Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is the microphone the whole industry defaults to, and for good reason. Its response is tailored to the voice, with a lift through the midrange and a bass roll off that keeps speech and singing clear in a mix, and the cardioid pattern keeps the monitors and the room out of it. A built in spherical filter handles plosives and breath noise without a separate pop shield.

What it is for

• Speeches, toasts and awards presenting
• Lecterns and panel tables
• Lead and backing vocals for bands
• Comperes, hosts and auctioneers
• The spare handheld every event should have at the desk

How it is used

It is a wired dynamic on a standard XLR, so it needs no power and no care. The internal shock mount keeps handling noise out of a mic that is passed between speakers, and the construction is the reason these survive years of touring. Where a handler needs to mute at the microphone rather than at the desk, hire the SM58S, which is the same microphone with a switch. For radio, the ULXD2 handheld carries the same capsule.

What it pairs with

The Shure Beta 58A where more gain before feedback is wanted, the Shure SM57 for instruments, and a desk from our console range. Our sound engineers mix the speeches if you would rather not.

Delivery and support

Delivery, collection and technical support are part of every hire across London, the South East and the UK. Supplied with a stand, clip and cabling on request.