The Shure SM58 is one of the most iconic microphones in the world, renowned for its durability, versatility, and exceptional sound quality. While it’s commonly associated with live performances, the SM58 has also been used in numerous studio recordings throughout its history. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of studio recording and explore the artists, producers, and engineers who have utilized the SM58 to capture some of the most memorable sounds in music history.
A Brief History of the SM58
Before we dive into the SM58’s studio legacy, it’s essential to understand the microphone’s origins. Introduced in 1966, the SM58 was designed by Shure engineer Ernie Seeler, who aimed to create a microphone that could withstand the rigors of live performances. The SM58’s cardioid polar pattern, frequency response, and rugged construction made it an instant hit among musicians and sound engineers.
Early Studio Adoption
Although the SM58 was initially designed for live use, its popularity soon extended to the studio environment. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many studios began to adopt the SM58 as a reliable and versatile microphone for capturing a wide range of sounds. One of the earliest recorded uses of the SM58 in a studio setting was by legendary producer and engineer, Phil Spector.
Spector, known for his innovative production techniques, used the SM58 to record vocals for many of his famous Wall of Sound productions, including The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Spector’s use of the SM58 helped to establish the microphone as a staple in many studios, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the 1970s.
Rock and Roll Legends
The SM58’s reputation as a reliable and versatile microphone made it a favorite among many rock and roll legends. One notable example is Bruce Springsteen, who has used the SM58 for many of his live and studio recordings. Springsteen’s engineer, Toby Scott, has often praised the SM58 for its ability to capture the Boss’s distinctive vocals.
Another rock legend who has used the SM58 in the studio is Tom Petty. Petty’s engineer, Ryan Ulyate, has mentioned that the SM58 was often used to record Petty’s vocals, particularly during the recording of his 1989 album, “Full Moon Fever.”
Punk and New Wave
The SM58’s popularity extended beyond the realm of rock and roll, with many punk and new wave bands also adopting the microphone for their studio recordings. The Clash, for example, used the SM58 to record vocals for many of their albums, including “London Calling” and “Sandinista!”
The SM58 was also used by Blondie’s Debbie Harry, who praised the microphone for its ability to capture her distinctive vocals. Harry’s engineer, Mike Chapman, often used the SM58 in conjunction with other microphones to create a unique sound.
Modern Studio Use
While the SM58 may not be as widely used in modern studios as it once was, it still remains a popular choice among many engineers and producers. One notable example is Dave Grohl, who has used the SM58 to record vocals for many of his Foo Fighters albums.
Grohl’s engineer, Nick Raskulinecz, has praised the SM58 for its ability to capture a wide range of sounds, from soft vocals to loud, aggressive screams. Raskulinecz has also used the SM58 to record vocals for other notable artists, including Alice in Chains and Evanescence.
Indie and Alternative
The SM58 has also been used by many indie and alternative bands in recent years. Arcade Fire, for example, used the SM58 to record vocals for their 2010 album, “The Suburbs.” The band’s engineer, Markus Dravs, praised the SM58 for its ability to capture a warm, intimate sound.
Another notable example is Bon Iver, who used the SM58 to record vocals for his 2011 album, “Bon Iver.” The album’s engineer, Brian Joseph, praised the SM58 for its ability to capture a wide range of sounds, from soft vocals to loud, experimental noises.
Conclusion
The Shure SM58 is a legendary microphone that has been used in countless studio recordings throughout its history. From rock and roll legends like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty to punk and new wave bands like The Clash and Blondie, the SM58 has proven itself to be a versatile and reliable microphone.
While it may not be as widely used in modern studios as it once was, the SM58 remains a popular choice among many engineers and producers. Its ability to capture a wide range of sounds, from soft vocals to loud, aggressive screams, makes it an essential tool for any studio.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a budding producer, the SM58 is definitely worth considering for your next studio project. Its legendary status, combined with its exceptional sound quality and durability, make it a microphone that’s sure to deliver results.
| Artist | Album | Year | Engineer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce Springsteen | Born in the U.S.A. | 1984 | Toby Scott |
| Tom Petty | Full Moon Fever | 1989 | Ryan Ulyate |
| The Clash | London Calling | 1979 | Bill Price |
| Blondie | Parallel Lines | 1978 | Mike Chapman |
| Foo Fighters | The Colour and the Shape | 1997 | Nick Raskulinecz |
| Arcade Fire | The Suburbs | 2010 | Markus Dravs |
| Bon Iver | Bon Iver | 2011 | Brian Joseph |
In conclusion, the Shure SM58 is a legendary microphone that has been used in countless studio recordings throughout its history. Its versatility, reliability, and exceptional sound quality make it an essential tool for any studio. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a budding producer, the SM58 is definitely worth considering for your next studio project.
What is the SM58 microphone?
The SM58 microphone is a dynamic microphone developed by Shure Incorporated. It is widely used for live performances, public speaking, and recording applications. The SM58 is known for its durability, reliability, and versatility, making it a popular choice among musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals.
The SM58’s design and construction have contributed to its legendary status. Its cardioid polar pattern helps to isolate the sound source and reduce background noise, while its frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The SM58’s rugged design and construction have also made it a favorite among touring musicians and sound engineers.
What are the key features of the SM58 microphone?
The SM58 microphone has several key features that have contributed to its popularity. Its cardioid polar pattern provides excellent isolation and rejection of background noise, while its frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies. The SM58 is also known for its high gain-before-feedback, making it suitable for use with a wide range of sound systems.
The SM58’s rugged design and construction have also made it a favorite among touring musicians and sound engineers. Its metal grille and durable construction can withstand the rigors of heavy use, and its simple, intuitive design makes it easy to use and maintain. Additionally, the SM58 is available in a range of configurations, including wired and wireless versions, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
How is the SM58 microphone used in live performances?
The SM58 microphone is widely used in live performances, including concerts, theater productions, and public speaking events. Its cardioid polar pattern and high gain-before-feedback make it suitable for use with a wide range of sound systems, and its rugged design and construction can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
In live performances, the SM58 is often used as a vocal microphone, and its frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of vocal styles. The SM58 is also often used as an instrument microphone, and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it suitable for use with a wide range of instruments, including drums and guitar amplifiers.
Can the SM58 microphone be used in the studio?
Yes, the SM58 microphone can be used in the studio, although it is not typically considered a “studio microphone” in the classical sense. While it is not as sensitive as some condenser microphones, the SM58’s rugged design and construction make it a reliable choice for studio applications where a more durable microphone is required.
In the studio, the SM58 is often used as a vocal microphone, and its frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of vocal styles. The SM58 is also often used as an instrument microphone, and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it suitable for use with a wide range of instruments, including drums and guitar amplifiers.
What are some common applications for the SM58 microphone?
The SM58 microphone is widely used in a variety of applications, including live performances, public speaking, and recording. It is commonly used as a vocal microphone, and its frequency response is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of vocal styles.
The SM58 is also often used as an instrument microphone, and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it suitable for use with a wide range of instruments, including drums and guitar amplifiers. Additionally, the SM58 is often used in public speaking applications, such as conferences and presentations, where its rugged design and construction make it a reliable choice.
How does the SM58 microphone compare to other microphones?
The SM58 microphone is often compared to other dynamic microphones, such as the Sennheiser MD421 and the Audio-Technica ATM250. While these microphones share some similarities with the SM58, they each have their own unique characteristics and features.
The SM58 is known for its rugged design and construction, making it a favorite among touring musicians and sound engineers. Its cardioid polar pattern and high gain-before-feedback also make it suitable for use with a wide range of sound systems. In comparison, the Sennheiser MD421 has a slightly wider frequency response, while the Audio-Technica ATM250 has a more sensitive pickup pattern.
Is the SM58 microphone still widely used today?
Yes, the SM58 microphone is still widely used today, despite being introduced over 50 years ago. Its rugged design and construction, combined with its versatility and reliability, have made it a favorite among musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals.
The SM58’s continued popularity can be attributed to its ability to withstand the rigors of heavy use, as well as its suitability for a wide range of applications. Additionally, the SM58 has become an iconic symbol of the music industry, and many musicians and sound engineers continue to use it as a matter of personal preference.