Shure SM58 Alternatives: Smart Options for Live Vocals
Dynamic stage mics for a crystal clear vocal sound.
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These Shure SM58 Alternatives will help you out of tight spots where the 58 doesn’t suit the application or vocalist you’re working with.
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Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Shure SM58 quickly became as synonymous with live music as a microphone can be. With its legendary Unidyne III transducer, the engineer Ernie Seeler aimed for the microphone to have a uniform polar response over the entire frequency range. This means that the SM58’s cardioid pickup pattern is almost identical throughout the lows, midrange, and high frequencies.
SM58 Alternatives
If you’re an engineer or vocalist and you haven’t yet used an SM58 and compared it to other mics, we highly recommend that you do this. We have carefully put together a list of viable alternatives to this industry-standard stage mic.
However, it’s important to remember that similar dynamic mics would not be here without the resounding success of the 58. That being said, let’s take a look at some options that could help you in situations where the vocal performer’s voice isn’t quite matching the SM58, or it doesn’t suit a particular stage environment.
SM58 Alternatives: Behringer ULTRAVOICE XM8500
The Behringer XM8500 is a decent stage mic you can get for just 20 bucks. This is ideal for stocking the mic locker of a small venue or getting a microphone to rehearse and record with at home. The XM8500 has a very similar frequency response to the SM58, with presence boost between 3 and 6 kHz and a high-frequency dip after 7 kHz.
This contributes to the overall intelligibility and clarity of speech and vocals, as well as the mic’s ability to cut through dense mixes. Another key aspect that users love about the XM8500 is its excellent off-axis rejection. This means that even in noisy stage environments or untreated rooms, the chance of feedback is drastically reduced, especially if you get your gain structure and mic technique right.
In addition, the XM8500 has an internal shockmount system that decreases handling noise and vibration. Its impedance rating is the same as the SM58 (150 ohms), which means a decent mic preamp will immediately produce better results. Overall, when one combines the build quality, sound, and price, the XM8500 more than earns its place on this list. Get it at Thomann.*
SM58 Alternatives: AKG D5
When you need a mic for a solo performer (vocal + guitar) in a small venue, the AKG D5 is the perfect choice. It might not have the same presence range as the SM58 for cutting through the dense mixes of high-SPL rock concerts, but the D5 has a warmer and more rounded sound that needs less EQ to make it really shine on vocals.
The 2 kHz bump is followed immediately by a dip at 3 kHz, while the 6.5 kHz dip between the 5 – 8 kHz boost tames any resonance in this area. Overall, this gives the D5 a natural sound that portrays the subtlety of a vocal performance required in more intimate settings, which also makes it great for recording vocals at home.
Its supercardioid pickup pattern makes the D5 ideal for stage use, with an integrated dual shock mount that reduces any mechanical noise or rumbling. In addition, it’s also available in a version with a noiseless switch, the D5 S, for those who require the ability to deactivate the mic quickly and easily from the stage. Get it at Thomann.*
SM58 Alternatives: AUDIX OM5
The OM5 is a viable American-made SM58 alternative with a particularly feedback-resistant design. This is due to its hypercardioid pickup pattern that affords such excellent off-axis rejection. With a healthy boost in the midrange, the OM5 offers great vocal presence and clarity and the low-end dip will help reduce the resultant bass increase from the proximity effect.
In addition, the OM5 can handle extremely high SPL levels of over 144 dB, so it’s perfect for rock and metal vocalists. Also, it’s a great choice for touring, with its durable die-cast zinc alloy construction that includes a rugged steel mesh grille. Sonically, the OM5 delivers vocals cleanly in a way that translates regardless of venue size or music style.
For smaller scale acts that are using different mic preamps at every venue, the OM5 shines with its high output level. This means you’ll be able to capture your vocal performance with consistent quality for all your tour dates. The OM5 also includes a protective carrying pouch, a mic clip, and a thread adapter. Get it at Thomann.*
SM58 Alternatives: sE Electronics V7
Although it doesn’t have quite the same heritage as the SM58, the sE V7 is certainly an industry sleeper, loved by those in the know. The supercardioid V7 uses a neodymium magnet in its design which extends the frequency range, and the response curve is smooth for the most part, giving the mic its natural sound.
This comes from a 3.5 kHz bump, a gradual 6 kHz dip, and an 11 kHz boost that gives the V7 its excellent vocal clarity and detail. Meanwhile, the integrated shock mount system reduces handling noise, and the pickup pattern provides good off-axis rejection for feedback reduction in high-SPL situations.
The V7 is available in a range of different colours and options, including a model with a switch and one with a push-to-talk button for talkback applications, which is great for FOH engineers. Also included with the V7 is a carrying pouch, mic clip, thread adapter, and a spare windshield. Get it at Thomann.*
SM58 Alternatives: Shure BETA 58A
Is the BETA better? Well, Shure’s other great handheld dynamic mic, the BETA 58A is different in several ways. Firstly, while the SM58 has a cardioid pickup pattern, the BETA 58A is supercardioid, which means the off-axis rejection is stronger, so you can easily use it in high-SPL environments with stage monitors.
The other main difference between these mics is the frequency response curve. The BETA’s response extends further into the lows and highs than the 58, and it’s 4 dB more sensitive, which makes it suitable for different types of voices or stage applications. With its special pneumatic internal shock mount system, the BETA is slightly quieter when it comes to handling noise.
You’ve probably heard the BETA 58A used for vocal recording on famous albums in the 1990s, such as Achtung Baby (U2) and The Downward Spiral (NIN). Overall, although it’s slightly more expensive, the hardened grille makes the BETA a rugged and worthy addition to your mic locker. Get it at Thomann.*
Something missing from this list? Please check out our roundup of some of the best live vocal mics available.
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