Shure SM58

Billed as "The Legendary Vocal Microphone", the SM58 lugs a big reputation around. Shure has been producing this iconic product for close to 50 years now, and it is recommended by live musicians and vocal instructors alike. Reliable, durable and relatively inexpensive, the Shure SM58 represents the world's choice in a general mic.

The SM58 is a dynamic microphone. Dynamic mics are the best choice for all-purpose use. With a simple design and few moveable parts, they are quite sturdy. They deliver good volume, and you can hold one close to your mouth in any direction for more comfort and flexibility.

This Shure microphone is crafted from steel, plastic free, and weighs in at 298 g. It can take a fair share of knocks without any decline in performance. In fact, many users claim that it's close to indestructible. Likely it will sound just as good in 10 years as it does straight out of the box. Both the cartridge (R59) and the mesh grille are replaceable. This means you're looking at a solid investment that will get you through years of gigs.

The mic comes bundled with a soft leather carry pouch for easy transport, but if you travel frequently, you may want to consider purchasing a hard case for added protection. Numerous accessories are available for use with the SM58: a microphone clip, a shock mount clip, a windscreen and a "snap-in" shock stopper.

Both wired and wireless versions of the SM58 are available, the wired model being cheaper and more common. It connects via 3-pin XLR.

The SM58 delivers a warm, full sound with a presence peak in the upper mid-range. If you're accustomed to using a good condenser microphone in the recording studio, you might feel that the top end is lacking at first. Output is relatively low, but this mic can be used effectively in conjunction with loudspeakers.

Shure recommends the SM58 for harmonica, karaoke and live vocals. But whether speech or song, this microphone is a reliable, music industry standard. It excels on stage and in outdoor settings. It can also be used for recording, though it's not our top choice for this application - the M58 is designed for live performance.

Considering the Shure SM58's usefulness and stable build, it's quite affordable, especially if you compare it with the top products of other well-known manufacturers like Beyerdynamic. If you're in the market for a solid, sturdy, all-purpose mic - this is the one!