Shure SM58 Pro: A Sturdy Classic for Vocals That’s Not Without Its Quirks

The Shure SM58 Pro is a well-known dynamic microphone that’s been around the block for decades, trusted in both live shows and studio settings. This kit includes the mic, a 25-foot XLR cable, a swivel mic clip (A25D), and a simple storage bag—so you can pretty much unbox and start recording or performing right away.

Designed with a unidirectional cardioid pattern, it focuses on the source of sound while cutting down background noise. It has a tailored frequency response from 50 Hz to 15 kHz that emphasizes vocals and speech clearly without sounding harsh. Inside the grille, there’s a spherical pop filter to reduce pesky plosives, but if you’re super close and throwing every “P” and “B” at it, you’ll still hear some popping.

The build is solid, featuring a steel-mesh grille and metal housing meant to handle the typical knocks of regular use. It includes an internal shock mount to help reduce handling noise, though rough handling will still come through. It weighs 11.3 ounces, which is on the heavier side compared to many condenser mics, so holding it for long stretches—like a long podcast session or roaming around an interview—can get tiring. Pro tip: a mic stand or shock mount is your friend here.

Setup is simple: attach the swivel clip to your mic stand (fair warning—the clip grabs on tight, so you’ll need a bit of muscle to insert or remove the mic), plug the XLR cable into your interface or mixer, dial in your gain, and you’re set. Being a dynamic mic, it doesn’t need phantom power, but your gear does have to provide enough clean gain to get a good signal.

Now, some things to watch out for. The tight mic clip that’s great for holding the mic firm can slow you down if you’re swapping mics mid-gig. The frequency range ends around 15 kHz, so while it nails vocals, you won’t get the airy brightness or sparkle you’d expect from a condenser mic—guitarists or breathy voices might find it a tad dull. Its pop filter handles most plosives but isn’t bulletproof; heavy breath noises will still sneak past, so consider an extra windscreen if you whisper a lot of “p”s. It also lacks an on/off switch, so you’ll want to be careful not to accidentally broadcast silence or coughs. The storage bag included is a basic fabric pouch, fine for quick packing but not for protecting the mic against serious bumps or travel chaos.

Who should go for the SM58? If you want a rugged, reliable mic that can take a beating and still deliver focused vocal clarity—especially if your recording space isn’t perfectly treated—this mic makes sense. It’s great for live performers, podcasters, or anyone who needs a consistent sound and doesn’t mind turning up preamp gain to get it right.

Skip the SM58 if you are after simple USB plug-and-play convenience without buying extra gear, if carrying a heavier mic is a dealbreaker for your mobile setup, or if you need ultra-wide frequency response with high-frequency detail. Also, if you want an on-mic mute function for quick silencing during streams or shows, look elsewhere or plan on adding external switches.

In sum, the Shure SM58 Pro holds its ground as a classic, no-frills dynamic microphone geared towards dependable, clear vocal capture. It’s not the lightest or the flashiest, and it doesn’t come with modern USB bells and whistles, but if you’re after toughness and a signature vocal presence that’s been an industry anchor for ages, it’s well worth a look.