public speaking, lectures, and panel discussions where clear, intelligible speech is essential.
- Podcasting and Home Studio Vocals: While often associated with live performance, the SM58 can deliver excellent results for home recording, especially for raw, unprocessed vocals.
- Instrument Miking: Can be used for close-miking guitar cabinets, snare drums, or other loud instruments in a pinch, though specialized instrument mics might offer more tailored frequency responses.
Tips for Best Sound
- Use a Pop Filter/Windscreen: For studio recording or to reduce plosives in live settings, an external pop filter or a foam windscreen (like the Shure A58WS) can greatly improve clarity.
- Monitor Feedback: When using floor monitors, position them off-axis to the microphone's rear (where it rejects sound) to minimize feedback.
- Soundcheck: Always perform a soundcheck to set appropriate gain levels, adjust EQ, and confirm everything sounds good before a performance or recording session.
- Microphone Handling Noise: The SM58 features internal shock mounting to reduce handling noise, but avoid excessive movement or tapping the mic.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause & Solution |
|---|---|
| No Sound | - Check XLR cable connections (both ends). - Verify correct input channel is selected. - Increase gain/volume on mixer/interface. |
| Feedback (Squealing) | - Microphone too close to speakers/monitors. - Gain too high. - Reposition mic/monitors; reduce gain; use EQ to cut problem frequencies. |
| Weak/Distant Sound | - Microphone too far from your mouth (remember: directly at your mouth). - Gain too low. - Move closer to mic; increase gain. |
| Muffled/Muddy Sound | - Poor EQ settings (too much low-mid). - Improper mic technique (e.g., covering grille). - Adjust EQ; ensure proper grip. |
| Distortion | - Gain too high (input clipping). - Speaking/singing too loudly directly into the mic for current gain. - Reduce input gain. |
The Shure SM58's combination of clear sound, robust construction, and ease of use makes it an indispensable tool for anyone needing reliable vocal amplification. By understanding its characteristics and practicing proper technique, you can unlock its full potential.
