SM58 & Beta58a at DVinfo.net

Ray Saavedra · June 17th, 2004, 11:33 AM

What's the difference between the two beside the price? Thinking of getting one these mics since they are reasonably price.

Thanks,
Ray

Ryan Martino · June 17th, 2004, 04:13 PM

hey Ray -

the differences are basically that the pickup pattern of the beta58 is a lot tighter than the pickup pattern on the regular 58. so at the same mic preamp gain setting, the regular 58 will be picking up the sound of a larger physical area than the beta58.

also, the beta58 has a different EQ response curve. the regular 58 has a slight push around 2k (roughly), but the beta has a much more exaggerated boost, and i think it's at a lower spot than 2k-ish. to my ears the beta58 sounds kind of boxy and midrangy. i don't particularly like it, but it does work magic on *some* voices.

what's your application for this mic? that might help you get the right feedback to help you decide.

-martino

Jacques Mersereau · June 17th, 2004, 06:07 PM

The Rolling Stones still use the old SM58s

I prefer them to the Beta 58, but I much prefer the Beta 87
over either for vocals.

Jay Massengill · June 18th, 2004, 10:18 AM

Two more differences, the Beta 58 is more sensitive and since it has a small rear lobe in its pickup pattern, the stage monitor or monitors need to be offset from the rear of the mic rather than directly inline behind it.

Ray Saavedra · June 29th, 2004, 11:56 AM

Is there an on/off switch on these mics.

JR

Bryan Beasleigh · June 29th, 2004, 12:30 PM

When in doubt go to the manufacturers site and download the specs

http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/beta58a.pdf

http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/sm58.pdf

The beta is an upscale version of the SM. The beta has a neodymium giving it a slightly hotter output (-51.5 db compared to the SM @ -54.5). The beta appears to have a tighter pattern (supercard compared to cardoid). The case , mount and grill are also upscale and the published freq resp is supposed to be a tad better. Does it sound any better/ I don't really know.

There is no switch. Most mics at the better end don't have a switch. Just something else to go wrong.

I like my AKG D230

Jacques Mersereau · June 30th, 2004, 06:48 AM

There is a model of SM58 that has a switch, or at least there
used to be. I have one.

June 17th, 2004, 11:33 AM	#1
Ray Saavedra Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 127	SM58 & Beta58a What's the difference between the two beside the price? Thinking of getting one these mics since they are reasonably price. Thanks, Ray __________________ junray@yahoo.com

June 17th, 2004, 06:07 PM	#3
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	The Rolling Stones still use the old SM58s I prefer them to the Beta 58, but I much prefer the Beta 87 over either for vocals. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

June 29th, 2004, 11:56 AM	#5
Ray Saavedra Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 127	Is there an on/off switch on these mics. JR __________________ junray@yahoo.com

June 29th, 2004, 12:30 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	When in doubt go to the manufacturers site and download the specs http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/beta58a.pdf http://www.shure.com/pdf/specsheets/spec_wiredmics/sm58.pdf The beta is an upscale version of the SM. The beta has a neodymium giving it a slightly hotter output (-51.5 db compared to the SM @ -54.5). The beta appears to have a tighter pattern (supercard compared to cardoid). The case , mount and grill are also upscale and the published freq resp is supposed to be a tad better. Does it sound any better/ I don't really know. There is no switch. Most mics at the better end don't have a switch. Just something else to go wrong. I like my AKG D230 __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

June 30th, 2004, 06:48 AM	#7
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	There is a model of SM58 that has a switch, or at least there used to be. I have one. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

June 17th, 2004, 04:13 PM	#2
Ryan Martino Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 48	hey Ray - the differences are basically that the pickup pattern of the beta58 is a lot tighter than the pickup pattern on the regular 58. so at the same mic preamp gain setting, the regular 58 will be picking up the sound of a larger physical area than the beta58. also, the beta58 has a different EQ response curve. the regular 58 has a slight push around 2k (roughly), but the beta has a much more exaggerated boost, and i think it's at a lower spot than 2k-ish. to my ears the beta58 sounds kind of boxy and midrangy. i don't particularly like it, but it does work magic on some voices. what's your application for this mic? that might help you get the right feedback to help you decide. -martino

June 18th, 2004, 10:18 AM	#4
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Two more differences, the Beta 58 is more sensitive and since it has a small rear lobe in its pickup pattern, the stage monitor or monitors need to be offset from the rear of the mic rather than directly inline behind it.