All user reviews for the Shure PG58

The Shure PG58 is Shure's entry level dynamic vocal microphone. It has a cardioid pickup pattern. This should leave the uneducated reader assuming that this is just a slightly lesser version of the venerable SM58. It is not. Do not be fooled. If you have no patience for why's, I will relay the what for you who do not wish to read the details (because you are considering this microphone, I assume you are a beginner; if you just cannot afford more expensive microphones right now, then read on for more details and suggestions.):

The Shure PG58 has no reason to exist. It has no place in the world or microphones. On one side, the vaunted Shure SM58, the world standard, which all live vocal microphones are measured against. On the other...another SM microphone. The SM48, which is actually cheaper than the PG58, sounds worlds superior. Add that to the respectable vocal microphones coming in around $60 and you realize that Shure cannot market this as a budget microphone because its sitting in the price range of some very respectable microphones.

The PG58 has a frequency response from 60-15,000 Hz, and has a rather dull response. It furthermore, has an on/off switch, which, while appreciated by many, adds a liability to the performance. And looks a bit silly, but that's my experience.

OVERALL OPINION

When I state the PG58 has no place in the world, I mean it. I would excuse it if it could actually be called a budget microphone. While it technically is, its quality screams $10 mic so loudly that Shure's insistence of charging $60 for them is absurd.

Consider the fact that a Behringer XM8500 (an underground alternative to the Shure SM58) can be found for as little as $20 is you look hard enough.

The Shure PG58 is a dynamic microphone used by most in a live setting. It is probably used by most for vocals as it has a grill to protect it and also has an on/off switch. This is on the lower end of Shure's microphones and I wouldn't recommend ever using this to record with, as it is not built well enough to sound good when recorded.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using these as practice mics for years as a cheap option that I can run to a PA when having band practice. While they aren't the best sounding mics, they are cheap so I don't worry about breaking them if I need to bring them around. I use them so I can protect some of my better recording microphones when I need a mic to bring to a show or to practice with for live vocals. I have only used these for vocals so I don't know what they would sound like on other instruments, but the grill on the mic makes it clear that its intended use is for vocals. If you are looking for a really nice sounding live or recording mic, this is not your mic. If you need a few cheap mics that you won't have to worry about if it breaks, this is your mic. If you want a nice live mic get a Shure SM58 as it sounds better and is built better. I've never recorded with these mics, as I definitley wouldn't recommend it as they don't sound all that good. Overall, I like these as a dirt cheap microphones that I can use for casual uses so I don't have to endanger my more expensive mics, beyond use like this, I wouldn't recommend using them for much more as they aren't built for it and they are certainly not built for recording.

(Originally written by Selecta Biss@/translated from Audiofanzine FR)


OVERALL OPINION

I used this capsule once for live speech with a HF mic and the result was awful (considering only the capsule, although the HF has a similar quality...).

The capsule generates feedbacks quite easily and it also produces a very flat sound.

But the funniest part of the story is that the person who bought me this mic had two SM58 (HF version). When I asked him why he wanted two SM58 and a PG58 he said that some guy at a shop told him the SM58 HF was discontinued but he could buy instead a PG58 HF because it was the same thing!

For those of you who are still in doubt, it is not the same thing... They have actually nothing common...

You'll find much better products for less money.

(Originally written by moody13/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Vocals mic... Wired version and it's a pity because there is also an HF version...

OVERALL OPINION

Avoid it, no matter what you do!!! I never liked Shure products (awful highs - except for the SM58, which is the only valuable Shure product) and this mic reinforced my opinion. Other manufacturers offer much more interesting products in this price range. I won't say what I think about this product because I don't want to speak ill of it. As a home studio owner and PA technician I must strongly advise you against this product... Try out products of other manufacturers, also lesser-known brands, even though shop assistants always recommend Shure...

It's a mic, it's pretty straight forward. Easy on/off switch, durable xlr cable. Total package for the home artist.

$60 USD

OVERALL OPINION

Good sound quality, gets rid of a considerable amount of noice during the recording process. A little fuzzy at times if the connection is somewhat compromised. Recommend a preamp with this, it really brings out the warmth and the richness of the vocals.

Plug and go capability. It doesn't get much easier than that.

A tough, rugged microphone, could probably withstand the rigors of a tour of any size, a very respectably built product, durable, long lasting, and surprisingly heavy!

I gotta love my mic, it's what ultimately lets the people hear my voice. I can have all the beats in the world, and still have no one to hear me, if I didn't have a mic. A must for those recording on a budget.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: CrAcKa-JaCk ( 3-, 2006)

This is really more of a live, workhorse mic for beginners. It's sort of like an SM58 Junior, with a switch. This is a dynamic mic with an attached pop screen, so it's best suited for live vocals. Not recommended for recording or critical applications, since the sound quality is not impressive.

OVERALL OPINION

This was actually my first microphone - I've had it for about 6 years. It still works, and it's been dropped many times, so there's something to be said for durability. As my ears have matured, this mic sounds rather dull to me now. Definitely wouldn't want to use it for recording. I actually use it for a talkback mic in my studio, where sound quality isnt that important - just intelligibility, which it handles fine. It also has an on/off switch on it, which is handy. I've used a great deal of mics - the closest relative to this would of course be the SM58, which is a better sounding PG58, except the SM does not have the switch. It's very cheap, so if you just need a mic to get the job done and not sound breathtaking, it's a great value. Since I use it for a talkback mic, it works great for that, and I'd get it again.