SM-58 v SM-58 Beta

[KeyboardEd]

I'm not sure how long the SM-58 Beta has been around but I have no experience with it. The standard SM-58 has been my go-to mic for a long time.

My new board is the SX-900 and I intend to run the mic through it.

I can see the cardioid pattern is tighter (super carded) but would like to know what else is different from the ole 58.

If you have used these, what differences in tone, level, etc. have any of you experienced between the 2 mics?

In other words is the ~ 40% higher price worth it? Also, on/off switch or no switch. (No sound person, all me.)

I'll only be using this at the club house in my community for some events and playing with guest singers, basically  Karaoke. No paid gigs.

[frankmusik]

Microphones are like shoes ... they must fit only YOU!!!  every recommendation is fine but YOU are you and your voice ist YOURS! also your ears!

Beta has more brilliance .. but you know with 40+ a lot of frequencies has gone already ....

just take a test by a friend or shop if possible.
greetings frank

[KeyboardEd]

Thank you Frank,

I never thought of comparing a mic to a pair of shoes but I get the point. The SM-58 has been my go-to for so long that I know what and how to make it work for me. I have tried other mics but always end up back with the 58. Staying with the "shoes" that already fit is probably the best solution for now. Besides right now is not a good time to be out trying new equipment. -Ed L.

[MarkF_48]

The Beta 58A has a different type of magnet (neodymium) and will produce a higher output than the SM58 which will allow you to turn the gain down on your SX-900. I don't have the Shure Beta 58A, but have other very similar mics. As Frank said, the mic should 'fit' you, but if you find a good fit, you'll enjoy an increased clarity this type of mic can do. If other performers should use it and not be used to a supercardioid, they may have a harder time with that tighter pattern if they aren't accustomed to staying centered on the mic.

http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Shure/SM58
http://recordinghacks.com/microphones/Shure/Beta-58A

[TyrIA]

Hi !

Mark is absolutely right , I have both .58 lacks brilliance because it s freq.curve is down 5db in between 7-8kHz but you can compensate it with eq. Beta s curve is more even so it sounds brighter. Don t forget to wash the sponge inside windscreen because it gets full with small particles of food and slobber and distorts your voice. So on small gigs I moved to AKG D 330 and for more important AKG C2000 cond. with tube channel strip and then the voice is sounding totaly different.And of course it depends on PA system you re using !!!

TyrIA, good luck.